Saab's premium 9-3 Convertible offers a true luxury experience thanks to sumptuous leather seats, premium Bose audio system, and redesigned cockpit with automatic climate control (so smart that it automatically shuts off the air conditioning when the top is down and turns it back on when the top is up). One unusual feature that I especially enjoyed is a SpeedWatch system that functions a bit like a manual cruise control: Set a preferred speed on the dashboard monitor, and the vehicle will chime to alert you if you exceed it. Because of the spirited performance of its 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter engine with high-output turbocharger, it was convenient to have such a gentle reminder preventing me from provoking unwanted attention from my local highway patrol. Acceleration is lively, shifts are smooth, and handling is agile. The cockpit is quiet, and wind buffeting is minimal; in fact passengers could easily converse with the top down, even at speeds as high as 80 mph.

Storage is sufficient, with two cupholders up front, and map pockets in the doors to hold small items. The center console will hold a few cds and other essentials, though the cavernous locking glovebox makes up for the other smallish nooks by being roomy enough to hold sunscreen and baseball caps for all your passengers. The trunk promises 12.4 cubic feet of storage with the top open, and 8.3 cubic feet with the top down. (This is comparison to 15 cubic feet for the same model in its hardtop body style.) The owner's manual promises that's enough room to hold two golf bags, and even includes instructions to ensure you can wedge them both in there. Powerpoints accessible in the dash and console will allow you to connect two electronic devices.

Safety features include two-stage side seat-mounted airbags, a DynaCage system that helps provide rollover protection with pop-up rear roll bars, strengthened A-pillars and sills, automatic seat-belt pre-tensioning, electronic stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes with brake assist. Standard Saab Active Head Restraints are fitted to the front seats to help counter the risk of neck injury in rear-end impacts. And, like its siblings, the 9-3 Sport Sedan and SportCombi, the Saab 9-3 Convertible was named a "2008 Top Safety Pick" by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, following its first-ever crash tests for open cars last year. The premium package upgrade also adds directional Xenon headlights to aid visibility when cornering as well as a rear parking assist that beeps to help identify the proximity of anything behind the car (including people who might be inattentive enough to walk behind a moving car). A cool night panel illumination feature eliminates all nonessential dashboard lights to reduce eye fatigue on long dark drives.

In convertible form, it is a four-seater, though I offer my condolences to whomever is forced to ride in back. Two backseat anchors and tethers offer safe locations for two child seats, though if you choose to mount your carseat into the center position (as I usually do), be warned that you will block the seatbelt buckles for both outside spots, effectively turning the car into a three-seat vehicle. The passenger seat airbag automatically deactivates when empty or if it senses that a child seat has been installed, in case for some reason your littlest one needs to sit in front.

EPA fuel economy estimates rate the Saab at 18 mpg in the city, and 24 mpg on the highway, though my weeklong test revealed actual average mileage of 20.4 miles per gallon. That's quite respectable considering the constant temptation to bash the go-pedal to experience its delightful acceleration on the many highway test drives I was compelled to share with friends.

Meant to compete with the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and BMW 3-Series, the 9-3 2.0T convertible starts at $39,590. Add in the premium package (Xenon headlights, power passenger seat, rear park assist, and memory driver seat), Lynx Yellow exterior treatment (which adds the eye-catching paint, trunk spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, and premium audio system), heated front seats, automatic transmission, and delivery charges, and our test vehicle totaled $46,425.

Sometimes impractical is okay. I certainly can't think of a better way to auto-indulge my convertible compulsions!

By Brandy Schaffels
AskPatty.com Editor and Convertible Connoisseur