Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible 2006 Review

7-day Test

Saab has always been a love it or loathe it brand -- maybe even more so than Volvo. That said, it has commanded a small but loyal following Down Under. Now aware of its somewhat staid image, the spin doctors in Trollhättan have reinvented the marque with something out of the box -- performance.

With a new V6 turbocharged engine, the automatic 9-3 Aero Convertible will bust the 100km/h tape in 8.1secs. Go for the manual version and you'll get there about 1sec quicker still. The quickest (ever) is the latest Aero Sport Sedan in 6.7secs. Not bad and maybe enough to woo some performance drivers. Maybe?

With Saab now part of the GM empire, the still very 'Swedish' car has a strong global connection. The sweet V6 is assembled in Port Melbourne, the chassis comes courtesy of Opel in Germany, the turbo is from Mitsubishi and the auto from Aisin in Japan, and the whole package is assembled in Finland!

The new engine is a 2.8-litre version of Holden's Alloytec 3.6 that has been Saab-fettled and fitted with a nifty turbocharger. The 2.8TS V6 fitted to the top-shelf Aero range boasts 184kW (up from 155kW) at 5500rpm and more importantly 350Nm (up from 300) from 2000-4500rpm -- and there is little in the way of turbo lag.

Best of all, the tuned twin exhaust now has a sporty note to announce Saab's performance intentions. No more hairdresser jibes please.

It's still a heavy car at 1737kg but surprisingly economical. On CarPoint's interstate drive we managed a very good average of 10.1lt/100km.

The Aero Convertible is a looker too. It has some sweet lines and from almost any angle is very elegant.

The interior takes a little getting used to though. The organic lines on the dash are an acquired taste but there are no complaints about the seats and ergonomics -- they are both first class. In fact, we would go so far as to say it was one of the most comfortable cars we have driven.

It's easy to organise a comfortable driving position with electrically-adjustable seats and tilt/reach adjustable steering, and the steering wheel controls take the stress out of adjusting the stereo and cruise control. Rear seat passengers haven't been forgotten either. Unlike many 2+2s the Aero Convertible offers generous seating for four adults.

The Aero features remote central locking, electric windows and mirrors, cruise control and rain-sensing wipers, six-stack CD and park assist. There was the odd creak from the interior though and some ill-fitting panels and the usual faux aluminium accents that we could do without.

The handbrake is neatly integrated into the centre console and disguised as a grab handle. It was sticky and awkward to use – but hey it looks good!

As always, safety is a strong suit with ABS, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, mechanical Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control System, ESP, front, head and roof rail airbags, Active Head Restraints and roll-over protection. In short, a five-star safety rating -- the first for any convertible, says Saab.

The hood is a work of art. From go-to-whoa it takes 20secs and doesn't require any fiddly unlocking of latches and the like. It will even work at speeds of up to 20km/h. With the hood and windows up the cabin replicates a sedan's ambience pretty darn well.

The ride is generally very smooth over most roads while rough surfaces will induce some scuttle shake -- but not too much.

Driving through the front wheels, it's an understeerer when pushed in the slightest but operated in the manner that a convertible is most accustomed -- cruising, not bruising -- most drivers may not even notice. The four points of performance are all there -- cornering ability, steering and braking are up to the job. And let's face it -- the car gets along pretty well too.

Is the most powerful Saab convertible enough to pull in the punters? We shall watch and see...