Super TestCar reviews - Saab - 9-3 - Linear 1.8t convertibleSaab modelsOverviewSaab has reduced the price and spec of its entry level 9-3 Linear convertible21 Feb 2005 LOOK OUT Holden, Peugeot and Renault. Luxury convertible specialist Saab is aiming to lure buyers of up-spec Astra drop-top and folding tin-top versions of the 307 and Megane with its 2005 9-3 Linear ragtop, now that it's priced $6000 less than last year (but still around $15,000 more than the most expensive 307 CC). A less powerful (though sweeter) 2.0-litre turbo engine and no climate-control or fog lights are the main omissions compared to the outgoing Linear (now replaced by a new Vector model), but the Swedes hope that the 9-3 Convertible's luxury kudos will more than offset that. Model release date: 1 February 2005 to 1 October 2007 All car reviewsAlfa Romeo Abarth Alpine Alpina Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chevrolet Chery Citroen Chrysler Dodge Cupra Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton GWM Great Wall Holden Haval HSV Honda Hyundai Hummer Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia LDV Land Rover Lotus Lexus Maserati Mahindra McLaren Mazda Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-AMG Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Rover Rolls-Royce Skoda Saab SsangYong Smart Suzuki Subaru Toyota Tesla Volvo Volkswagen Previous modelSAAB'S last entry-level 9-3 sun-seeker cost around $6000 more, but also offered 129kW from its 2.0-litre turbo engine instead of today's 110kW, as well as more features (like climate-control and fog lights) and a correct badge: 2.0t (inexplicably today's 2.0 Linear carries a 1.8t moniker). It continued to dominate the luxury convertible segment, despite an all-new Audi rival (A4 Cabriolet) and surging sales from Mercedes' CLK. Today's 9-3 Vector takes over where the old Linear 2.0t left off. |
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