Search

Saab 9-3 Convertible Aero 2.8l V6 road test report

Aero 2.8l V6

It’s April 2009 and the vultures are circling, the obituaries are being penned, and the grim reaper is sharpening his blade, is the end in sight for the once-celebrated Swedish carmaker Saab? Well, we don’t have a crystal ball but when you’ve driven a car like this you do hope that the manufacturer can come out the other side of this troubling time and continue to delight its customers with the combination of safety, comfort and thrills. The 9-3 Aero 2.8 litre V6 convertible has all three in spades.

Road Test Reports Says 4 star rating
A front-facing image of the Saab 9-3 Convertible Aero 2.8l V6

Print

Image number 2 of the Saab 9-3 Convertible Aero 2.8l V6 Image number 3 of the Saab 9-3 Convertible Aero 2.8l V6 Image number 4 of the Saab 9-3 Convertible Aero 2.8l V6
RICHARD SAYS

Performance Performance - 5 stars

Smooth yet thrilling the acceleration in the 2.8 V6 is exhilarating, with the automatic 6-speed gearbox effortlessly gliding through the gears, up to a possible top speed of 152mph. With all that power under the pedal it’s easy to put the foot down for overtaking. The car gives a real sporty performance in what is a family-sized car. Performance is not dramatically impaired when driving with the soft-top down, the only issue would be a bit of wind buffering for the taller driver or passenger at motorway speeds. (A wind deflector is advisable).

Ride & Handling Ride & Handling - 4 stars

Coming up against the likes of the BMW 3-series, Audi A4, and Mercedes C-Class its important Saab get the ride and handling right on their convertibles, it’s notoriously tricky to provide the same ride and handling whether the roof is up or down, and Saab have pulled the trick off, giving a forgiving, comfortable ride with responsive handling required to tame the powerful V6. The car soaks up the usual bumps and lumps on country roads with consummate ease.

Build Quality & Reliability Build Quality & Reliability - 5 stars

Sturdy and well made the Saab’s are notorious for their excellent reliability and with little change in their line up over the years the time has been used to refine existing models, tweaking things here and there, the result is a car without any rough edges. In side the cabin you can expect the similar 9-3 layout common across the range, whether saloon, Sports Wagon or convertible, and the leather seats on the Executive Pack are both luxurious and comfortable. The soft top takes only 20 seconds to deploy, and comes fitted with an internal lining giving the feeling of a fixed roof vehicle.

Safety & Security Safety & Security - 4 stars

With a steel safety cage and numerous other protective measures there is little surprise that the car performs well in the ubiquitous Euro NCAP tests, scoring a strong 5 star for adult occupancy and 3-stars for child. ABS comes standard on the range and as with any modern car the vehicle has a variety of airbags should they be required.

Space & Practicality Space & Practicality - 4 stars

Driver and front passenger are afforded copious amounts of room, and coupled with the excellent seating provide a luxurious travelling experience. Often convertibles scrimp on space in the rear; however the Saab 9-3 convertible is a true 4-seater with enough room in the back to seat two adults in comfort. Special mention must go to the wide doors and one-action movement to allow rear passengers easy access. Boot space is ample with the roof deployed, however it takes a significant hit when folded away – but there aren’t many convertibles on the market where this isn’t the case.

Ownership & Value Ownership & Value - 3 stars

With cars built to last expect to pay a premium for a Saab, you always have had to and probably always will. The Saab is not over priced though when you look at the level of equipment and refinement in comparison to its competitors, factor in reliability and safety and the Saab 9-3 Convertible is a strong choice in this competitive segment.

Submitted: 30/04/2009 09:08:57

Roadsters & Cabriolets comparison road tests

Saab road tests

  Available on the App Store

Read real opinions: Thousands of consumer reviews on all major car and van models.
Make your voice heard: Submit your own consumer review about the car or van you drive.
Learn more

 Road Test Reports App screenshots

Other people need your help

Your review will help others decide which vehicle to buy. By spending just a little bit of time filling out a review you can share your experiences with other drivers, giving information only owners will talk about, no marketing spiel, just the real thing. We publish all reviews, whether you rate the vehicle high or low. We are impartial. We are independent. We are committed to 100% real reviews. Please give others the benefit of your advice: give them your review.

Your review will be checked for offensive language within the next few days and then put on RoadTestReports.co.uk and all of our partners websites.

Have your say!

Submit your own review

Lease Buy

* Required

^ Back to Top