First look: Saab massages 9-3

SAAB has unveiled photos of its refreshed 2007 9-3 range but it’s a case a blink and you’ll miss them.

Apart from four new exterior colours and new styled alloys, most of the changes appear to have been made to the interior and dashboard.

The much-vaunted high-level display below the windscreen has disappeared and will be integrated into the instrument cluster. In its place a rather last-minute looking plastic patch.

Saab says it has focused on "rationalising the number of separate information displays and single-use buttons".

The interior style looks similar to the venerable 900 range, with large circular dials for heating and ventilation and all the driver information contained in the instrument cluster.

Bluetooth-enabled phone connection is also standard.

The main instrument dials and Saab-signature air-vent controls are finished in matt chrome trim.

Instrument graphics have been given a sharper, clearer look, while another Saab-typical feature, green instrument illumination, is retained.

Engine outputs remain the same, while a close-ratio six-speed manual is offered on high-output turbos apart from the V6 Aero.