Review Car

2011 Saab 9 3 Convertible

The two-door 2011 Saab 9 3 Convertible comes in two trim levels, the Arc and the Aero. Both the trims are powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine pumped up with Saab’s High Output turbocharger to produce 210 horsepower. The standard transmission on the Arc is a five-speed manual; the five-speed automatic is optional. Aero comes standard with the six-speed manual, optional with the five-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. Standard equipment on the Arc models includes no-charge scheduled maintenance during warranty; automatic climate control; cruise control; power windows, door locks and outside mirrors; a 150-watt stereo with CD player and seven speakers; power front seats with driver memory; and front fog lights. The Aero list of standard gear adds 17-inch wheels and tires pressure monitors; exterior body kit; Sport exhaust; a 300-watt, 13-speaker sound system; and leather-faced seats. The option list for the Aero adds to the Arc’s crowded list a five-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

The 2011 Saab 9 3 Convertible interior is pretty much what one would expect in a near-luxury convertible, although certain Saab styling cues remain. The instruments are arrayed in an easy-to-view layout with a big speedometer in a sweeping instrument panel that blends into the center console. It’s still a relatively high dashboard compared to that in most other cars, but it’s long been a signature styling cue of Saab cars so it’s nice to see it retained. The buttons and switches are smaller than in many cars. Nonetheless they are all well placed for the driver to reach while driving. An extra set of warning gauges is mounted on top of the dashboard in the center in a small pod, locating them more directly in the driver’s line of sight. Radio settings are also displayed here. The front seats are firm but comfortable, with side bolsters that restrain during spirited motoring without restricting while climbing in and out. The convertible gives up nearly 10 inches of hip room and nearly 3 inches of legroom. The 2011 Saab 9 3 Convertible top merges cleanly with the car’s lines, retaining all the proper proportions and relationships with windshield, wheel openings and wedge profile. With the top down and tucked away beneath the solid tonneau cover, the rake of the windshield draws the eye naturally over the passenger area to the tonneau behind the rear seat head restraints that tapers into the trunk lid. The soft top features a glass rear window with a defogger. Big, oval-shaped, open-grip door handles are finger friendly and integrate well into the design. Conspicuously absent from those door handles are keyholes. Yes that’s right, Saab has done away with a key for normal entry of the car. Instead one has to rely on the remote key fob. But don’t worry; if it ceases to function there is a back up key buried in the key fob and a hidden keyhole in the driver’s door only.