2006 Saab 9-3 Wagon SE

9-3 Convertible, , After launching the redesigned compact 9-3 sport sedan for 2003, Saab released the 9-3 convertible as a 2004 model. Both feature the same chassis dynamics. Saab claims the 9-3 convertible is nearly three times as stiff as its soft-top predecessor. The convertible got an all-new suspension layout, and supplementary "ring of steel" reinforcement compensates for the loss of structural rigidity that convertibles ordinarily suffer. The seat belts are integrated into the seat frames, and the rear seats have pop-up roll bars., , All convertibles come in either base or Aero form, with the 210-hp turbocharged four-cylinder in base models and the 250-hp turbocharged V-6 in Aero editions. Leather seats are standard. In base models, a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic is available. Aero models offer a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic., , Driving the 9-3 convertible is virtually effortless. Performance is comparable to the equivalent sport sedan. The soft-top exhibits a magnificent highway ride and precise steering and handling. Back to top , , The 2003 redesign of Saab's compact 9-3 transformed it into a premium sport sedan with a long wheelbase and a wide track, which promised improved handling. The 9-3 came in three trim levels. The base-model Linear featured a 175-horsepower, turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine, while the luxurious Arc and sporty Aero editions got a higher-pressure version that made 210 hp. A convertible joined the lineup in 2004, and a new SportCombi wagon arrives for 2006. The wagon features an available 250-hp turbocharged V-6., , For 2006, the Linear and Arc become a single base model with the 210-hp engine. The Aero model gets the 250-hp turbo V-6. Both trims are available in sedan, convertible and SportCombi wagon configurations., (Skip to details on the: 9-3 Convertible | 9-3 SportCombi), , Base models feature 16-inch alloy wheels, a seven-speaker sound system and a power driver's seat. The convertible adds standard leather seats. Aero models include the more powerful engine, 17-inch wheels and slightly larger brakes. Both trims offer manual and automatic transmissions. The 9-3's competitors include the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Volvo S60., , Exterior, , Styling features include a coupelike silhouette, an integrated grille and headlights, short front and rear overhangs, and a steeply raked windshield and back window. The automaker says negative wheel camber reinforces the 9-3's sporty stance and wedgelike profile. With its low 0.28 coefficient of drag, the 9-3 sedan's aerodynamics are appealing. Low lift forces at the rear axle should improve high-speed stability., , Interior, , The 9-3 sedan accommodates up to five people and features a 60/40-split, folding rear seat. According to Saab, the instrument panel "arcs around the driver." The gauges light up in green, and buyers can specify a Night Panel that suppresses most instruments. Red walnut trim is available in the sedan and wagon. The sedan's trunk holds 14.8 cubic feet of cargo., , Under the Hood, , The 9-3 offers two engines. Base models receive a 210-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 221 pounds-feet of torque. The new SportCombi wagon features a 250-hp, turbocharged 2.8-liter V-6 that churns out 258 pounds-feet of torque. The V-6 features variable valve timing and is standard in all Aero models. Base models offer either a five-speed manual or five-speed-automatic transmission, while Aero models get six gears in either arrangement. Both automatic transmissions offer manual shifting capability., , Safety, , A long list of standard safety equipment includes seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side curtain-type airbags, Active Head Restraints, traction control, and an electronic stability system with all-disc antilock brakes and electronic brake-force distribution.. Convertibles get side-impact airbag head extensions in place of the curtain airbags. Across all configurations, Aero models get slightly