Ownership, Security, Convenience and Accessories

Building a Rewarding Relationship

• Flexible service intervals
• 10 year anti-perforation warranty
• Excellent serviceability for reduced workshop times
• Low speed accident damage protection
• Sophisticated immobilization, anti-theft and alarm systems
• Many useful ‘convenience’ features to make life easier
• Unique accessories, tailor-made for individuals

The 9-3 Convertible is price-positioned to compete with other premium class convertibles. World class build standards and the use of premium quality components and materials, backed by a 10 year anti-perforation warranty, contribute to competitive ownership costs, including servicing and insurance.

Good serviceability, reducing the cost and improving the convenience of ownership, was an important priority for the project team throughout the development of the Saab 9-3 range.

As regards security, all measures that are proven to be effective have been introduced, in close liaison with insurance industry representatives.

A host of ‘convenience’ features enriches the experience of living with the Saab 9-3 Convertible; as does a comprehensive range of accessories.

Lower Servicing Costs
The excellent quality of major mechanical components, due to better machining and finer tolerances, has allowed Saab to move away from rigid time and distance restrictions for scheduled servicing. It is now more important to monitor how the vehicle is actually used in real life by its owner.

In all variants, the engine management system logs key usage parameters, such as the number of cold starts, journey distances and the engine speeds used, and applies an algorithm to inform the driver when an oil change is due. The maximum service interval on most markets is now every two years, or 30,000 kms, for both gasoline and diesel engines. At any time, the driver can also request notification of when the next change is due.

With engine coolant filled and sealed for life, the only remaining major service items for the 9-3 Convertible are the spark plugs, the air filter and the engine drive belt.

Quicker repairs, lower insurance
Engineers have worked closely with representatives of leading insurance companies to introduce ways of minimising accident damage repair bills, as well as improving vehicle security and anti-theft protection. This close liaison is intended to achieve highly competitive insurance groupings and lower premiums.

A number of design elements in the outer body will make accident and other repairs easier and faster. For example, electrical wiring and connection points are located away from areas more vulnerable to crash impacts and there is just one single connection point between the engine and main wiring harness, in a well-protected position.

Low speed frontal collision protection, through ‘self-repairing’, energy absorbing bumpers (for impacts up to 8 kph) and deformable ‘crash boxes’ (for impacts up to 15 kph), help protect the body structure from serious damage requiring expensive reinstatement. The front wings are also bolted to the main structure to make removal and replacement easier and less time-consuming.

Anti-perforation warranty
The warranty period covering body perforation is 10 years, a result of Saab’s confidence in under-body joint and sealant treatments and electro-galvanizing procedures.

The body-in-white is prepared, sealed, galvanized, primed and painted at one of the most modern paint shops in Europe, where quality standards are considered to be class-leading. All primer and paints are water-based, except for the final clear lacquer finish.

Highly-rated Security
The 9-3 range incorporates ‘state of the art’ security. The anti-theft systems include all practical technology that is currently available. Security is focused on preventing the car being stolen or having items taken from it.

Representatives of leading insurance companies in Sweden and elsewhere were consulted throughout the development of security systems for the 9-3 range. They were asked to identify the most effective measures available, as well as examining and assessing the effectiveness of the car's security.

As evidence of the success of this work, the British insurance industry’s Thatcham research center has awarded both the 9-3 Convertible and the Sport Sedan a maximum five star rating for ‘theft of the vehicle’ and four stars for ’theft from the vehicle’. Saab is confident that close liaison with insurance industry experts will also contribute to highly competitive insurance groupings and reduced insurance premiums for owners.

Anti-Intrusion measures
The passenger door is fitted with a ‘freewheeling’ lock cylinder, which will immediately disengage from the door unlocking mechanism if any device, other than the correct key, is inserted. Efficient ‘shielding’ of the locks inside the doors and trunk lid also prevents tampering with specialist ‘tools’. The use of deadbolt locks makes it virtually impossible for a would-be thief to forcibly break in.

Even if a thief were to gain entry, there would be little point in removing any of the car’s ‘infotainment’ systems. Apart from being uniquely designed to fit only a Saab car, they are electronically ‘married’ to their original ‘host’ car. They can only function in another Saab after being re-programmed at a Saab dealer.

A large number of major components are also security marked, enabling the police to trace them back to the car if they are recovered following a theft.

Anti Car Theft
To prevent the car being driven away, the immobilizer system uses both an electrical steering column lock and disablement of the engine management system.

When the ignition key is inserted in the floor-mounted switch, a transponder sends a signal to a control unit which then communicates with all systems in the car through the central integrated control module. The ‘start’ message from the key’s transponder is encrypted in complex, rolling codes which would take an estimated eight years for a would-be thief to ‘crack’.

Further measures have also been taken to combat the so-called professional thief, who may be stealing a car to order or for resale. Barriers, or ‘firewalls’, have been put in place to protect the car’s electronic systems from digital intrusion with illegal scanning devices.

As the car’s original key is such a vital component in the chain of security precautions, confidential measures have been put in place at Saab dealers to ensure there is no fraudulent issue of a replacement or duplicate key.

Alarm system
As a further back-up to the car’s perimeter security features, an advanced alarm system can also be specified. This engages a siren and flashing lights to discourage anyone from entering or trying to move the car.

The interior is monitored by ultrasonic motion sensors, which activate the alarm if anyone, for example, cuts through the soft-top, breaks the windows or reaches inside. This system has been tuned for a Convertible so that the alarm is not needlessly triggered, for example, by a leaf or a piece of paper etc. being blown inside when the roof is down. The alarm is, of course, also activated by any illegal attempt to open the doors, hood or trunk lid.

An optional ‘tilt’ sensor can be specified, which will sound the alarm if the car is lifted in any direction, such as during an attempt to tow it away or steal its wheels

A further refinement is the use of a hidden, separate battery to power the alarm system. This prevents a thief from disabling the alarm by disconnecting the main battery.

Personal Security
For greater personal security in the vicinity of the car, its alarm can also be activated within a range six meters by pressing an optional ‘panic’ button on the electronic key.

Functions such as ‘halo’ or ‘lead me to the car’ lighting and the ‘follow me home’ headlamp function can also be used for assistance when approaching or leaving the car.

Convenience features
There are a range of features which enrich the experience of using and ‘living with’ the 9-3 Convertible. They can make a significant contribution to developing a rewarding, interactive relationship between the car and its owner.

‘Smart’ door mirrors
Ever folded in the door mirrors and then forgotten to reposition them until you are back in the car? An annoying oversight that can’t happen in the 9-3 Convertible. Its electrically-operated mirrors are linked to a speed sensor and will automatically fold out once the car exceeds 30 mph. Standard feature.

A typical Saab innovation is the button for tilting the mirrors down. This function normally operates automatically when reverse gear is engaged. But it can be just as useful to tilt one or other mirror when going forwards, following a kerb or low wall, for example. A push of the button gives you the choice in the 9-3. Standard feature.

Remote Soft-top and window opening
In hot weather it may be useful to lower the roof and front windows before entering the car. This can now be done within a range of 6 meters by simply holding down the lock/unlock button on the remote control unit. Optional feature.

Automatic disconnect/connect fog lamps
To prevent the rear fog lamp being inadvertently left on when no longer required, it is automatically disconnected when the ignition is switched off. However, both front (where fitted) and rear fog lamps do not have to be switched on again if the engine stalls because they are programmed to remain ‘live’ for 30 seconds after the ignition is first switched on. Standard feature

Variable speedometer illumination
The ‘Night Panel’ feature allows all main dashboard illumination - except for the speedometer - to be switched off when driving at night. The Profiler function also enables the driver to restrict illumination of the speedscale to the range, 0 –90 kph. It will, of course, automatically illuminate if these speeds are exceeded. Standard feature.

Variable heating for the front seats
The thermostat for the heated front seats can be set at one of three temperatures (42,37 or 33°C) by simply pressing the relevant button once, twice or three times. The setting can also be permanently stored via the Profiler function. Standard feature.

Vertical wiper parking
If you want to cover the windshield - to prevent frosting up when parking outside or to help keep the interior cool in hot weather – the wipers can be parked in a vertical position by removing the key fob and pressing the control stalk once. Standard feature

Automatic air recirculation
To prevent the unpleasant smell of detergent in the windshield washer system entering the interior, the air conditioning can be programmed (through an authorized dealer) to briefly switch to ‘recirculation mode’ whenever the driver operates the washer system via the stalk control. Standard feature

‘Intelligent’ windshield washing
When the windshield is washed at speeds under 20 kph, the wipers will automatically make an additional sweep after an eight second delay to ensure the windshield is clear of any residual streaks. Standard feature.

Washer fluid saver
When there is less than one liter left in the washer fluid reservoir, the headlamp washer function will automatically de-activate in order to prioritize washing of the windshield only. Standard feature.

‘Halo’ lighting
When approaching the car, a simple blip of the remote control on the electronic key will turn on the exterior and main interior lights as a ‘lead-me-to-the-car’ function. With a range of up to 20 meters, this facility can help identify the car at night in a crowded car park, illuminate the immediate surroundings and discourage anyone from attempting to enter the car when it is being opened. Standard feature.

Welcome lighting
A warm welcome always awaits the driver courtesy of automatic soft footwell lighting, with ‘theatre’ dimming, and ‘puddle lights’ in the bottom of the doors to illuminate the ground outside. Likewise, at night the main interior light will switch on when the ignition key is removed so the driver or passengers are never left completely in the dark. These features are standard for all variants, expect Linear, which has 'puddle lights' only.

Accessories tailor-made for Individuality
True to its tradition as a sporty and multi-dynamic brand, Saab offers a wide choice of accessories for the Convertible that are intended to further enhance performance and design or practical functionality.

Wind tunnel-tested front and rear spoilers further enhances the looks and stance of the car while also improving its high speed stability. Other items include: sports suspension, fog lights, a sports exhaust and a range of alloy wheels up to 18 inches in size.Interior enhancements include poplar wood or alloy trim inserts for the gear shift lever and its housing, manual or automatic.

Practical accessories include: a cup-holder, CD holder and ice scraper for the Smart Slot feature; a wind deflector which folds into quarters for easy and convenient stowage; a hitch-mounted bike holder; a fixed or removable tow bar; and a rubber cargo mat.

A wide range of audio upgrades and telephone accessories is available. Also a pedal extension kit, an extensive range of engine heaters, Saab Parking Assistance and a Saab Anti-theft Alarm upgrade.

Next page: Specifications