The all-new 2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible is poised to reaffirm Saab as a market leader in the art of building open cars with rugged four-season, four-seater practicality.

In addition to its functional qualities, the new Swedish soft-top offers a greatly improved driving experience through incorporating the widely-acclaimed chassis dynamics of the new Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan. Key to its enhanced abilities is a rigid body structure (almost three times stiffer than that of its predecessor) and an all-new suspension layout.

The “one-touch” soft-top operation, requires no manual involvement beyond pressing a button. The roof is hydraulically-powered, with automatic self-latching to the header rail, and deploys fully in just 20 seconds while the engine is running. This is partly achieved by the Convertible’s tonneau, which has a unique two-step cycle, being completely raised horizontally and then moved rearwards, parallel to the top of the trunk.

Another innovation is a more practical feature: raising the roof automatically raises the capacity of the trunk. The CargoSET (Self-Expanding Trunk) directly links the soft-top’s rearmost hinge mechanism to the flexible, “accordion” storage well in the trunk. When the roof is in position, the well is fully retracted, releasing useful storage space.

SPECIFICATIONS

VEHICLE TYPE……………..FWD convertible

POWERPLANT……………….2.0L I4

OUTPUT…………………..210 horsepower, 221 torque

EPA MILEAGE RATING………..19 mpg city, 28 mpg highway

MSRP…………………….$42,500