The Saab 9-3 Convertible II, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2007, represents a compelling blend of Scandinavian design, turbocharged performance, and open-air driving enjoyment. Positioned within the premium compact convertible segment, the 9-3 Convertible aimed to offer a sophisticated alternative to more mainstream offerings. The 2.0t BioPower variant, equipped with Saab’s Sentronic automatic transmission, was a significant model, offering a balance of power and efficiency, and showcasing Saab’s commitment to alternative fuels. Production of this specific configuration ran from September 2007 to December 2010.
Saab 9-3 Convertible II (2007-2010): A Detailed Overview
The 9-3 Convertible II, and specifically the 2007 facelift, benefited from styling revisions and technological updates designed to enhance its appeal. While Saab as a brand ultimately faced financial difficulties, the 9-3 Convertible remains a fondly remembered vehicle, particularly for its distinctive character and engineering.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the 2.0t BioPower model lies a 1.998-liter (121.93 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder engine. This engine, designated the B207M, utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to produce 200 horsepower at 5300 rpm and 300 Nm (221.27 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2500 and 4000 rpm. The “BioPower” designation indicates the engine’s capability to run on gasoline or a blend of up to 85% ethanol (E85), offering potential environmental benefits and, in some markets, cost savings. Power per liter is an impressive 100.1 hp/l. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed Sentronic automatic transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.3 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of 8.8 seconds, with a maximum speed of 220 km/h (136.7 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 8.3 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 5.5 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Saab 9-3 Convertible II is a two-door, four-seat cabriolet. The 2007 facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including revised front and rear fascias, headlights, and taillights. The convertible top is a power-operated soft top, designed for ease of use and providing a comfortable open-air experience. Inside, the 9-3 Convertible offered a driver-focused cockpit, characteristic of Saab interiors. Standard features typically included leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and a premium audio system. Safety features, crucial for a modern convertible, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels (302mm front, 292mm rear). The car’s dimensions are 4647 mm (182.95 in) in length, 1780 mm (70.08 in) in width, and 1437 mm (56.57 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2675 mm (105.31 in). Trunk space ranges from 258 liters (9.11 cu. ft.) to 352 liters (12.43 cu. ft.) depending on the top position. The kerb weight ranges from 1650 to 1835 kg (3637.63 to 4045.48 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Saab |
| Model | 9-3 |
| Generation | 9-3 Convertible II (facelift 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0t BioPower (200 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 (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg, 36.7 UK mpg, 13 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 9.7 l/100 km (24.2 US mpg, 29.1 UK mpg, 10.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 232 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / Ethanol – E85 |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 220 km/h (136.7 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 200 Hp @ 5300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 100.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 2500-4000 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 2500-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B207M |
| 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 | 62 l (16.38 US gal | 13.64 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 (turning diameter) | 11.4 m (37.4 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | 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, 292 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 |



