This is the face of Saab’s new 9-3 range which is due on sale in the autumn, but the firm is keeping tight-lipped about what has changed under the skin.

Saab claims that as well as a new look inspired by the Aero X concept car shown at Geneva earlier this year, the 9-3 range will be a much better car to drive than its predecessor thanks to a raft of mechanical changes.

Due on sale in the UK in the autumn, the 9-3 will continue to be offered as a saloon, SportWagon estate and convertible and with the choice of petrol, diesel and BioPower bioethanol E85 engines. Trim levels have changed, with the new line-up offering the Linear SE, Vector Sport, Aero and the fleet specific Airflow.

Paul Adler, brand manager – fleet for Vauxhall, Saab and Chevrolet, said: “Our strategy with the new 9-3 is to cater for user-choosers and ensure it sits well against its premium-sector rivals.

“Adopting Linear SE and Vector Sport trim levels is significant because it allows ourselves to align the 9-3 with its rivals, so SE now compares with SE models and Sport with Sport trims from rivals.

This makes things a lot more obvious for fleet managers in comparing vehicles.”

Mr Adler added: “We have a great 9-3 as a result of these changes which underline the importance of the model to us in the fleet sector.”