We say Good-looking, sleek with powerful engine. But the interior, price and rough handling should put you off.Performance Two 2.0-litre petrols develop 175 and 210bhp respectively but the 1.8-litre is underpowered. The 2.8-litre V6 is mental and the 276bhp unit propels the drop-top to 60mph in seven seconds flat.Emissions Saab is disappointing in terms of emissions and fuel economy figures and the best performing engine is a 1.9-litre TiD unit that returns just 44mpg and emits 169g/km in CO2. That’s awful considering it’s the standout model; other engines are even more disappointing and don’t provide the trade-off in power to justify such poor results.Driving The 9-3 Convertible is comfortable on the road and handles well but a drop-top probably shouldn’t be this comfortable and it lacks the wow factor to make it stand out.Feel Engines are hushed and the cabin's well insulated with the roof up but generally there’s something missing from the soft-top. It’s too comfortable and the ride is too sophisticated which means it lacks enjoyment to drive. Great as a cruiser.Space The 9-3 Convertible is a four seater although those in the back will be quite cramped because of a shortage of shoulder room. There’s a 352-litre boot at the back but that drops to 258-litres when the roof is lowered.Equipment Electric roof, air conditioning, electric windows, CD player and alloys are standard.Price With prices starting from around £27,000, the 9-3 Convertible is well priced, though this reflects the Saab's slight inferiority to premium rivals which are generally more expensive. Running costs are poor as well.Quality The Saab 9-3 is solid and reliable but that’s not really what you want from a convertible and it lacks a certain sparkle. That’s at its clearest inside where the interior is boring but durable; for £27,000 you should expect a little more than that.Safety Plenty of safety and security kit including four airbags and ABS making for a superb NCAP score.Pros The 9-3 Convertible’s strongest suit is its looks; it’s sleek and cool. There are decent engines under the bonnet in terms of performance and it makes for an excellent motorway cruiser.Cons There’s something missing from the 9-3 Convertible that makes it quite mundane. It lacks the sparkle and glamour of its executive rivals, particularly in the cabin and in terms of drive which is too comfortable to be properly enjoyable.Alternatives Audi A4 Cabriolet, BMW 3 Series Convertible, Mercedes CLK, Volkswagen Eos, Volvo V70
