First look: X marks 9-3

SAAB has whipped the covers off a facelifted 9-3 range, which is due on sale in Australia this year.

Apart from a fresh new face inspired by the Aero X concept car, the midlife makeover for Saab's smallest model here is also claimed to bring "significant developments" in terms of both performance and handling.

Images released globally today show the revised Swedish volume-seller features new "signature" headlights, as well as a different grille, doors and bonnet - the latter adopting a hallmark clamshell design.

Left: 2008 9-3 gets tough (above) Saab's Aero X concept. While no firm details have been revealed, Saab says the 9-3's new look aims to reflect the introduction of technical advances that deliver "an even more rewarding experience behind the wheel".

"We are introducing significant developments across three key areas: design, performance and handling," said Saab Automobile managing director Jan Åke Jonsson.

"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 facelift applies to the mid-sized 9-3 sedan, wagon (SportCombi) and convertible, each of which will offer three engine options: petrol, diesel or BioPower (E85).

Saab Australia has confirmed the 9-3's current variant names - Linear, Vector and Aero - will continue when the upgraded model goes on sale by the end of 2007.