Cool cabrios

There’s no denying that Saab’s revisions add more dynamism to the 9-3 Convertible. It’s handsome with the top down and is a well thought out cabriolet, thanks to its rapid hood and warm cabin. It has less scuttle shake than before and therefore drives better. Yet when compared with the Eos, the Saab still feels like a car due a revamp, not a model that’s just had one.

The body structure isn’t stiff enough, the handling lacks poise and although the cabin is roomy, the quality is simply not good enough for a car costing over £26,000.

Not only is the Eos nearly £4,000 cheaper, it’s faster, better to drive, more attractive inside and out, more efficient and significantly cheaper to run. It’s not as spacious, and fitting four inside is trickier, but that’s a trade-off we’re happy to make. The VW’s quality is superior, and its folding steel roof, with integrated electric sunroof, is truly state-of- the-art and very well packaged.

But it’s how well the Eos stacks up as an overall proposition that sees it emerge victorious here. Not only has the VW defeated more conventional opponents such as the Focus CC and Astra TwinTop, it’s proved it has the talent to beat premium rivals. No wonder it’s our favourite cabrio.