At least as important is the adoption of the sport sedan's amazingly competent chassis. The fact that Saab's engineers developed both the sedan and convertible side by side, making sure key architecture would benefit both a closed shell and open-top car, speaks volumes for what is a rigid structure overall. Actually, the 2004 convertible is three times stiffer than the outgoing model. Its supplementary "ring of steel" reinforcement connects the front, side and rear structures to compensate for the missing roof. The new car reportedly offers a more refined ride, better handling and improved crash worthiness as a result, and it should.
 |
| With one in five cars sold by Saab being a 9-3 Convertible, the Swedish brand has a great deal riding on the success of the 2004 model. (Photo: General Motors) |
After all, a lot is riding on the 9-3 Convertible. Unlike volume manufacturers, Saab sells a lot of drop tops in comparison to its overall sedan and wagon volume. The numbers speak for themselves, with one in five new Saabs sold in the U.S. being a 9-3 Convertible. What's even more impressive is the fact that the specialty Saab makes up 20% of all premium 4-seat convertibles sold stateside (most likely Canadian stats prove similar). Of all the Swedish brand's models the convertible is the most recognized. It's a literal icon at the country club.
 |
| The simple one-touch operation of the convertible top takes about 20 seconds to fully drop. (Photo: General Motors) |
There's still something magical about a power operated top in action, and the 9-3's one-touch operation simplifies and dignifies the process, nothing looks more gauche than having to get out and button down the tonneau - unless the car in question is a '63 Jaguar XKE roadster or a '66 Ferrari 330 GTS. In the 9-3's case dropping the cloth top takes about 20 seconds, ample time for an intersection quickie as long as you time the light right.
Absolute power has rarely been the most important selling factor at Saab. Its original Turbos stirred up a storm of enthusiasm when initially launched, but compared to the current crop of imports the 9-3 Convertible's 210-hp 2.0-L 4-cylinder won't exactly light the flames of passion. Pretty well all competitors have been on the scene for years with quite a bit more.