2007 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible

It's been two decades since the first Saab convertible made its U.S debut. Since then, drop tops have become an integral part of the Swedish automaker's market mystique. This year, the born-from-jets set amps up its alfresco menu with an updated 9-3 Aero Convertible, the sportiest, most stylish descendent of its illustrious forebear--and with a new turbocharged V-6 underhood, easily the quickest. Adding to the mix, a 20 Years Edition turned out in Electric Blue metallic paint with color-keyed trim bits, unique alloy wheels, and--limited to 400 units, same as the original 1986 900 Convertible--could become one of the most collectible as well.

Like other 9-3 Aeros, the Convertible is motivated by a Saab-spec version of GM's 2.8-liter DOHC all-aluminum V-6. Fitted with a quick-spooling dual-scroll turbocharger, it cranks out 250 horsepower at 5500 rpm and churns up 258 pound-feet of torque from 2000 to 4500 revs. Those formidable stats bring up 60 mph in the 6.5-to-7.0-second range whether paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional six-speed Sentronic manumatic that lets you shift with a bump of the lever or a press of wheel-mounted buttons.

As luck would have it, our first encounter with the 9-3 Aero cabrio came as the Santa Barbara wine country was being inundated with copious amounts of California's finest liquid sunshine. While that unexpected twist threatened to turn an intro Saab had fashioned after Miles and Jack's excellent adventure into a markedly soggier "Sideways" sequel, it did more to showcase the efficacy of the Aero's standard stability/traction controls and the absence of torque steer than to dampen its spirits. When momentary dry spells allowed a bit of top-down flogging, the Saab quickly rose to the occasion. Its tauter chassis bits, 235/45VR17 tires, and potent ABS discs endow the Convertible with the same hypercompetent but decently compliant character as other 9-3 Aeros we've driven, while structural reinforcing minimizes cowl shake even in open mode.

Inside, the Convertible offers the bounty of cosseting amenities found in other Aero variants, although its $42,620 base price ($44,615 for the 20 Years Edition) adds a one-touch power top. This fully padded triple-layer lid deploys in 20 seconds, effectively sealing out the elements and keeping wind and road noise in check, even at freeway speeds. Quick cornering shows the bespoke belt-in-seat front buckets provide less lateral grip than their counterparts in the Aero Sedan and SportCombi, but you actually can park a pair of average-size adults in the Convertible's well-contoured fixed rear bench--and tote 8.3 cubic feet of bags in the trunk with the top down or 12.4 with it up.

There's a good reason why Saab Convertibles have always sold in disproportionately high numbers. Cool, comfortable, and now quicker than ever, the 9-3 Aero variant may not be able to supplant a BMW 3 Series Cabrio with ueber-enthusiasts, but it's got the panache and power to match thrills year 'round with key rivals, the Audi A4 and Volvo C70.