2007 Saab

Saab has been building convertibles for many years but the concept has remained the same – a four-seat soft-top that can be used all the year round. The 9-3 Convertible is the company's most desirable model, helped by its neat styling and understated image. While folding hard-tops are becoming more widespread, the Saab's soft-top still impresses. It's fast acting, opening or closing in twenty seconds and at speeds of up to 20mph, plus it is highly insulated. However, the interior is a bit of a let down – there are too many buttons and it lacks the quality feel you'd expect in a premium car. In terms of driving it's not up to the standards of the best convertibles either. In 2007 it was given a notable facelift which brought a much sharper front end along with a more modern overall appearance.The 9-3 Convertible was the first car in its class to score five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests. In addition to the four airbags it also features pop-up roll-over protection should the worst happen while the windscreen surround is massively strong ensuring that it is every bit as safe as the 9-3 Saloon. Deadlocks and an alarm/immobiliser help deter thieves. With the roof down, you lose a fair amount of the boot's storage capacity, although you can still squeeze the shopping in. Roof up there's a respectably sized boot as space rises from 258 litres to 352 litres – about the same as a Volkswagen Golf. However, it has no folding rear seats to increase capacity, but models with fabric seats have a waterproof membrane to provide protection should the weather catch you out.Saab is seen by many as an alternative to premium makes like BMW and Audi but the interior of the 9-3 Convertible is short of the quality you'd expect. It's enveloping, with lots of gadgets and important-looking switches but the layout is rather haphazard with far too many buttons. A mid 2006 facelift simplified the cabin with a clearer look with fewer buttons. The build is good but the finish and materials used aren't particularly upmarket, however finding a comfortable driving position is easy thanks to outstandingly supportive seats with plenty of adjustment and a multi-position steering wheel. The 9-3 is able to seat four adults, although rear legroom is tight as you'd expect. It can also feel quite gloomy in the rear with the roof up as there's little light and a high window line. On the plus side, wide doors make access easy and Saab seats are some of the best around. The roof is very well insulated against noise and cold weather, but it's still not as secure or quiet as convertibles that use a metal-folding roof. With the roof down, buffeting isn't overly excessive and you can have a conversation – but only if you have the wind deflector fitted in the back. It works well but is quite bulky and renders the back seats unusable. The heated seats are very good and the climate control switches to offering levels of heat output rather than set temperatures once the roof is lowered. Check our website for more stock. Friendly and approachable sales team, check out our reviews.

Features:

Adjustable Steering Column/Wheel, Air Bag Driver, Air Bag Passenger, Air Bag Side, Air-Conditioning, Alarm, Alloy Wheels (17in), Anti-Lock Brakes, Armrest, Body Coloured Bumpers, Central Door Locking, Climate Control, Computer (Driver Information System), Cruise Control, Deadlocks, Electric Windows (Front/Rear), Front Fog Lights, Head Air Bags, Head Restraints, Immobiliser, In Car Entertainment (Radio/CD/MP3), Mirrors External, Power Socket, Power-Assisted Steering, Side Protection Mouldings, Spare Wheel, Speakers, Steering Wheel Mounted Controls (Audio/Telephone), Telephone Equipment (Mobile Preparation), Upholstery Leather