Aug. 19, 2006
 
ON THE ROAD: Saab Seeks to Convert with 9-3 Aero Convertible
 
By Richard Williamson
Scripps Howard News Service
 

The 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero convertible. (SHNS photo courtesy media.gm.com) Click to Enlarge

Driving around Dallas during the hottest summer on record, I made a conscious decision to keep the roof of the Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible firmly latched against the withering rays of the sun. I'm pleased to report that the blue ragtop provided excellent insulation.
 
With twilight temps dipping into the 90s, it seemed prudent to drop the top, a brief process that required little more than parking the car and pushing a button on the dash. Even with the breeze, I decided to keep the air conditioner blowing in the afterglow.
 
Whether you drive with the top up or down, the 9-3 is one of the most athletic cars on the road, comparing very favorably with the benchmark BMW 3-Series. Like a well designed running shoe that seems to improve your performance, the 9-3 responds beautifully to every input.
 
As one of six versions of the 9-3 line, the Aero Convertible shares new features and styling tweaks for the 2007 model year. A redesigned cockpit comes with new automatic climate control and "infotainment" systems, a larger instrument cluster with chrome details, and new interior trim.
 
The OnStar Safety and Security system is available as an option, and XM Satellite Radio becomes standard on the Aero model, and part of the Premium Audio upgrade package on the 2.0T.
 
The 9-3 Convertible adds Electric Blue metallic, Smoke Beige metallic and Arctic White to its exterior color choices along with a tan convertible top. Built in Graz, Austria, a couple of countries south of Saab's home in Trollhatten, Sweden, the convertible requires special structural engineering due to its lack of a hard top. The 2007 model represents the fourth year of the model introduced in 2003.
 
The current generation grew 2 inches in width and 2.8 inches in the wheelbase over its predecessor while retaining the same overall length. Traits that define a Saab include the broad back end, an ignition switch in the center console, latticework interior ventilation grilles and turbocharged engines.
 
In 2006 models, Saab installed a more powerful turbocharged V6 engine in the Aero, generating 250 horsepower and 258 foot-pounds of torque. Linear and Arc trims were combined into a single base 2.0T trim powered by the 210-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder engine that previously powered the Aero.
 
With a base price of $41,900, the Aero will cost you $5,400 more than the 2.0T convertible. But the V6 engine may be well worth the extra bucks. The V6 option is one benefit of General Motors' ownership of the Swedish brand.
 
While turbo-lag still exists, it has become much less noticeable in the V6 Aeros.
 
Competitors in the price range include the Audi A4, Volvo C70, Mercedes-Benz SLK and BMW 3-Series convertible.
 
Unlike its German rivals, the 9-3 Aero is a front-drive car, a layout that some enthusiasts see as a drawback. Frankly, I prefer the front-drive design, even though it makes the car front-heavy. After many years of driving on icy highways in Colorado, I can vouch for the greater sense of control that comes with front-drive.
 
High-performance front-drive cars have also been castigated for their torque steer, a tendency for the uneven turning of the front wheels to steer the car in one direction or the other. That is easily overcome by the steering wheel. And the feeling of the front-tire torque can be exhilarating.
 
Despite GM's influence, the Aero Convertible is a real European car, identifiable by its strong, but not harsh, suspension and its powerful disc brakes. The sport-tuned suspension feels wonderfully nimble.
 
As a compact model, the Aero Convertible feels right-sized for most drivers.
 
The leather upholstered seats are typically Scandinavian, beautifully proportioned with the right amount of support in the mid-to-lower back and nice side bolsters to keep occupants from sliding in hard maneuvers.
 
While convertible buyers don't seem to be obsessed with safety, Saab has taken steps to improve passengers' chances in a rollover. An active protection system combines pop-up rear roll bars with front seatbelt pre-tensioning and reinforcement of the A-pillars.
 
Other safety features include four-wheel antilock disc brakes, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and traction and stability control. The 9-3 was named a "Best Pick" in frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Less reassuring ratings come from Consumer Reports, which notes that for 2005, Saab 9-3 models had a higher than average rate of problems with their electrical systems.
 
WHAT'S NEW: Restyled interior with new instrument panel design, trim and chrome details, optional OnStar, 16-inch and 17-inch wheel options, new colors, XM Satellite standard on Aero.
 
PLUSES: Ride and handling, power, top easy to convert, unique styling.
 
MINUSES: Quality issues, price.
 
BOTTOM LINE: Great curb appeal and athletic performance.
 
Richard Williamson writes about automobiles for Scripps Howard News Service.