In a bid to obtain a greater share of the company car action, Saab have introduced a sub-range of their 9-3 and 9-5 models which they call Airflow. This tailored for- business only specification is available either the 1.8 petrol or 1.9 diesel turbocharged engines in the 9-3 Sport Saloon and Sportwagon variants and eye-catching features include a set of splendid looking 17 inch alloy wheels and colour coding for the door handles, exterior mirror surrounds, bumpers and sills.

The saloon gets the rear spoiler that’s a standard fitment to the Sportwagon while the latter has been given dark glass with a chrome surrounding at the rear.

In a nutshell, the Airflows offer a higher specification for a lower price than their equivalent Linear models which effectively reduces the P11D prices and therefore increases the associated tax benefits for the company car driver.

Options are limited but a satellite navigation system with advanced voice recognition is available while Sportwagon users can also specify roof rails.

Main focus of enhancements to the Saab 9-3 range for 2007 concern the view from the driving seat. The front fascia, instrument displays and controls have been given a much cleaner and sharper look, at the same time improving driver interaction and communication. The result is a cockpit-inspired driving environment but which retains a distinctive Saab feel.

The principal instrument panel is now framed by a matte chrome line with the same finish being given to all key controls, which are now rotary in function.

In effect, the new cockpit is a modern interpretation of the look of the classic, first generation Saab 900 main fascia, while the move to rotary controls also reflects a design theme found in the 9-5.

As part of the strategy to improve driver interaction, the number of separate information displays and single-use buttons has been rationalised. All key information is now presented in the main instrument cluster, eliminating the need for the previous high level supplementary display on top. This centralises driver information and warning messages to a single zone, in the lower portion of the speedometer, improving communication as well as the aesthetics. What’s called the Profiler facility, offering driver pre-sets for a wide range of functions, is now operated from steering wheel buttons, instead of a push and select fascia knob, with onscreen prompts and selections shown in the main instrument display. Automatic climate control modes, the clock/alarm, speed scale illumination and, where fitted, the anti-theft alarm, parking assistance, rain sensitive wipers and heated seats can all be tailored in this way.

The main instrument dials and air vent controls are now finished in matte chrome trim. Green instrument backlighting is retained.

The sporty performance of both the petrol and diesel engines is brought into sharper focus by the fitment of a closeratio, six-speed manual transmission.

The 150 hp petrol unit tested most recently can reach 60 mph in just over 10 seconds and the top speed is more than 130 mph – but it’s the car’s ability to overtake so effortlessly, thanks to that turbo technology, that’s most impressive feature of the drive. Combined fuel consumption figure is just over 30 mpg.

Saab traditionalists will be more than happy with the 9-3’s handling, what’s called the ReAxs geometry system allows the car to steer with all four wheels.

Skid-reducing and progressive ESP includes ABS brakes supported by cornering brake control, electronic brake distribution and mechanical brake assist.

In the new models, all occupants benefit from dual-zone automatic climate control which is now standard throughout the range. The simplified display panel features rotary controls and fewer buttons.

The rest of the interior is unchanged across the range except for the addition of a matching trim insert on the glove box lid.

This Saab is for exclusive company car drivers and comes with a badge to be proud of. Fleet managers, the requests are going to pour in...