Saab distinctive 9-3 Convertible has been a cornerstone in the company's portfolio, and the automaker is confident that the new Epsilon-platformed 2004 9-3 Convertible will expand the model's appeal. The cloth-topped Swede is powered by an all-aluminum, four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged engine capable of making either 175 or 210 hp, depending on configuration. The four-seater matches these force-fed engines to a variety of transmission choices, ranging from a standard five-speed manual, up to a new compact six-speed manual gearbox and a "smart" five-speed automatic transmission with Sentronic shifting. The hydraulically powered "one-touch" soft-top deploys fully in just 20 seconds. In the event of a rollover, passengers are protected by Saab's "DynaCage" with pop-up rear roll bars, front seatbelt pre-tensioning, and substantial A-pillar reinforcement. The new 9-3 convertible will reach the U.S. market in the fall of 2003 as a 2004 model.
