First look: New 9-3 drops its top

MEET the next step in Saab's revival plan - the 9-3 Convertible.

Always popular in Australia, where more than 1000 of the current generation 9-3 drop-top were sold last year, the new generation has just had its world unveil at the Geneva motor show.

We should get our first sighting at the Sydney motor show in October, with sales due to start later the same month.

While the likes of specification and pricing are yet to be finalised, the message from Saab Australia is clear - there will be a significant price hike over the current model.

"There are several reasons for that," said Saab Australia spokesman Paul Ellis. "The difference in terms of sophistication is substantial. The new car has a number of innovative features and we have managed to hold the current car's price for some time." Pricing for the current 9-3 Convertible starts out at $67,900 and finishes at $87,000.

Two versions of the 9-3 Convertible are expected, one with a 129kW/265Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, the other with power and torque uprated to 155kW and 300Nm respectively.

The four-seat Saab retains the traditional cloth roof, which automatically lowers at the touch of a button in 20 seconds.

One of the car's new features is the "CargoSET" function that automatically closes the roof compartment tight in concertina style to maximise boot space when the top is up.

The car's interior also features "Hydroblox" water-repellent textile upholstery - a Saab first. But the upper specification car will continue to offer leather interior trim.

Saab claims the new 9-3 Convertible's body is also quieter and stiffer - in fact a staggering 300 per cent stiffer - than its predecessor, and is equipped with pop-up rear rollover bars.

Compared to its predecessor, the new Saab 9-3 Convertible gains 51mm in width and 70mm in wheelbase. Reduced front and rear overhangs mean the overall length, at 4635mm, is slightly shorter.

The 9-3 Convertible, which will be customised at the Magna Steyr plant in Austria, will follow the 9-3 Aero sports sedan to sale in Australia, the latter launching here in June.

Saab Australia also hopes to launch a Hirsch Performance 9-5 here in the second half of 2003.