Saab 9-3 Convertible Review
Published: 11th October 2005
Saab 9-3
They were able to meet such tough requirements for a convertible by incorporating substantial reinforcements of the A-pillars; the chassis cross-members, including a completely new box structure behind the rear seat; lower B-pillars and side sills.
In addition, while developing the 9-3 Convertible's DynaCage occupant protection system, Saab helped pioneer one of the world's most comprehensive rollover crash test programmes. Pop-up rear roll bars, seatbelt pre-tensioning and the A-pillars, supporting a strengthened windscreen header rail, are all combined under Dynacage to provide an integrated safety system in the event of a rollover or its possible onset.
The Vector model is equipped with ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), EBA (Emergency Brake Assist), CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and Traction control system (TCS) which are designed to assist the driver in maintaining control during acceleration, cornering and avoidance manoeuvres.
Our test car was equipped with ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) which on Linear and Vector models is a £350 option. ESP reduces the risk of skidding and the driven wheels from spinning on a slippery surface assisting you in maintaining control of your car boosting driver excitement and safety.
We feel that for a company that is so safety orientated ESP should be standard across the Saab model range.
Ease of Use
The Saab 9-3 Convertible has been 'designed around the driver'. As a result of this philosophy everything about the Saab 9-3 is driver orientated. The cabin is simple, ergonomically laid out and packed with innovative features to reduce the strain of modern driving. The Saab 9-3 is very easy to drive and manoeuvre with a tight turning circle which is ideal for parking and visibility is good all round especially with the roof down. Vision is particularly good in the Convertible model as as it does not have any 'B' pillars giving superb panoramic side vision.
According to Saab 'the drivers seat is carefully designed to communicate the car's movements to your sense of balance'. The cabin is aviation-inspired and all the controls and displays are ergonomically designed and well positioned with the most frequently used controls being reached without removing your hands from the steering wheel.
Our test car featured Bi-Xenon headlamps (£595 option) with auto levelling and pressure washers which illuminate the road ahead evenly and effectively in all weather conditions without dazzling oncoming traffic. Low beam is adjusted automatically to provide the best possible light pattern when the car is heavily laden.
Cruise control is standard and you can program a speed that you wish to maintain and should you go over that speed an audible warning will be given. This system is ideal for those 50mph contra flows or for those with more points of their licence than they would like.
The 9-3 features the Night Panel function which is unique to Saab and is designed to facilitate night driving and reflects their aircraft heritage. Simply press a button and the entire instrument panel except for the speedometer fades out. When a function requires your attention the relevant instrument immediately lights up. We found this function particularly useful for night time Motorway driving reducing eye strain. Night Panel was introduced in 1993 and is a good example of Saab's aircraft heritage.
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