2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible Review

Overview

The Saab 9-3 mid-size convertible was inspired by the requirements of the U.S. market and made its debut in 1986 as the Saab 900. A new 4-door 9-3 sport model debuted for 2003 as a sedan, a departure from Saab's tradition of hatchback designs; the 9-3 Convertible was added for 2004. For 2010, Saab 9-3 Convertible is available in 9-3 Turbo4 Convertible and 9-3 Aero Convertible.

Power and performance

A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder rated at 210 horsepower and 221 lb- ft. of torque is standard. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard on the 9-3 Turbo4 Convertible. A 5-speed Sentronic automatic transmission with manual mode is standard on the 9-3 Aero Convertible.

Body and styling

The exterior of the new 2011 9-3 Convertible is highlighted by 17-incn five-spoke (9-3 Turbo4 Convertible) and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, Aerodynamic headlamps, halogen projector beam and Xenon cornering headlamps, 6-jet high-pressure windshield washers and body-color-matched surround trim. The inside is intriguing with Leather-appointed/leather-appointed sport seats with two-toned upholstery, leather-trimmed sport steering wheel, cooled glove box, wood-effect trim, gear-lever surround, and glove box and metallic trim, gear-lever surround, and glove box. A Premium Audio System with 150W and seven speakers is standard on 9-3 Turbo4 Convertible while premium audio system with 300W and ten speakers meets the audio requirements of the 9-3 Aero convertible. Both models come with integrated audio controls on steering wheel and MP3-compatible auxiliary input jack. A 6-disc in-dash CD changer and Bluetooth Phone Integration System is standard on the Aero. A DVD-based navigation system is optional.

Safety Features

The 2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible gets standard anti-lock disc brakes; stability control; OnStar telematics; active head restraints; and front-seat side airbags. The convertible also gets a rollover protection system. Some other standard features include traction control system (TCS); electronic stability program (ESP); anti-lock braking system (ABS); and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).