Saab 9-3 Convertible (2007-) Review

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The heavy 9-3 has never been the most exciting convertible to drive, but the 2004- model was much improved.

The Saab combination of powerful, turbocharged engines and a carefully-honed, well-balanced chassis make for a very different and more relaxed experience than that offered by, say, a rear-wheel-drive 3-Series; Saab has now virtually eliminated the tyre-scrabble and torque-steer inherent in its earlier powerful turbo models and the 9-3 is immensely civilised, if no sports car.

Both the six-speed manual (closer-ratio in 2.8 V6, 210bhp, 175bhp and the diesels) and the automatic gearboxes (six-speed in 2.8 V6 and the diesels, five-speed in other models) have been improved for smoother, quicker gear-shifting, the latter gaining a selectable Sport mode.

The refreshed cabin remains an example of excellent ergonomics and user-friendliness, with a good driving position, multi-adjustable seats and super-clear dials, displays and instruments. Visibility is good for a convertible, though the boot is tall, and the roof is operated via a single switch in the dashboards; it can open or close at up to 20mph.

The 2.8 Turbo (255bhp and 0-60mph in as little as 7 seconds) is smooth, strong and less harsh and noisy than in some other GM models (it's a Holden-sourced engine, which Saab has developed and tuned specifically for the 9-3), but Saab's own 2.0-litre units (150bhp, 175bhp and 210bhp, with varying degrees of turbo boost, badged 1.8t, 2.0t and 2.0T) are more characterful and flexible.

There are also the 1.8t and 2.0t Biopower engines, which give 175bhp and 200bhp when running on E85; both are quick and quiet (0-60 in 8.4/7.9sec respectively) as well as winning brownie points for using sustainable-source fuel.

The 180bhp TTiD engine is, in many ways, the most impressive, however. With a two-stage turbocharging system - one small turbo for low engine speeds and start-up, a second larger one kicking in at higher speeds - it is highly refined, with no trace of turbo lag, no clatter and none of the traditional disadvantages of diesels. Key figures are a top speed of 137 (manual) and 0-60mph in 8.7 seconds; it's also very strong and flexible mid-range, with 295lb-ft of torque and a 50mph-70mph acceleration time of 7.3 seconds in fifth gear. The 150bhp/236lb-ft TiD (124mph, 0-60mph in 10 seconds, 50-70 in 8.7sec) isn't bad, either.