Skip advert
Advertisement

Cool cabrios

Run a cabrio in winter? You must be joking! We see how Saab’s new 9-3 convertible and Volkswagen's Eos shape up as all-year all-rounders

Saab 9-3 cabrio v VW Eos

Cabriolets are like ice cream – they sell well in the summer. After all, when the sun is shining, there’s nothing like opening the roof to enjoy the fresh air.

But unless you’re lucky enough to own two cars, you’ll have to live with your cabrio when winter comes. So it makes sense to test them in the hardest conditions, as we are doing here with Saab’s revamped 9-3 and the VW Eos. Saab recently re-engineered the 9-3 range, but the Swede still has a fabric hood. We try the entry-level 150bhp 1.9 TiD Linear SE, which costs £26,430.

That’s considerably more than the £22,647 Eos 2.0 TDI Sport, which follows the coupé cabrio trend, and has a retractable steel roof. So which is our top choice for beating the big chill?

Verdict

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.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,568 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,721 off RRP*Used from £8,711
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2
Ford Fiesta facelift - front cornering

Ford Fiesta to return? Icon could be reborn as re-nosed Volkswagen ID.2

VW’s sales and marketing boss considers Ford tech share “very successful” – and won’t rule out future projects
News
30 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025