It's A tough job making a thoroughly modern Saab look thoroughly different.
The new 9-3 range that we were driving in Sweden on Thursday and Friday last, is very Saab-like and indeed at a quick glance, it could be mistaken for its bigger 9-5 sibling.
It's far from radical in style, then, but within this frame, there's a good-looking profile that has been enhanced with a wider track, longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs, all adding up to more cabin space, particularly for legs and heads.
Perhaps the biggest change is that the new 9-3 which is going on Irish sale on September 23rd, is in saloon format. In previous manifestations like the 900, it majored as a three and five-door hatchback.
But the competition is overwhelmingly saloon these days, and Saab's General Motors masters wants a vastly expanded customer base. Currently it's around 130,000 a year. For Saab president Peter Augustsson, getting to 200,000 would bring "a good level of profitability".
Those buyers who aren't keen on the saloon or would normally opt for the hatchback, will have the option of a sporty estate, a four-wheel-drive version and a new convertible, all of which will be making their debut in the next couple of years.
The GM and Opel connection means the 9-3 has the same platform as the new Vectra, while the 2.0 litre petrol engine is also Vectra-derived.
There are three different outputs, 150, 175 and 210 bhp. Non-Saab people could easily get confused: the 150 bhp version is badged 1.8t. Diesel is represented by the 2.2TiD that develops 125 bhp and is carried over from the old car.
Saab has given the new 9-3 lots of hype claiming, for instance, "a unique fun-to-drive experience that promises to set new standards for the class". The prospect of punitive penalties for that "experience" on empty Swedish roads inhibited most of us, but it does feel balanced and precise and the turbocharged power comes in smoothly with nice progression.
Saab insists the new car offers better direction stability, steering precision and braking performance
Actually the driving experience is as much about the seating and its ambience: the ergonomics in other words. The driving seat is a model of efficiency in its adjustment, while the instruments and controls are smartly and logically laid out.
The current or old 9-3 range that gives way to the new model in September, starts at €31,330 ex-works, going all the way to €55,945 for the convertible.
Scanveco, the Saab importing company here, hasn't any word yet on Irish prices but spokesman Anthony Neville hopes that the entry-level car will come in at under €35,000 ex-works. He is expecting between 900 and 1,000 sales next year.