The Saab 9-3 Convertible II, specifically the facelifted version introduced in September 2007, represented a significant evolution of Saab’s mid-size offering. Positioned within the premium compact convertible segment, the 9-3 Convertible aimed to blend Scandinavian design with capable performance and a focus on open-air driving enjoyment. This generation, produced through December 2010, offered a refined experience compared to its predecessor, with updates to styling, technology, and engine options. The 2.0t variant, equipped with a 175 horsepower turbocharged engine and Sentronic automatic transmission, was a popular choice for buyers seeking a balance of power and convenience.
Saab 9-3 Convertible II (2007-2010) 2.0t Sentronic: Overview
The 9-3 Convertible II facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including revised front and rear fascias, updated headlights, and a redesigned grille. These alterations aimed to modernize the car’s appearance and enhance its visual appeal. Internally, the focus was on improving the driving experience through refinements to the suspension and steering systems. The 2.0t model, with its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, provided brisk acceleration and respectable fuel economy for a vehicle in its class. While Saab faced financial difficulties during this period, the 9-3 Convertible II remained a compelling option for those seeking a stylish and distinctive open-top car.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2007-2010 Saab 9-3 Convertible II 2.0t is a 1.998-liter (121.93 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder engine. This engine utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to produce 175 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 265 Nm (195.45 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2500 and 3500 rpm. 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. This powertrain configuration allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 215 km/h (133.59 mph). The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 87.6 hp/l. The weight-to-power ratio is 9.4 kg/hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 6.2 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably efficient power delivery for its time.
Design & Features
The Saab 9-3 Convertible II is a two-door, four-seat cabriolet. Its design emphasizes a sleek profile with a long hood and a short rear deck, characteristic of convertible vehicles. The soft top provides open-air driving enjoyment and is designed for relatively quiet operation. Inside, the 9-3 Convertible offers a driver-focused cockpit with comfortable seating and a range of features aimed at enhancing the driving experience. Standard safety equipment included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The interior design reflects Saab’s Scandinavian heritage, with a focus on functionality and ergonomics. Trunk space ranges from 258 liters (9.11 cubic feet) with the top up to 352 liters (12.43 cubic feet) with the top down. The car’s dimensions include a length of 4647 mm (182.95 inches), a width of 1780 mm (70.08 inches), and a height of 1437 mm (56.57 inches). The wheelbase measures 2675 mm (105.31 inches).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Saab |
| Model | 9-3 |
| Generation | 9-3 Convertible II (facelift 2007) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0t (175 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 (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 215 km/h (133.59 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 175 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 265 Nm @ 2500-3500 rpm (195.45 lb.-ft. @ 2500-3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B207L |
| 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.) |
| 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 |
