Saab stays true to tradition
Last year, I was among the horde of journalists invited to General Motors’ Milford, Mich, proving grounds to spend a day sampling all the new 2007 models.
There were so many cars and trucks and SUVs to choose from you couldn’t possibly drive them all before the sun went down on the 67 acres of asphalt nicknamed “Black Lake.” Nonetheless, with all those vehicles beckoning me, there was one car I just had to drive twice.
Yes, I liked the 2007 Saab 9-3 Aero convertible that much.
Recently, I got a chance to spend a week with the Aero’s little brother, the 9-3 convertible powered by a 2.0L turbocharged and intercooled inline-4. While perhaps not offering the snap of the Aero’s 250-hp turbocharged V6, the 2.0L engine is a potent performer in its own right – and without any of the nasty torque steer that has plagued other turbocharged Saabs I’ve driven in the past.
The DOHC 2.0L engine has four valves per cylinder and makes 210 hp at 5500 rpm Our test car was equipped with the optional 5-speed automatic with manual mode that adds $1,500 to the sticker price but doesn’t detract from the car’s capabilities. Just remember that while not a boulevard cruiser, this is no sports car either.
The ride is typically European – firm yet compliant – and handling is balanced and well controlled thanks to a chassis that is remarkably stiff, for a convertible The 2.0L turbo can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in the 8.0-second range and, when passing, there’s just a hint of the turbo lag that has been another Saab trait.
Traditional traits
While other automakers have fallen in love with the “hardtop” convertible – utilizing a retractable steel roof – Saab has stuck with the traditional soft top. Being a bit of a traditionalist myself, I like that.
And the top is simplicity itself. Press a button in the centre binnacle and it quickly slides into its own well, hidden by a metal cover. The whole operation is automatic – no latches to undo – and takes less than 20 seconds. When raising the top, if the windows are lowered they will automatically raise.
There is some wind buffeting at speed with the top down, but so what? Either buy a hat, or get buzz cut.
The leather surfaced front buckets are a treat for aching backs and are heated for those chilly nights that occasionally occur in Sweden – or Canada, for that matter. From the 8-way power front seat the driver has all controls within easy reach – even if some of those controls are a little quirky, in true Saab fashion.
Yes, the ignition lock is still located in the centre console, rather than on the dash or steering column. Yes, that bizarre cupholder contraption still unfolds out of the dash, and there’s another hidden in the centre console that you may never find without consulting the owner’s manual.
There’s Saab’s usual “night panel” setting that turns off all instrument lighting except for the speedometer. And there’s still that function in the driver info centre that allows you to program a warning chime whenever you hit a particular speed. I suppose it could save the odd speeding ticket, but I’ve always found it more annoying than useful and either turn it off, or set it ridiculously high.
The back seat is accessible from either side – levers on the front seatbacks allow them to flip and slide forward in one motion – but remains cramped for adults with precious little legroom if those riding up front are tall. But the trunk is remarkably spacious, even with the top down.
Full featured
A full complement of convenience features is standard, everything from power locks/ windows/heated mirrors to cruise and automatic dual zone climate control. Our test car’s 60th Anniversary Edition package upgraded the premium AM/FM stereo to 10 speakers (from seven) and added a 6-disc in-dash CD changer in place of the single in-dash player. Sound was excellent and the controls easy to use in the generic unit that can be found on other upscale GM products.
That “other” Swedish carmaker always plays the safety card, but Saab follows suit – something especially important in a convertible. As well as a body structure built to protect occupants against side impact, the 9-3 convertible includes such onboard safety devices as dual stage front airbags, front seat side impact airbags, Dyna Cage rollover protection, active head restraints, break-away pedals and anti-submarining front and rear seats. Active safety items include anti-lock brakes with vented front and rear discs, and traction control with an electronic stability program.
There are cheaper convertibles; there are more expensive convertibles. But this one is solid and fun and feels just right. It fits me to a T – for turbo.
Summary
MSRP range: $52,135 to $53,635
Test model: $56,675 (before taxes)
Configuration: front engine/front wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 2.0L turbo/5-speed automatic
Horsepower: 210 hp at 5500 rpm
Torque: 221 lb.-ft. at 2500 rpm
Options: 60th Anniversary Edition package ($2,045) includes 17-inch alloy wheels, dual power front seats, black sports seats with grey inserts, 6-disc in-dash CD changer with anti-theft feature and 10 speakers, XM satellite radio including first 3 months service, black floor mats with grey piping, dark walnut interior trim, fog lamps, rear spoiler, metallic paint; 5-speed automatic transmission ($1,500); OnStar communication system ($995).
Freight: $1,230
Fuel required: Regular unleaded, 62-litre tank
EnerGuide ratings (litres/100 km): 11.6 city, 7.3 hwy
Observed economy (litres/100 km): 8.9 combined
Basic warranty: 4 years/80,000 km
Competitors: Volvo C70 T5 convertible; Audi A4 2.0T convertible
Strengths: Ease of top operation; fun to drive
Weaknesses: Tight back seat; quirky controls
Find a dealer that sells the Saab 9-3 convertible
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