WITH sales of the bigger 9-5 almost non-existent in Australia, Saab’s volume-selling 9-3 model has become even more vital to the Swedish brand. With the second-generation model introduced in 2002 not quite clicking with buyers, this mid-life facelift takes on even greater significance. This is reflected in the level of restyling undertaken, altering the look of the car considerably over the rather conservative original, which dated quickly. Not a lot has changed inside or underneath, but a massive selection of 48 models ensures that potential buyers will have to spend plenty of time studying the specification charts. Engines include a 1.9-litre turbodiesel, 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol turbos (in two levels of boost), a 2.8-litre V6 turbo and, for the first time, a BioPower version that enables the 2.0-litre turbo to run on up to 85 per cent ethanol (which is claimed to be environmentally better, but which is yet to become commercially available in Australia).