Review: Saab Mk.2 9-3 Convertible (2003-11)

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• Flexible low-pressure turbo engines
• Soft and comfortable front seats
• Comfortable ride
• Rigid body exhibits minimal scuttle shake over bumps

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• Slight steering wheel shimmy over bumps
• Limited boot space with roof down
• Wind noise at highway speeds
• With roof up, poor rear visibility

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Review: Saab Mk.2-I 9-3 Convertible (2003-07)

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Overview

Released in October 2003, the Saab Mk.2 Series I (Mk.2-I) 9-3 Convertible was a four-seat convertible with a soft-top roof. Manufactured by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, the Mk.2 9-3 Convertible was initially available with 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines, though turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 petrol engines followed in 2005. In 2007, 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engines were released.

Engines: B207, B284L and Z19DT

Of the engines,

• The 2.0-litre Ecotec LK9 petrol engines had aluminium blocks and cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts, twin balance shafts, four valves per cylinder and compression ratios of 9.5:1. However,
  • For 1.8t variants, the B207E engine had a Garrett GT2052s turbocharger which provided maximum boost pressure of 0.50 bar;
  • The 2.0t variants, the B207L also had a Mitsubishi TD04-11TK turbocharger with peak boost pressure of 0.70 bar; and,
  • For 2.0T variants, the B207R engine had a more Mitsubishi TD04-14T turbocharger which provided maximum boost pressure of 0.85 bar;
• The 2.8-litre B284L (or LP9) petrol engine had an aluminium alloy block and cylinder head, sequential fuel injection, a Mitsubishi TD04 single twin-scroll turbocharger (maximum boost pressure of 0.5 bar), double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder (with sodium-filled exhaust valves), variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 9.5:1; and,
• The 1.9-litre Z19DT turbo-diesel engine had a cast iron block, aluminium alloy cylinder head, common-rail direct injection, a GTA17V Garrett variable geometry turbocharger, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, exhaust gas recirculation and a compression ratio of 17.5:1.

Dimensions and body

Compared to the Saab Mk.1 9-3 Convertible , the Mk.2 9-3 Convertible was 6 mm longer (at 4635 mm), 51 mm wider (1762 mm), 6 mm taller (1434 mm) and had a 70 mm longer wheelbase (2675 mm). Significantly, torsional rigidity – 11,500 Nm/degree – was almost three times greater, in part due to the use of high and ultra high strength steels for 60 per cent of the body (by weight).

The Mk.2 9-3 Convertible’s triple-skinned soft-top roof was hydraulically-powered and had automatic self-latching to the windscreen header rail. The roof could open or close in 20 seconds and when the vehicle was travelling at speeds of up to 30 km/h. With the roof in position, cargo capacity was 352 litres, though this decreased to 235 litres when the roof was lowered.

Suspension

The Mk.2 9-3 Convertible had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, four-link rear suspension with passive rear wheel steering (Saab’s ‘ReAxs’). [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mk.2 9-3 Convertible included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags with head and thorax protection (separate chambers), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, cornering brake control, traction control, pop-up roll bars (‘Dynacage’), anti-submarining front and rear seats, active front seat head restraints and front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2004 9-3 Convertible 2.0t achieved a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 32.54 out of 37. In the frontal offset crash test, the front occupants’ chests were subjected to high loads and the steering column could transmit loads to the driver’s knees. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features: 9-3 Linear, Vector and Aero

Standard features for the 9-3 Convertible Linear included 16-inch alloy wheels, a seven speaker sound system with an in-dash CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats with heated front seats, cruise control, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, wind deflector, two 12 volt outlets, an auto-dimming rear view mirror and immobiliser.

The 9-3 Convertible Vector was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, floor mats, rear fog lights and an alarm. The subsequently released Linear Sport editions were similarly equipped, but omitted the Vector’s alarm system.

Compared to the Vector, the 9-3 Convertible Aero added a six-disc in-dash CD player, power adjustable and ventilated front seats, driver’s seat memory settings, two-tone upholstery and rear parking sensors; automatic models also featured steering wheel gearshift buttons. Released in February 2005, the 2.8T V6 Aero also featured Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.

2006 9-3 Convertible 20th Anniversary

In August 2006, the limited-run 9-3 Convertible 20th Anniversary variant was released. Based on the Linear variant, the 9-3 Convertible 20th Anniversary could be identified by its 17-inch alloy wheels, six-stack CD player, rear parking sensors and body-coloured roof-tonneau cover and door-handles. The 20th Anniversary variant was solely available in Electric Blue and Jet Black paint finishes.

2007: 9-3 Convertible update

The 9-3 Convertible was updated for 2007 with a new front fascia, instrument display and switchgear. Furthermore, Bluetooth connectivity was made standard across the range, while there were also new paint colours, revised suspension settings and improved sound insulation.

Review: Saab Mk.2-II 9-3 Convertible (2007-10)

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Overview

Released in November 2007, the Mk.2 Series II (Mk.2-II) 9-3 Convertible introduced revised styling and 2.0t BioPower variants which could run on E85 fuel. Visually, the Mk.2-II 9-3 convertible could be identified by its more aggressive appearance with a larger grille and headlights, reshaped bumpers, daytime running lights and flared side sill extensions.

Z9DTH engine

In 2009, the range was further expanded with the introduction of the 1.9TTiD Aero, powered by a 1.9-litre twin-turbo diesel engine. Compared to the 1.9-litre Z19DT turbo-diesel engine, the Z9DTH twin-turbo diesel engines had two sequential BorgWarner R2S turbochargers (with maximum boost pressure of 1.8 bar) and a lower compression ratio (16.5:1 compared to 17.5:1). From idle to 1500 rpm, exhaust gases were solely directed to the smaller turbocharger. From 1500 rpm to 3000 rpm, exhaust gases were split between the turbines, providing greater boost pressure. From 3000 rpm, only the larger turbocharger was engaged. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Features

Compared to its Mk.2-I predecessor, standard features for the Mk.2-II 9-3 Convertible were extended to include a power adjustable driver’s seat and rear parking sensors; the Vector was also fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels (previously 17-inch wheels).

Cessation of imports

Imports of the 9-3 Convertible were discontinued in June 2010 following the sale of Saab – previously owned by General Motors – to Spyker.

Review: Saab Mk.2-III 9-3 Convertible (2011)

Overview

As part of Saab’s short-lived return to Australia, the Mk.2 Series III (Mk.2-III) 9-3 Convertible was released in March 2011. Manufactured in Trollhattan, Sweden, the Mk.2-III 9-3 Convertible range consisted of two variants, the 2.0t BioPower and 2.0TS, offered in Linear and Aero editions respectively. [su_table responsive=”yes”]

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Features

Standard features for the 9-3 Convertible Linear included 16-inch alloy wheels, a seven speaker sound system with CD player, 3.5 mm auxiliary input and MP3-compatibility, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather seats, a power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, rear fog lamps, rain-sensing wipers, cooled glovebox, 60/40 split and folding rear seats with ski-port, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, two 12 volt power outlets, underfloor storage compartments, a cargo cover, trip computer and an immobiliser.

Beyond this, the 9-3 Convertible Aero added 17-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension and upgraded brakes, a ten speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, a power adjustable front passenger seat, driver’s seat memory settings, bi-xenon headlights with washers, front fog lights, power-folding mirrors and an alarm.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Saab Mk.2 9-3