SAAB, the Swedish brand with aeronautical roots, has fallen off the radar screen in recent years.

You can't blame it, not when its parent group General Motors has got problems staying afloat.

Unlike Ford Motors' Volvo, Saab's product line-up is a bit dated. And in today's market, newness is next to godliness.

Which explains why far fewer Saabs are sold here than Porsches. With 153 cars registered in the first nine months, Saab is outsold by Volvo nearly five to one.

It is a real shame because Saabs are great drives. Those in the know - and there is a hardcore group of fans - will pick a Saab over a BMW any day.

Sure, Saab does not have BMW's impeccable brand equity. But the marque has a quiet appeal of something with status but not snobbery.

And although the spec sheets don't show it, a Saab will outpace a Beemer easily - by virtue of its turbo power plant.

Saabs also possess lots of roadholding prowess, with loads of predictability which bring out the best in average drivers like myself.

This trait dates back to the time when Saab was a small independent carmaker. And it is likely to prevail when a new generation of cars arrives in the next two years.

Which is why 'new' isn't all that relevant to Saab. Take for example the 9-3 Convertible here. It is as stunning and as fun to pilot as the day the model was first launched four years ago.

The car has been given a minor facelift, which is mostly cosmetic.

The most dramatic change is in front - a deeper, bolder radiator grille inspired by the Aero X concept gives the car a nice lift.

Smoked white lamp covers in the rear make the car look more aggressive. Flared side sill extensions are standard issue now. And the bumper mouldings are new.

Except for the grille and rear lights, the changes are at best subtle.

The drive is as engaging and as 'Saab-ish' as I recall. The car overtakes with aplomb, with the engine's formidable mid-range coming into play with no hesitation.

The only quibble has to do with refinement. In terms of noise, harshness and ride comfort, the 9-3 lags behind newer cabriolets which have emerged in the last four years.

That shortcoming, however, disappears once you fold the canvas roof away (with one touch of a button). Top down, the 9-3 remains one of the most beautiful cars in town. Especially in the new crimson red you see here.

And somehow, you don't feel as vulnerable in the Swede as you would in some other soft-top cars.