The Saab 9 3 convertible reviewed

For over 20 years, car manufacturer Saab have been producing and selling a wide range of four-seater convertibles, including the Saab 9-3 line. In comparison to older models, the 9-3 model has plenty of feedback, sharp settings and is generally better to drive. The 9-3 gives a comfortable ride and bends result in little body roll.

The interior of the Saab 9-3 seems to be very much comfort-focused, and offers the driver numerous seat and steering wheel settings to choose from. The variety of these settings allows the driver to make sufficient adjustment to reach a comfortable sitting and driving position - no matter what his or her size and shape.

The build quality of the 9-3 isn't the very best on the market, but it is more than acceptable, with the car's cabin being characterised as a pleasant and relaxing place to be - allowing for a calm and pleasant driving experience. Rear space is well above acceptable and bordering on generous, with a very reasonable amount of space in the boot for luggage or shopping.

Saab Models

The first three of the Saab 9-3 models to be released were packing 1.8 litre and 2.0 litre engines (two of the three cars contained 2.0 litre engines), that housed 150bhp, 175bhp and 210bhp respectively. The two least powerful of the petrol engines complement the car's chassis, when compared to that of other engines and later models, and taking the grip limits into consideration.

A little later down the road and Saab released two more 9-3 models; one was a 2.3 litre V6 with an impressive 275bhp and the second was a 1.9 litre TiD diesel engine with 150bhp. These models, the powerful V6 and diesel, work very well in tandem with the five-speed automatic gearbox, which is an optional extra on the Saab 9-3.
 

Saab Safety and Reliability

The 9-3 convertible is one of the most safe of all vehicles currently on the road and has a five-star NCAP crash test rating, which is the highest achievable score. To add to the safety features, all of the 9-3 models have anti-lock brakes, twin front and side airbags and a roll-over bar situated behind the rear seats.

Base 9-3 convertibles have; electric windows, CD player, alloy wheels, electric heated mirror and air-conditioning. The Vector and Aero convertible models also have; climate control, cruise control and leather finish. So even the base convertible models are modern and up-to-date.

There are; service intervals ever 18,000 miles, affordable parts that can be taken from other cars in the General Motors family, an insurance grouping of 13 ( for the 1.8 diesel) and a maximum mpg of 44 - all allowing for reasonable running and maintenance costs.