- Doors and Seats
2 doors, 4 seats
- Engine
2.0T, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
110kW, 240Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 9.7L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
3 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2006 Saab 9-3 Convertible review: Quick drive
The Saab convertible has dominated this niche around the world since its debut 20 years ago as the 900 Turbo.
The current 9-3 model, introduced in 2003, has a much stiffer body and more sophisticated suspension than its predecessors, so when you point it at a corner it no longer wants to go in several directions at once.
The country's top-seller in this segment comes in three varieties, all with turbocharged engines: the base Linear, at $64,900, uses a 110kW, 1.8-litre engine; the Vector, at $71,900, uses a 154kW, 2.0-litre engine; and the $89,900 Aero has a 184kW, 2.8-litre V6, built by Holden. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard on the Linear and Vector; a five-speed auto adds $2500. A six-speed manual is standard on the Aero; a six-speed auto is also an extra $2500.
The base engine, as with its Audi counterpart, shifts the Saab relatively slowly but smoothly and without strain. The 2.8-litre V6 has serious performance.
Comfortable, heated front seats, relatively spacious back stalls and a five-star Euro NCAP safety score are pluses. Fit and finish quality can be patchy and the ride can be a tad harsh on rough city streets.
The 20th anniversary limited-edition convertible is now available, at $68,400.
It comes in electric blue or jet black colours, with a matching soft-top, and includes the 110kW, 2.0-litre, five-speed automatic, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, rear parking assistance and an in-dash six-stack CD player.