2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible Luxury Sports Car

2010 Beijing Auto Show will be highlighted by the alternative-energy cars. Saab offers the 2010 model of diesel powered 9-3 Convertibles with 7% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while keeping the performance as good as it was in older models. What the carmaker would like to emphasize is that there is no noticeable loss in performance.

2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible Sports Car

The 2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible handles as well as anything else out there. Steering and breaks on the Saab 9-3 Convertible's are masterfully engineered to be quick and sure. The standard engine pulls its weight with aplomb, and for those with a thirst for more power, the turbocharged 210-horsepower is deceptively quick.

Saab's new concert quality 300-watt sound system has no equal. Ventilation settings and seat positions can be saved in Saab'ss onboard computer. For those who seek even more performance, check our home page for links to retailers who offer 2011 Saab 9-3 convertible accessories you can order online. The BMW 3 Series interior space is not as large as the 2011 Saab 9-3 and neither is the trunk as cavernous. The new 9-3 is an above average entry-level luxury sports car that will give people cause to think twice about BMW.

There are two different versions of the 2011 Saab 9-3's new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine. 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque are produced by the low-pressure turbo base engine coupled with a five-speed manual standard or a five-speed automatic.

The change is due in part to Saab’s ongoing EcoPower Technology development strategy, which concentrates on optimizing efficiency and minimizing the environmental impact of its products. The low emission diesel variants with the 150 hp/110 kW, single turbo 1.9-liter engine can generate 145 g/km CO2and fuel consumption of only 5.5 l/100 km over the combined cycle. Cars that have the 180 hp/132 kW, two-stage turbo power results to 144 g/km and 5.4 l/100 km. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h and top speed are largely unchanged. However, fifth gear 80-120 km/h times are raised by less than one second.

The high-pressure Saab 9-3 Convertible turbo engine option produces 210 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. The 2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible offers 205 horsepower from its turbocharged four-cylinder coupled to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

The new 2011 Saab 9-3 convertible comes as a 4-door, and a convertible, both of which are offered with a choice of three trim levels. The new 2011 "Linear" model comes with full leather seating, fabric door panels and gray trim in addition to a 150-watt stereo, keyless entry, the OnStar system, stability control and 15-inch alloy wheels. The "Arc" versions offers wood veneer and leather with poplar accents, power front seats, automatic climate control, a 300-watt audio system and 16-inch alloy wheels. (2011 Saab 9-3 Convertible facts)

The efficiency gains have been achieved by a series of fine-tuning measures including: the use of wider gear ratios, a longer final drive, idle and low engine speed remapping, and an optimized tire and wheel choice. These variants, which are offered only with manual transmission, are now being built in Trollhättan, Sweden, like all Saabs. In several markets, customers are offered with valuable CO2 tax-related benefits and are being introduced alongside 9-3 Sport Sedan and Sport Combi diesel models, which already feature the improvements.

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Saab 9-3 SportCombi 2.0 LPT Sport+

By Dr Long

SportCombi is Saab’s lingo for stationwagon or estate version. Launched in 2006 by Auto Eurokars in Malaysia, the 9-3 SportCombi is an athletic and sporty looking wagon.

Somehow, this bootless version appeared sleeker than its sedan brethren, looking much like an extended hatchback, rather than a utilitarian estate.
Notable features include an all aluminium hatch, passive rear-wheel steering and frosted rear lamps cover. Another creative innovation is the flat cargo bed which can be folded to form a partition. Great for packing stuffs in the rear and not have them flung about! At the centre of this same floor board, an aeroplane-shaped handle - made of brushed aluminium alloy - really catches the eye. Lift this and pull up the hard board completely, a space saving subwoofer is mounted just underneath. In IKEA fashion, this 10” speaker with its housing fits nicely into the spare wheel. Overall audio performance is however just adequate.

Suprisingly too, this estate drove nicer than the sedan, despite sharing the same floorpan (wheelbase et al), engine and transmission. It was very pleasant to go around corners albeit with that little FWD tendency to understeer. Interestingly, this 9-3 variant felt well put together with that stronger ‘cocoon’ bodyshell. As such, it is reckoned that suspension damping - and thus ride comfort - is improved too, as a result of a stiffer body structure. There is just that appreciable bit more of ride pliancy than the 9-3 sedan. Or could it be that the dampers or suspension load ratings is different for this wagon (seeing that it is heavier than the saloon)?

The turbo spools pretty quickly to give a maximum output of 195bhp @ 5,620rpm. Hardly any lag and you could feel an addictive ‘charged’ power band stretching from 2500rpm onwards. Nicely responsive and torquey in response to a heavier right foot. Torque peaks at 310Nm from a low 2000rpm, and stays constant all the way 5000rpm! Braking performance cannot be faulted, for this is a car capable of 230km/h and a century sprint figures of 8.8 seconds. Despite all these petrol-head’s indulgence, in-cabin serenity, comfort and general NVH refinements are not an issue. Saab’s 5-speed Sentronic auto tranny is fuss-free. Well, the gearbox maybe just a little slow in engaging (manual mode) upshifts during hard acceleration but still no jerks or drama here.

High speed stability though is a little lacking. Doing upper-range triple digits on a deserted expressway, the test car felt ‘floaty’ and even a little jittery at the rear axle. Conversely though, tackling bends with Saab's ReAxs passive rear-wheel steering, this 2.0T Sport+ wagon is quite well behaved, provided throttle input is metered nice and smooth.

In conclusion, the 9-3 SportsCombi is a viable alternative to mainstream uber-wagons from the other famed Swedish automaker and even that few Teutonic Touring models. A pleasant all-round family wagon, this Saab truly deserves a second look for those looking for practicality, space, comfort and perhaps, a different kind of exclusivity.