Review: Saab Mk.1 9-3 Convertible (1998-03)

Overview

Released in June 1998, the Saab Mk.1 9-3 Convertible was a two-door, four-seat convertible with a triple-layer, power-operated soft-top roof. Manufactured in Uusikaupunki, Finland, the front-wheel drive 9-3 Convertible range was powered by naturally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines (the 2.3, 2.0t and 2.0T variants). In December 1998, however, the 2.3 variant was discontinued, leaving an all turbocharged line-up. Beyond the engine-based variants, the 9-3 Convertible was initially available in S and SE editions though, in 1999, the range was expanded with Viggen editions. For 2000, the SE was replaced by the Aero and, in 2001, the S editions were replaced by Anniversary editions.

Engines

The 9-3’s engines were from Saab’s ‘H’ engine family and all had cast iron blocks, aluminium alloy cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. However,

• For the 2.3 variants, the B234i engine had a compression ratio of 10.0:1;
• For the 2.0t variants, the B204E engine was initially used – it was fitted with a Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger which provided peak boost pressure of 0.40 bar and the engine had a compression ratio of 9.2:1. For 2001, however, the B204E was replaced by the B205E engine which was also fitted with the Mitsubishi TD04 turbocharger, but had modified Trionic engine management system and Nimonic (nickel alloy) exhaust valves;
• For 2.0T variants, the B204L which was initially used – it had a Garrett Garrett GT17 turbocharger which provided peak boost pressure of 0.40 bar and the compression ratio was 9.2:1;
• For the 2.0T Aero, however, the B205R engine was used – it had a Mitsubishi TD04-15T turbocharger which provided peak boost pressure of 1.00 bar, though its compression ratio was also 9.2:1; and,
• For the 2.3T Viggen, the B235R engine was fitted with the TD04-15T turbocharger, but with maximum boost pressure increased to 1.08 bar and the compression ratio at 9.25:1.

Transmission options consisted of five-speed manual and four-speed automatic units.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the Saab 900 Convertible , the 9-3 Convertible was 8 mm shorter (at 4629 mm), the same width (1711 mm), 7 mm lower (1428 mm) and had a 5 mm longer wheelbase (2605 mm). Furthermore, the 9-3 Convertible had MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension.

2001 update

The 9-3 Convertible was updated for 2001 and these models could be identified by their clear side indicator lenses, ‘shark fin’ telephone antennae and new ‘Saab’ badges.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mk.1 9-3 Convertible included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted head/thorax side airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelt pretensioners.

From 2001, the 9-3 Convertible Aero was fitted with traction control.

Features: 9-3 Convertible S and SE

Standard features for the 9-3 Convertible S included 15-inch alloy wheels, a four speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, heated front seats, cruise control, front fog lights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height adjustable steering wheel, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Compared to the S editions, the 9-3 Convertible SE featured 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with a six-disc CD changer, power adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, woodgrain interior trim and a rear spoiler.

For 2001, standard features were extended to include 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather gear selector and the Saab Car Computer (a multi-function trip computer).

9-3 Convertible Aero

The 9-3 Convertible Aero replaced the SE editions when it was released in February 2000. Compared to the SE, the Aero was fitted with contoured sports seats, firmer dampers and an ‘Aero’ body package including a lower front spoiler, side skirts and an extended rear bumper.

From 2001, the 9-3 Convertible Aero was fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels with a double three-spoke design and 215/45 ZR17 Dunlop SP Sport 2000 tyres. Visually, these updated Aeros could be identified by their new bodykits which had the same front spoiler, side skirts and rear bumper as the Viggen (see below). Inside, the Aero also had the same front seats as the Viggen – albeit without the backrest embossing – with additional padding at the front edge for improved thigh support and a redesigned backrest for better lateral support.

9-3 Convertible Viggen

Released in August 1999, the Viggen (Swedish for ‘thunderbolt’) was positioned as a ‘Gran Turismo’ vehicle. The Viggen could be identified by its body kit which included integrated front and rear bumpers, a rear spoiler and sill covers.

The Viggen featured 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 ZR17 tyres, black leather upholstery with contrasting leather inserts, power sunroof, carbon-fibre dashboard trim with integrated titanium foil panels around the console controls. The Viggen was also fitted with re-rated springs, new dampers and an upgraded braking package which included ventilated and grooved disc brakes.

2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible 2.0t Design Edition

Released in August 2001, the Design Edition was based on the 9-3 S, but could be identified by its 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, Aero body kit (front and rear spoilers, side skirts), body-coloured windscreen pillars and ‘Design Edition’ badging; the Design Edition was available in grey, silver or black paint finishes. Inside, the Design Edition featured charcoal grey leather sports seats with blue inlays, a titanium-finish dashboard, perforated leather sports steering wheel and matt-chrome door handles. Production was limited to 200 vehicles.

2001 Saab 9-3 Convertible 2.0t Anniversary

In November 2001, Anniversary editions were released to replace the 2.0t S editions. Compared to the S editions, the Turbo Anniversary was fitted with 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, ‘Turbo’ embossed on the front seats, woodgrain dashboard trim and a body kit which included body-coloured spoilers and side skirts.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Saab Mk.1 9-3