19 September 2002: Despite the rain in this part of the world, the UK and Germany are Europe’s biggest convertible markets. And the 2003 Saab 9-3 Convertible has been upgraded to make sure the car retains its key place in that market.

No less than six leather interiors, 11 paint colours, four facia panels and two roof colours are available. More to the point is a powertrain selection of 150bhp, 185bhp or 205bhp, 2-litre turbocharged engines.

Top of the range is the 205 bhp Aero model, complete with integrated sports bodystyling, 17-inch alloy wheels and a special sports leather interior.

The vehicle is not based on the latest 9-3 saloon, though, built on the GM Epsilon platform. That will come sometime next year.