The Saab 9-3 Convertible II, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 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 an alternative to established rivals like the BMW 3 Series Convertible and Audi A4 Cabriolet. This generation, produced from 2007 to 2010, benefited from styling revisions and refinements to the interior, enhancing its appeal. The 1.8t Sentronic model, equipped with a 150 horsepower turbocharged engine and an automatic transmission, was a popular choice for buyers seeking a balance of efficiency and driving enjoyment.
Saab 9-3 Convertible II (2007-2010): A Detailed Overview
The 9-3 Convertible II facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including a revised front fascia, updated headlights, and a redesigned grille. These alterations gave the car a more contemporary and assertive appearance. Inside, the focus was on improving perceived quality and ergonomics. While Saab faced financial difficulties in the late 2000s, the 9-3 Convertible remained a distinctive offering, characterized by its unique design language and commitment to driver-focused engineering.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 9-3 Convertible II 1.8t is a 1.998-liter (121.93 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder engine. This engine utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to deliver 150 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 240 Nm (177.01 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2000 and 3500 rpm. The Sentronic automatic transmission, a five-speed unit, provides smooth and convenient gear changes. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.5 seconds, while the 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in 10.9 seconds. The car boasts a maximum speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is a respectable 75.1 hp/l. Fuel economy, as measured by the NEDC standard, is rated at 9.7 l/100 km (24.2 US mpg, 29.1 UK mpg), with CO2 emissions of 233 g/km. The weight-to-power ratio of 11 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 6.9 kg/Nm contribute to a reasonably responsive driving experience.
Design & Features
The Saab 9-3 Convertible II is a two-door, four-seater cabriolet. Its soft-top roof provides open-air driving enjoyment and retracts electronically. The design emphasizes clean lines and a sporty profile. Safety features, crucial in modern convertibles, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The interior is designed with a focus on functionality and driver comfort, featuring supportive seats and a well-laid-out dashboard. Trunk space ranges from 258 liters (9.11 cu. ft.) with the roof up to 352 liters (12.43 cu. ft.) with the roof down. The car’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.). The wheelbase measures 2675 mm (105.31 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Saab |
| Model | 9-3 |
| Generation | 9-3 Convertible II (facelift 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8t (150 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) | 13.4 l/100 km (17.6 US mpg, 21.1 UK mpg, 7.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 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) | 233 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11 kg/Hp, 90.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm, 145.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 75.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 2000-3500 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 2000-3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B207E |
| 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 (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, 285 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 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 |
