With all-new front bodywork, ‘signature’ lighting, new door panels and rear styling features, the latest generation 9-3 acquires a more focused, assertive stance, reflecting the introduction of new technical advances.

Most noticeable is the sharper frontal styling, which adopts grille and hood themes first seen on the Aero X concept, together with a return of Saab’s classic ‘clamshell’ design.

This new ‘face’ is reinforced by other exterior changes that all combine to give the range a clearer, more distinctive Saab identity.

Above: the restyled front end (left) and the current model (Saab 9-3 Model Year 2007)

“We are introducing significant developments across three key areas: design, performance and handling,” says Jan Åke Jonsson, Managing Director of Saab Automobile.

“The result is a major step forward in strengthening the visual and driving appeal of our core product line-up, which accounts for about two-thirds of global sales.”

The new 9-3 range comprises Sport Sedan, SportCombi and Convertible models, each offering a ‘tri-fuel’ engine choice of gasoline, diesel or BioPower (E85).

Available in three forms, Linear, Vector and Aero, the range goes on sale from August 2007.

(Source: Saab)