The Saab 9-3 Convertible II, particularly the facelifted version introduced in September 2007, represents a compelling blend of Scandinavian design and turbocharged performance. Positioned within the premium compact convertible segment, the 9-3 Convertible aimed to offer a sophisticated alternative to more mainstream offerings like the BMW 3 Series Convertible and Audi A4 Cabriolet. This generation, produced through December 2010, benefited from styling updates and refinements to both its exterior and interior, enhancing its appeal to buyers seeking an open-air driving experience with a touch of individuality. The 2.0T Sentronic model, equipped with a 210 horsepower engine and automatic transmission, was a popular configuration, balancing performance with ease of use.
Saab 9-3 Convertible II (2007-2010): A Detailed Overview
The 9-3 Convertible II facelift brought subtle but significant changes to the original design. These included a revised front fascia with a more prominent grille, updated headlights, and a redesigned rear bumper. Inside, the cabin received improvements to materials and trim, along with enhancements to the infotainment system. The focus remained on providing a comfortable and refined driving experience, characteristic of the Saab brand.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2.0T model is a 1.998-liter inline-four cylinder engine, turbocharged and intercooled, producing 210 horsepower at 5300 rpm and 300 Nm (221.27 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2500 and 4000 rpm. This engine, designated the B207R, delivers a respectable power-to-weight ratio of 7.9 kg/Hp. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed Sentronic automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 9.5 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 9 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). Fuel economy, as measured by the NEDC standard, is rated at 10 liters per 100 kilometers combined (23.5 US mpg, 28.2 UK mpg), with CO2 emissions of 235 g/km. While these figures are typical for a performance-oriented convertible of this era, they reflect the compromises inherent in balancing power and efficiency.
Design & Features
The Saab 9-3 Convertible II is a two-door, four-seater cabriolet. Its design emphasizes clean lines and a sporty profile. The soft top provides open-air enjoyment and retracts electrically. Key features of the 2007 facelift included standard alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and automatic climate control. Safety features were also prioritized, with standard inclusion of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The interior was designed with a focus on ergonomics and driver comfort, reflecting Saab’s commitment to human-centric design. Trunk space ranges from 258 liters (9.11 cu. ft.) with the top up to 352 liters (12.43 cu. ft.) with the top down, offering reasonable practicality for a convertible. The vehicle’s dimensions include a length of 4647 mm (182.95 in.), a width of 1780 mm (70.08 in.), and a height of 1437 mm (56.57 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Saab |
| Model | 9-3 |
| Generation | 9-3 Convertible II (facelift 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0T (210 Hp) Sentronic |
| Start of production | September, 2007 |
| End of production | December, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14 l/100 km (16.8 US mpg, 20.2 UK mpg, 7.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg, 28.2 UK mpg, 10 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 235 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 225 km/h (139.81 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.9 kg/Hp, 127.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm, 181.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 210 Hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 2500-4000 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 2500-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B207R |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.5 l (7.93 US qt | 6.6 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1650-1835 kg (3637.63 – 4045.48 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2040-2140 kg (4497.43 – 4717.89 lbs.) |
| Max load | 305-390 kg (672.41 – 859.8 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 258 l (9.11 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 352 l (12.43 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 58 l (15.32 US gal | 12.76 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4647 mm (182.95 in.) |
| Width | 1780 mm (70.08 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2038 mm (80.24 in.) |
| Height | 1437 mm (56.57 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2675 mm (105.31 in.) |
| Front track | 1524 mm (60 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1506 mm (59.29 in.) |
| Front overhang | 981 mm (38.62 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 991 mm (39.02 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.4 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission Sentronic |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 302 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 278 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16; 225/45 R17; 235/45 R17; 225/45 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16; 7J x 17; 7.5J x 17; 7.5J x 18 |
The Saab 9-3 Convertible II, despite the eventual fate of the Saab brand, remains a desirable vehicle for enthusiasts. Its combination of Scandinavian design, turbocharged performance, and open-air driving experience continues to appeal to those seeking a unique and stylish convertible.
