2004 Saab 9-3 Cabriolet Road Test

At the front the 9-3 utilizes MacPherson struts, gas shock absorbers, an anti-roll bar and a hydroformed subframe. Holding up the rear is an independent, 4-link (including toe-link) coil spring setup bolstered by gas shock absorbers and an anti-roll bar. These are

Thanks to its fantastic suspension system, the 9-3 will tenaciously hold a line through a curve. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

the components that breathe life into the 9-3's handling dynamics. In addition to linear, precise and responsive handling, the 9-3 will tenaciously hold a line through a curve - more so than its fine ride would suggest it should. It took a lot to plow the front-end out of place or cause a ruffle in its perfectly preened handling feathers. In the 9-3, the Epsilon platform lives up to its highly vaunted reputation, certainly more so than it does in other products such as the new Malibu.

If suspension components are the limbs of a car, then surely its engine is the heart. In the 9-3 the heart pumps with great vigor, given its humble displacement of just 2.0-liters (121 cu in). This high-output turbocharged, DOHC, 4-valve per cylinder pump house really delivers the ponies - 210 of them to be exact. Even better is its higher torque

The high-output turbocharged, DOHC, 2.0-liter engine in the 9-3 has plenty of low-end grunt. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

rating of 221 pound-feet, which gets to work at just 2,500 RPM. That translates into a snap of the neck when the throttle is stabbed from a standing start.

All four pistons drive the revs to redline without any loss of momentum. While they do so the turbo complements their growl with an audible hiss and whoosh as it forces life-giving oxygen down the throttle body and into the cylinders. This is not a particularly smooth, refined or quiet engine, such as the turbine-like DOHC-four that powers Acura's TSX to the tune of 200 horsepower. Regardless of coarseness though, the greater low-end grunt powering the 9-3 is appealing in its own sporty way - and a lot more fun to listen to.