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2007 Saab 9-3 2.0T Convertible 60th Anniversary Edition Road Test

With summer having drawn to a close I am most likely in possession of my last

The Saab 9-3 is a timeless machine, and a symbol for calm, slick open-air motoring. (Photo: Steven James Day, American Auto Press)

convertible/roadster for a while. This is also the time of year when thoughts turn to cooler weather and closed roof vehicles with all-wheel drive. The convertible assigned the task of delaying those thoughts is a pretty good one, the Saab 9-3, the latest in a long line of drop-tops from the Swedish-based, GM-owned auto manufacturer. Saab has been selling convertibles in North America for about 20 years now and it's hard to imagine their line-up without one. Personally, when I think Saab convertible I am reminded of Seinfeld, as Jerry always seemed to drive a black one. An episode even famously centered on the purchase of a new Saab and how far it could travel on a single tank of fuel, but when thoughts of such a contest briefly entered my mind, my wife wasn't willing to play the salesman to my Kramer.

Two models of the 9-3 convertible are available, the 2.0T and the Aero; the highlight of the latter is Saab's wonderful Turbocharged 2.8-liter 4-cam 250 horsepower V6 and sport suspension. My test example is the former, the 2.0T, which also happened to be the 60th Anniversary Edition, an $1,825 package which includes 17 x 7.5 inch alloy wheels, dual power front sport seats finished in black and gray leather with “Saab” embossed in the seat

If you like its looks, act soon as Saab has changed them up for 2008. (Photo: Steven James Day, American Auto Press)

backs, a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with XM satellite radio, walnut console trim, floor mats, fog lamps and a rear spoiler. It's a nice package, well worth the money as it adds some of the more desirable features of the Aero model, such as 17-inch alloys and a rear spoiler. The only question mark surrounding the package is the single piece of dark walnut trim. Subtle is usually a good thing when it comes to wood trim, but here it borders on downright sparse – a few additional pieces on the dash or door panels would be appreciated.

Sixty years is the brand's diamond anniversary, so Saab sprayed the 9-3's attractive body panels with a hue of Electric Blue, and even spilling it into the interior on the tops of the door panels. It's too bad the bumper rubstrips and body side moldings weren't painted as well.

2007 is the last year to enjoy (and purchase) a 9-3 in this current body style as for 2008 the 9-3 receives a major update based on the Aero X concept. Still, the front nose is all Saab with its clear-jeweled projector headlamps (xenon bulbs are optional on the 2.0T but standard on the Aero) rounded trapezoid main grille flanked on both sides by small flared

It's a very safe convertible with active head restraints, rollover protection (Dynacage) and a stiff chassis. (Photo: Steven James Day, American Auto Press)

“nostrils” and sculpted hood and fenders. The sculpture continues at the rear where the high deck lid is capped off by the subtle lip spoiler. The result is a tidy package from most angles, except in profile where the quarter panels appear as a vast expanse of metal because of the way the side swoops upward toward that high deck lid, and the radio antenna also looks out of place on the right rear fender. Top down, the hard tonneau cover flows nicely into the rear seat headrests and hides pop up roll bars that spring into effect in the event of a major collision. Thanks to what Saab calls 'Dynacage,' which incorporates a total safety structure, the 9-3 Convertible is strong enough to earn the maximum five star EuroNCAP safety ranking, the first soft top car ever to do so. On this side of the Atlantic, the 9-3 Convertible was recently awarded the 2007 “Top Safety Pick” award for open-top models in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Putting the top up, while a necessity at certain times, can sometimes dampen the looks of an open-topped car. Not so the Saab 9-3, thanks to a sleek triple-insulated cloth top and large defrostable rear glass window. It's quick too, 18 seconds to lower and 22 to raise, a fully automatic process.

Interior is well laid out ergonomically, and quite comfortable. The body-colored splashes on the door are a neat touch. (Photo: Steven James Day, American Auto Press)

Saab states that they were going for a coupe-like ambiance, which they achieved as it's a bit claustrophobic in back thanks to the black interior and the fact that rear seat room is at a premium. It is very quiet though, with minimal wind noise, and full size adults should be able to endure short trips back there without any major issues as headroom is quite generous. The latches to tilt the front seatbacks forward to allow someone access to the rear were quite fiddly, usually requiring a lift up and then a second lift up to actually move things forward to free the rear passengers. If the top was down I just didn't bother and lifted my 6-year old son in and out of the back seat. Good thing he can buckle and unbuckle his own seat belt.

What struck me immediately once in the driver's seat was the lack of the Aero's silver trimmed steering wheel, and that's not a complaint as the silver trim looks much better in pictures than it does in person. That, and the minimal amount of torque steer are two good reasons to opt for the 2.0T over the Aero.

2.0T used to be the old Aero motor, so you know it's going to be quick. (Photo: Steven James Day, American Auto Press)

While the steering wheel controls do include paddle shifters for the 5-speed automatic and the 2.0T pulls quite well saddled to this smooth shifting gearbox, it's just a shame the 6-speed automatic (standard in the Aero) isn't offered with this really good powerplant; nevertheless, I would've preferred the standard 6-speed manual anyway. Fortunately the engine has more than enough get up and go to merge quickly and maintain highway velocities even when saddled with the 2.0T's automatic.

Scandinavian minimalism defines the interior with its vast matte surfaces and small look-alike buttons. It's intuitive though, and the button count is much lower than Saabs of years past. The turn signal/wiper/cruise control stalks seem brittle and don't exactly inspire confidence in their long-term operation, but the rest of the controls feel substantial, possessing a nice finish and firm response to touch. As I've commented on previously, while I like the key itself, it's time for Saab to lose the key between the seats and offer a smart key across the entire lineup. Taking the 9-3 Convertible on a couple of long trips (more than two hours each) proved the sport seats and driving position were exemplary, as I never felt any sort of fatigue or

It's a great cruising car, one with no shortage of comfort. (Photo: Steven James Day, American Auto Press)

discomfort. I also liked the pebbled texture of the leather and the supportive active headrests.

The ride is sublime and a passive rear wheel steering system called ReAxs helps turn-in response and imparts a crispness that belies it front-wheel drive platform. Whether or not this is enough to sell convertibles in a segment where the 9-3's competitors are rear-wheel drive or offer all-wheel drive is unknown, but last year Saab sold a lot of 9-3s across the U.S,in its various guises. Then again, next to the 3-Series 9-3 sales were a drop in the compact premium segment bucket. Next year Saab has their bases covered as all-wheel drive makes its way into the line-up with the major model refreshing for 2008.

However, don't write off the current 9-3 just yet as it is a beautifully stylish convertible that has the wherewithal to please your senses, especially in a striking hue such as Electric Blue, Laser Red or my personal favorite, Lime Yellow. The 9-3 drew lots of stares and compliments when in my possession, including a hearty thumbs up from a young guy in a modified Mitsubishi Eclipse. Even with more than enough power from either engine, the 9-3 convertible is not a speed demon that tears up tarmac while rattling your fillings loose with an overly stiff suspension; it's happiest in gentle cruise mode attracting looks of envy while your hair blows in the wind and the sun shines in on a warm summer's day. After all, isn't that what a four-seat luxury convertible is all about?

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