New 9-3: just like we said

Saab has lifted the sheets on its updated 9-3. And just as tipped here at The Carsales Network, the new model sees a return of the Swedish marque's traditional 'clamshell' bonnet as well as other key 'facial' changes.

Although full tech details will not surface until next month, a limited number of official images of the new Saab 9-3 range were released today. According to Saab, they reveal that the new 9-3 features styling "inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car and cutting edge technology for greater driving appeal."

The visual changes include all-new front bodywork, "signature" lighting, new door skins and changes to the rear. Most of these changes were telegraphed by our Carparazzi spy shots published last month (more here).

Off the record, Saab staffers say the changes are more than skin deep, however. Though its highly unlikley there will be wholesale mechanical changes, the new car is claimed to benefit from a number of small but significant tweaks.

Saab says the changes give the new 9-3 "a more focused, assertive stance, reflecting the introduction of technical advances aimed at delivering an even more rewarding experience behind the wheel."

The maker says the changes are also aimed at given the range a "clearer, more distinctive Saab identity."

"We are introducing significant developments across three key areas: design, performance and handling," Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Managing Director said of the update. "The result is a major step forward in strengthening the visual and driving appeal of our core product line-up [9-3], which accounts for about two-thirds of global sales."

The changes will be applied across the 9-3's three existing body styles -- Sport Sedan, SportCombi (wagon) and Convertible.

The maker says it will continue to offer the choice of petrol, diesel or BioPower (E85) engines with local sources confirming diesel and petrol will kick the Australian range off in the last quarter of 2007.

BioPower will follow if demand warrants it, they say.

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