Pull away from the pack: there's no better accessory to living in South Florida than a convertible sports car, and the Saab 9-3 Aero convertible fits that bill perfectly

South Florida CEO, July, 2005

Weather permitting, it's difficult to find a time in South Florida that a convertible is not the preferred mode of transportation. And that point is driven home in strong style with the 2005 Saab 9-3 Aero convertible.

Don't overlook the Saab when shopping for a ragtop. This automobile is every bit as fun to drive as its German-made counterparts, and depending on the options you pile on it can be just as powerful a ride. At a base price of approximately $33,000, the 9-3 comes with a smooth 2.0L turbocharged engine that produces between 210hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. The Aero package includes a lowered suspension (10mm) and an aggressive aerodynamic body kit as well as 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels and 245/45R 17 Pirelli P-zero tires. We drove a top-of-the-line 5-speed automatic Aero with a sticker price just above $42,000.

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Inside, the cavernous cabin is made all the more impressive with the top down. The Saab's seats hug the body like a soft glove without feeling confining, enhancing the feeling of gliding along the highway. In fact, you may need to remind yourself to look at the speedometer more often. Cruising north along Florida's Turnpike one sunny afternoon we found ourselves topping almost 100 mph effortlessly--it took effort to slow down to an acceptable operating speed.

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Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph took little more than 7 seconds in our test run and the turbo lag was barely noticeable. Electronic stability control, traction control and ABS with electronic braking distribution are among the safety and performance features standard on the Aero. The options, plus the Epsilon chassis, made turning corners and passing an exhilarating experience.

The Saab 9-3's interior trim is top-notch. The car's Scandinavian design, which in years past would have called for stiffness, has mellowed in this latest iteration of the classic convertible and has introduced technological innovations that are welcome for a ragtop. The air conditioning system as well as the excellent 300-watt sound system can sense whether the top is down, and will change mode and volume accordingly.

Safety features on our test model included headlight washers and General Motors' OnStar system, which blended wonderfully with the functional information system and controls. Six air bags, seat belt pretensioners, and Saab's Active Head Restraint System (SAHRS) give more than adequate protection in the case of an accident.

In all, the car is a worthy competitor to its German cousin, the BMW 3-Series. The styling is impressive, and while not cheap, the Saab 9-3 is reasonably priced considering the standard equipment and options available. Give the Saab 9-3 Aero convertible a try--you'll have the added bonus of not turning your head to see a clone of your car at every South Florida stoplight. You're sure to see plenty of BMWs and Audis in your rearview mirror as you pull away.

--SouthFloridaCEO Staff.

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