Saab 9-3 Cabrio 1.9 TTiD 180 CV, road test (Part III)

To wrap up the road test of the Saab 9-3 Cabrio equipped with the 1.9 TTiD 180 CV engine, we now turn to equipment, prices and overall assessment. We have already talked about the handling of the Saab 9-3 Cabrio and its engine, as well as its interior space and design. Our test car came with the Aero trim level, which is the top of the range.

But it is in equipment that the Saab 9-3 Cabrio shows its age, and there are some gaps that are hard to understand in a car that costs around 50,000 euros. One detail that caught our attention is the automatic headlight activation, which is not fitted as standard. However, the sat nav does feature a night mode that adjusts automatically at dusk or in dark areas. It is a curious detail that the navigation system has a sensor but the lights do not.

Equipment

Starting with safety equipment, the front seat passengers are very well covered, with front and side airbags, but rear side airbags are sorely missed (though we should remember that the Saab 9-3 Cabrio is a veteran model that has been on the market for some time). It also features cornering brake control, ABS + EBD, and traction and stability control, the latter being very useful and working well.

In terms of comfort, although it is not a car that stands out for its technology, it is well equipped. It has a touchscreen sat nav as an option that works well and comes paired with a premium sound system, featuring no fewer than 7 speakers of 300 W and voice control. Also included are dual-zone climate control and Bluetooth technology. The only drawback to this good sound system is the lack of a USB port.

One of the things I liked most, and which I consider important, are the headlights. The Aero trim comes with bi-xenon headlights with headlight washers, and the reach of the lights is impressive, as is the good visibility they provide when driving at night.

To finish with the equipment, mention should be made of the 6.5 x 16″ spare wheel and the roll-over protection system that pops up in the event of a rollover (called DynaCage by Saab), which is hidden in the rear headrests. A nice touch is being able to lower the windows and open the roof with the remote key without having to get into the car.

Price, running costs and overall assessment

The base price of the Saab 9-3 Cabrio with the 1.9 TTiD 180 CV engine and Aero trim is 44,250 euros, but we can opt for the 1.9 TTiD engine with the Vector trim from 42,750 euros, a price that is not high given the engine and the equipment the Saab offers. In practice, our test car came with a somewhat higher price, as it featured some extras such as the sat nav, bringing it to 47,280 euros.

Compared with other rivals in the segment, with the 180 CV turbo diesel engine and the Vector trim, it is cheaper than a BMW 3 Series Convertible with the 170 CV turbo diesel engine. So it does not carry a high price; it would be more justified if they corrected some illogical equipment gaps.

As for the overall assessment, it is very positive. The engine has been well received, because it gives you that extra power while, if you want to drive calmly, very low consumption can be achieved. Moreover, it is reassuring to know that the engine will respond from low revs and recover within seconds, although I must stress that the Saab 9-3 Cabrio is not a car designed for sporty driving.

In terms of space, it is another of its strong points, and four adults can travel comfortably, both in the front and rear seats. Build quality is another plus, and although the interior is sober (very Saab), it has a good, comfortable driving position oriented towards the driver and with good materials.

As for prices, the Vector trim can be had with good equipment and some extras, so there is no need to go to very high figures to have a well-equipped car. And one thing we liked is its practicality. It is a convertible with a fabric roof, but that does not mean it is impractical or that its use must be relegated to the summer months. I spent more time with the roof up than down, and the roof is practical and does not detract from the car’s comfort.

The Saab 9-3 Cabrio is a different kind of convertible, far removed from the legendary convertibles that are multiplied in cities, and with good design and quality at a good level.

Photos | David Taboada