Saab 9-3 Convertible

[altezza]

Press material:
Saab is announcing full UK market pricing, specification and running cost data for this year’s most eagerly-anticipated soft-top, the new Saab 9-3 Convertible.

Despite UK prices only now being confirmed, Saab’s 95 British dealers already have taken thousands of enquiries, and over 700 firm orders, for the acclaimed new 9-3 Convertible. By the time the first customer deliveries take place, in early September, Saab GB forecasts that all of this year’s UK allocation of 1,100 9-3 Convertibles will have been sold.

The first UK-bound new 9-3 Convertible models to arrive in September will all be fitted with the 2.0t, 175 bhp engine. The 2.0T, 210 bhp, Aero performance flagship follows in late October, with the entry 1.8t, 150 bhp, derivatives landing in November. A choice of
5- and 6-speed manual, or optional 5+2 Sentronic paddle-shift automatic transmissions will be available. Linear, Vector and Aero trims will also be offered.

The new Saab will be the most competitively positioned four-seater convertible in the UK premium sector. All 9-3 Convertibles will be equipped as standard with a fully automated electric roof, alloy wheels, ‘infotainment’ system, and seat-mounted head/thorax airbags. Saab’s unique CargoSET self-expanding trunk and DynaCage rollover protection with pop-up roll bars are also standard throughout the Convertible range.

Prices throughout the 9-3 Convertible programme substantially undercut the Saab’s key premium German competitors.

The 9-3 Convertible range starts at £23,895 on the road for the well-equipped Linear 1.8t model. That’s over £500 less than the base Audi Cabriolet, almost £1,000 lower than the entry BMW 318i Convertible, and a staggering £7,350 more affordable than the cheapest Mercedes-Benz CLK Convertible. The Saab also has a higher level of standard specification than all of the above, making it the best value premium four-seater convertible on the British market.

The sporting 9-3 Vector derivatives cost £2,000 more than the Linear models. The 2.0t, 175 bhp engine is £1,100 more than the 1.8t, 150 bhp motor, and the range-topping 210 bhp Aero starts at a tempting £28,895.

Running costs also promise to be class-leading, with the lowest insurance groupings in the sector, along with low CO2 emission levels throughout the range, and very strong residual value forecasts, according to leading independent experts.

"Saab has dominated the British premium four-seater soft-top sector for six years with the best-selling 9-3 Convertible," says Jonathan Nash, Saab GB’s Managing Director. "With acclaimed driving dynamics, unique styling features, and the best value and cost of ownership package in its class, the desirable new 9-3 Convertible looks set to maintain Saab’s lead in the sector."