- Responsive low-pressure turbo engines
- Refined 2.5-litre V6 engine
- Competent ride/handling balance
- Open-top appeal
- Body lacks rigidty: body shake and rattles over bumps
- For manual models, cramped driver’s footwell
- Poor rear visibility with roof up
- Cramped rear seats
Overview
Released in October 1994, the Saab Mk.2 900 Convertible was a four-seat convertible with a power-operated soft-top roof. Manufactured in Uusikaupunki, Finland, the front-wheel drive 900 Convertible was initially powered by 2.3-litre four-cylinder and 2.5-litre V6 engines. In October 1996, however, the 2.5 V6 was replaced by the 2.0T which was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Engines
Of the engines,
- the 2.3-litre B234i engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1;
- the 2.0-litre B204L engine had similar properties but was fitted with Garrett T25 turbocharger which provided beak boost pressure of 0.73 bar (10.6 psi) and its compression ratio was lowered to 9.2:1; and,
- The 2.5-litre B258l V6 engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.8:1.
Platform and dimensions
The Mk.2 900 Convertible was based on General Motor’s GM2900 platform which was shared with the Opel Vectra A and Vauxhall Mk.3 Cavalier. As a result, the Mk.2 900 had transversely mounted engines and a rear-hinged bonnet, rather than the longitudinally mounted engines and a front-hinged bonnet of the original Saab 900.
Like the Mk.2 900 sedan , the 900 Convertible was 4637 mm long, 1711 mm wide, 1436 mm tall and had a 2600 mm long wheelbase.
Suspension
The 900 Convertible had MacPherson strut front suspension (with a split lower wishbone and stabiliser bars) and a semi-rigid trailing rear axle with inner and outer stabiliser bars.
| Variant | Edition | Engine | Years | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.3 | S | 2.3-litre petrol I4 | 1994-98 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
110 kW at 5700 rpm | 210 Nm at 4300 rpm |
| 2.5 V6 | SE | 2.5-litre petrol V6 | 1994-96 | 5sp man., 4sp auto |
125 kW at 5900 rpm | 227 Nm at 4200 rpm |
| 2.0T | SE | 2.0-litre turbo petrol I4 | 1996-98 | 5sp man. | 136 kW at 5500 rpm | 263 Nm at 2100 rpm |
| 1997-98 | 4sp auto | 136 kW at 5750 rpm | 230 Nm at 2000 rpm | |||
| 1997-98 | 5sp semi-auto (Sensonic) |
136 kW at 5500 rpm | 263 Nm at 2100 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the 900 Convertible included a driver’s airbag and ABS; the 2.5 V6 variants were further equipped with traction control, while the SE editions added a front passenger airbag.
In September 1995, standard safety equipment was extended to include a front passenger airbag and electronic brake force distribution.
Features
Standard features for the 900 Convertible 2.3 S included a four speaker sound system with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, leather trim, heated front seats, cruise control, front fog lights, central locking, power windows, power mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, an alarm and immobiliser.
The 900 Convertible 2.5 V6 SE and 2.0T SE were further equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, a CD player, power adjustable driver’s seat and leather upholstery.
1997 Saab 900 Convertible Talladega
In March 1997, ‘Talladega’ badged versions of the 2.3 S and 2.0T SE were released; the Talladega models featured 16-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels and body-coloured bumpers and door mirrors.
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