FOR years Saab has produced some of the most sought-after convertibles - distinctive and classy head-turners that hardly date and consequently suffer minimal depreciation.

Produced in limited numbers, they are sporting yet safely robust, exotic yet affordable, selected by sophisticated people with a streak of individualism.

Saab has now launched the latest 9-3 Convertible and, once again, it is a car to be seen in and, better still, to enjoy.

However the UK allocation for the first three months of launch is a mere 1,100, so you may have to wait if you want one.

You might well say that the wait bears no consequence, as, with winter drawing in, it is hardly convertible weather. But this is an all-weather car that can turn topless at the flick of a switch on those days when the sun shines, rather than a rag top in which you'll shiver on those frosty mornings.

The model tested was the 9-3 Vector 2.0t priced at £26,995 on-the-road before the optional lime yellow metallic paint finish, which adds £450.

The standard specification is high, including leather sports seats, computer, cruise control, and that automatic climate control to chill out in a heatwave or blow away the winter misting.

The car handles tautly, glued to the road and with barely a quiver in the body despite the absence of a "tin top" fixed roof bracing the chassis, and the performance is everything you could wish for.

The 175bhp Vector 2.0t can surge from standing to 60mph in 8.5 seconds and on to 137mph, yet returns around 31.7mpg on the combined cycle.

The new Saab is the most competitively-positioned four-seater convertible in the UK premium sector - all 9-3 Convertibles being equipped as standard with a fully automated electric soft top roof, alloy wheels, "infotainment" system, and seat-mounted head/thorax airbags.

Saab's unique CargoSET self-expanding trunk and DynaCage rollover protection with pop-up roll bars are also standard throughout the Convertible range, all part of a safety package, which earned five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests.

The 9-3 Convertible is not just one car but a range, the first reaching our shores being fitted with the 175bhp 2-litre turbocharged engine, followed by the same capacity but 210bhp Aero performance flagship, and finally the 150bhp entry 1.8 turbo by the end of the month.

Depending on engine, there is a choice of five- and six-speed manual transmissions or optional 5+2 Sentronic paddle-shift automatic transmissions, and then there are the three trim levels - Linear, Vector and Aero.

The 9-3 Convertible range starts at £23,895 on the road for the well-equipped Linear 1.8t model. That's more than £500 less than the base Audi Cabriolet, almost £1,000 lower than the entry BMW 318I Convertible, and a staggering £7,350 more affordable than the cheapest Mercedes-Benz CLK Convertible.

The Saab also has a higher level of standard specification than these German rivals, making it the best value premium four-seater convertible on the British market.

The sporting 9-3 Vector derivatives cost £2,000 more than the Linear models. The 2.0t 175bhp engine is £1,100 more than the 150bhp 1.8t, and the range-topping 210bhp Aero starts at a tempting £28,895.

Running costs also promise to be class-leading, with the lowest insurance groupings in the sector - groups 13E, 15E and 17E depending on power output - along with low CO2 emission levels and very strong residual value forecasts, according to independent experts.

For more information, call Newbury Saab on 01635 529595.