Sporty two seater convertibles may be the dream summer drive when you are single, but once you have started a family it’s the four-seater variety that starts to look appealing. And for many the solution comes in the shape of a Saab convertible.

During its heyday Saab took the lion’s share of four-seater convertible sales with the 900, a model whose looks compensated for any shortfall in driving dynamics. But when in September 2003 the latest generation of its spiritual successor, the 9-3, came on sale buyers at last faced the prospect of a roomy, prestige convertible that drove as well as it looked.

Under the skin the car boasted a substantially stiffer chassis, laying to rest the previous generation’s reputation for being a little too flexible. Its new underpinnings made the car not only more rewarding to drive but also helped it achieve an impressive five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests. The inclusion of traction control as standard also reduced the Saab’s front-wheel-drive tendency to understeer, putting it on a more equal footing with the long time driver’s favourite the BMW 3-series convertible.

In true Saab fashion power came from a range of turbocharged engines that provided decent performance without excessive fuel consumption. The confusingly named 1.8t kicked off the range with 150bhp from its 2 litre engine: while hardly an installation likely to set your pulse racing it was nonetheless a pleasant drive thanks to decent mid-range torque. Next came the 2.0t, its slightly tweaked 2 litre producing 175bhp and powering the car from 0-60mph in about 8.5sec. With the “t” upgraded to a capital, signifying further fettling of the engine management and turbocharger, the 2.0T completed the line with 210bhp on tap.

All models came with a decent level of standard kit, including a fully electric hood, climate control, trip computer and the all-important heated seats for those bracing midwinter blatts. From the mid-range Vector model upwards all cars came with leather upholstery, an essential if you intend to pose with your roof down. The 210bhp Aero model signalled its performance credentials courtesy of a tasteful body styling kit, which included beefed up suspension and larger alloys.

On the move with the triple-lined soft top in place the cabin is snug and well insulated. Front passengers benefit from the Swedish car maker’s famous seat comfort and most rear passengers will have room to get comfy, even if they are unlikely to be able to stretch out.

Visibility through the glass rear screen is better than in many convertibles, marred only by the rather thick C-pillars. But press a button and the electric hood is stowed in a touch under 20 seconds, a trick you can play even when the car is moving at up to 20mph.

With the roof safely stowed, and as your speed increases, the wind buffeting remains tolerable, and with the windows up and the mesh wind deflector in place you could drive all day.

Like all Saabs before it, the latest 9-3 rejoices in a slightly idiosyncratic driver environment. Look towards the floor near the gearshift for the ignition slot before casting your eye over a myriad buttons that will control everything from the air-con to the seat heaters. It’s an environment that may seem a little cluttered at first but one that most drivers quickly adapt to.

Starting life as an upmarket car means most 9-3s have enjoyed a cherished life, and better than average build quality means they handle age well. Servicing every 18,000 miles should be relatively inexpensive and it is essential if you want to protect that turbocharged engine.

The Saab 9-3 has maintained its position as one of the UK’s most popular convertibles. January 2006 saw the arrival of a decently economical 1.9 litre turbodiesel and in autumn of the previous year a 2.8 litre 250bhp turbocharged petrol arrived to be the flagship of the range.

Our appetite for convertibles in Britain is undiminished, and with secondhand prices for the 9-3 starting at about £12,000 it’s a piece of summer fun many drivers can afford to enjoy.

Safety

Impressive five stars for adult occupant safety in Euro NCAP tests: all models have front and side airbags

Security

Alarm and immobiliser standard, with deadlocks on both doors

Wind deflector

Makes the cabin snug but useable only with rear seats unoccupied. Can be stowed in the reasonably sized boot

Tyres

Check front tyres carefully, particularly on the more powerful Aero and 2.8 litre models as wear can be pronounced

Rollover

If the car tilts beyond a certain level two rear hoops deploy behind the rear headrests to give rollover protection

Satellite navigation

An expensive factory option and rarely found on used examples

Hood

Well insulated and should fit snugly so try the car at motorway speeds to ensure there is no wind noise

Carpets

Check footwells for damp carpets, a sign of a poorly fitting roof

Leather upholstery

Standard on most models but light colours can be prone to scuffs and mark easily

Vital statistics

Model Saab 9-3 convertible 2.0t Vector

Engine 1,998cc, four cylinders

Power 175bhp

Transmission Five-speed manual

Fuel 31.7mpg (combined cycle)

Acceleration 0-60mph: 8.5sec

Top speed 134mph

The one to buy

Saab 9-3 2.0t Vector 2003 53 with 50,000 miles. Pay £13,950 at a Saab dealer or £13,000 privately

Values

Mileage 20,000 30,000 50,000

2003 53
Trade £13,500 £12,800 £11,600
Retail £15,850 £15,150 £13,950

2004 54
Trade £14,750 £14,100 £12,900
Retail £17,195 £16,550 £15,395

2005 55
Trade £15,850 £15,050 £13,950
Retail £18,450 £17,650 £16,495

Auto models fetch £500 more than equivalent manual

Or for similar money

2000 V Mercedes CLK 230 K Avantgarde auto
2001 51 BMW 320Ci convertible
2005 54 Volvo C70 2.0T GT convertible
2005 55 Peugeot 307 CC 180bhp
2006 55 Renault Mégane CC 2.0 VVT Privilège