THE new Saab 9-3 range will feature bold new styling, inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car, backed by cutting- edge technology for greater driving appeal.

With all-new bonnet, front bumper and wings, signature' lighting, new door panels and rear styling features, the latest generation 9-3 acquires a more focused, assertive stance, reflecting the introduction of technical advances aimed at delivering an even more rewarding experience behind the wheel.

Most noticeable is the sharper frontal styling, which adopts grille and bonnet themes first seen on the Aero X concept, together with a return of Saab's classic clamshell' design.

This new face' is reinforced by other exterior changes that all combine to give the range a clearer, more distinctive Saab identity.

Jan Ake Jonsson, managing director of Saab Automobile, said: "We are introducing significant developments across three key areas: design. 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 new 9-3 range comprises Sport Saloon, SportWagon and Convertible models, all available with petrol, diesel or BioPower (bioethanol E85) engine variants.

Available in four forms in the UK, Airflow, Linear SE, Vector Sport and Aero, the first cars will be delivered to the UK in the autumn.