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2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible
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| Wind in your hair, courtesy of Sweden |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:47:28 |
| Rating |
 186 ( -26 -13.97% ) | | Author | Sue Mead |
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Description:
2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible
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2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible. The new 9-3 convertibles are available in two versions: the Arc and the Aero.
2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible. In the case of a rollover, a protective system called DynaCage is activated.
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2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible. The original 900-series convertible of the 1980s was developed with the U.S. market in mind, and the new 9-3 is a response to its current demand.
2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible. The sound system is an upgrade on the Arc's 150-watt, 7-speaker setup.
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Carmel, California: It had been a long month of back-to-back travel testing driving new vehicles when I pulled into the picturesque Carmel Valley Ranch in trendy Carmel, California. I was a road warrior feeling road weary. Just in from driving a new full-sized truck and a new full-sized SUV, my heart skipped a beat when I saw the new Saab 9-3 convertible. Posed with its top down on a fairway along the ranch's on-site golf course near the entry to the ranch, it brought a broad, toothy smile to my sagging lips and a lift to my heart.
Don't get me wrong. I'm a truck-kind-of gal. And, I absolutely savor SUVs. They're great for carrying a whole bunch of people, and a whole bunch of goods, and even getting into some of the out-of-the-way places that I love to explore. But, it was the kind of day that the Beach Boys sang about and it seemed that there was no better ride than a drop-top, particularly one that was dressed in lime yellow, as this was one was. How could you go wrong, especially when there was a version with a turbo-charged engine?
Two days later, after dodging a darting along some of the most playful roads to drive in northern California, with my hair blowing in the wind and the sunshine on my face, I was a convertible convert. I was also sold on the all-new face paint that Saab's latest convertible can wear-Lime Yellow. But, what about those winters in New England, I asked myself as I headed to the airport at the end of my stay? Well, maybe an SUV and a convertible, I reasoned, as I boarded the plane for home, carrying my luggage and the newest Saab in my heart.
The New 9-3 Drop-Top
In justifying its decision to reengineer and redesign the 9-3 Convertible, Saab simply needed to look at the numbers: 20-percent of all high-end four-seat convertibles sold in the U.S. are Saabs. Similarly, 20-percent (1 in 5) of all Saab's sold here are convertible models. The original 900-series convertible of the 1980s was developed with the U.S. market in mind, and the new 9-3 is a response to its current demand.
Rigidly structured
Aiming to achieve the driving dynamics of its 9-3 Sport Sedan, Saab developed the 2004 convertible chassis simultaneously with the framework of the hard top. Both are based on GM's Epsilon platform that sees duty in Opel and Saturn vehicles, but the 9-3 convertible incorporates technology necessary for rigidity when a roof is absent. Included is a "ring of steel" that provides reinforcement by linking front, rear, and side structures. Also enhanced by this supplemental framework are ride quality, handling, and impact resistance. Compared to previous ragtops, the new 9-3 is said to be three times as stiff.
In the case of a rollover, a protective system called DynaCage is activated. The system utilizes automatic pop-up roll bars, reinforced A-pillars, and front seatbelt pre-tensioning. Those front seatbelts are new and have been attached to the seat frames. Other safety items include dual-stage frontal airbags, side-curtain airbags preserving both the head and torso integrity, and Saab Active Head Restraints, which protect front-seat occupants from neck injury in the case of a rear-end collision.
Other convertible features
Opening and closing the ragtop, as well as lowering the glass, is fully automatic and only requires pressing a button. The tonneau opens first by rising, and then moving rearward along the trunk. With the engine running, only 20 seconds elapse before the top shifts fully into roof position. Header-rail latching is automatic, and a built in rain-gutter keeps occupants dry.
A pleasant side effect of raising the soft-top is the expansion of cargo space via the CargoSET Self-Expanding Trunk. The top mechanism is linked to a flexible, accordion style, space in the trunk that opens fully when the flexible roof is up.
Two models
The new 9-3 convertibles are available in two versions: the Arc and the Aero. As a base model, the Arc comes equipped with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, 16-in. wheels and tires, leather, and wood trim. Opting for the pricier Aero yields a 6-speed manual (or 5-speed auto, with Sentronic if desired), 17-in. alloy wheels with high performance tires, a sporty body kit, matte chrome trim on the center console and doors, a sportier steering wheel, and two-tone leather seats. Also included on 9-3 Aeros are tire-pressure monitors, OnStar, and a 13-speaker, 300-watt stereo. The sound system is an upgrade on the Arc's 150-watt, 7-speaker setup.
Customers may also choose a Touring Package, available on both models, that adds rain-sensing wipers, parking assist, a garage door opener, an automatic dimming rearview mirror, and a 6-disc CD changer. Headlamp washers and heated seats are also available, if the Cold Weather Package is checked.
Power and Control
Both the Arc and the Aero are fitted with Saab's 2-liter High-Output turbocharged four cylinder engine that produces 210-hp. and 221-lb.-ft. of torque. The unit is all-aluminum and uses the Ecotec block, used globally by General Motors. Saab, however, has equipped the engine with its own internal parts.
The FWD 9-3 convertible rides on fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front and a four-link rear that has been tuned to allow some rear-wheel steer. Also keeping the driver in control are two handling systems: Electronic Stability Program and Traction Control System. Disc brakes on all fours are supported by ABS, Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Cornering Brake Control, and Mechanical Brake Assist.
On sale as 2004 models, the new 9-3 convertibles hit showrooms in September '03.
2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible Reviewer's Notes
Base price: $40,670-$43,175
Engine: 2-liter turbocharged inline-4 (210 hp @5,300 rpm, 221 lb.-ft. @2,500 rpm)
Transmission: 5- or 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic with Sentronic
Wheelbase: 105.3 in.
Length: 182.5 in.
Width: 69 in.
Height: 56.8 in.
Curb weight, lbs.: 3600-3700
Fuel economy: 21/29 (city/highway) Arc manual; 19/28 Arc automatic; 21/30Aero manual; 19/28 Aero automatic
Safety equipment: Dual-stage frontal airbags; side curtain airbags; Saab Active Head Restraint System; four-wheel disc brakes with ABS; Electronic Brake Force Distribution; Cornering Brake Control; Electronic Stability Control; DynaCage (pop-up roll bars, reinforced A-pillars, seatbelt pre-tensioning)
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much room is in this 4-seater and what size fuel tank does it have?
The interior volume is 82 cu.ft, with a trunk capacity of 12.4 cu.ft.. It has a 16.4 gallon fuel tank.
What is the warranty on the new Saab 9-3?
Its warranty includes 48 months/50,000 miles bumper to bumper; 48 months/50,000 miles powertrain; 48 months/50,000 miles roadside assistance; and 36 months/36,000 miles no-charge scheduled maintenance.
What are Saab's safety features?
Safety features include automatic Roll-Over Protection; adaptive driver and passenger front airbags; Front Side Torso/head airbag; Saab Safeseat:; Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHR), front seats; torso side airbags, front seats; protection against "submarining," front and rear; 3-point seatbelts on all seating positions; automatic front seatbelt tensioners; child seat anchorage points, rear 5-mph impact resistant bumpers; Saab anti-theft protection alarm w/engine immobilizing; split wide-angle exterior mirror; and daytime running lights.
How does it handle?
A combination of well-tuned suspension dynamics, a stiff frame, and tight steering give the newest Saab convertible excellent handling characteristics. It is comfortable to cruise along in on flat road surfaces, and holds well in hard corners. There is ample power (especially with the turbo boost) and it has good quietness-little outside noise intrusion- with the top up.
What are the two models?
The new 9-3 convertibles are available in two versions: the Arc and the Aero. As a base model, the Arc comes equipped with a 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission, 16-in. wheels and tires, leather, and wood trim. The pricier Aero yields a 6-speed manual (or 5-speed auto, with Sentronic if desired), 17-in. alloy wheels with high performance tires, a sporty body kit, matte chrome trim on the center console and doors, a sportier steering wheel, and two-tone leather seats. Also included on 9-3 Aeros are tire-pressure monitors, OnStar, and a 13-speaker, 300-watt stereo. The sound system is an upgrade on the Arc's 150-watt, 7-speaker setup.
---Story by Sue Mead
---Photos courtesy of Saab
© 2003, Sue Mead, All Rights Reserved. |
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