A 'MAKEOVER' is hardly adequate to describe what the facelifted Saab 9-3 has undergone. What was once an understated Swedish family sedan has been transformed into the Ultraman-mobile.

The 9-3's 'frontal styling' is inspired by Saab's futuristic Aero X concept car and derived from the carmaker's aircraft heritage. Seventy per cent of the external body panels and parts are new.

These include the headlights, grille, bumper and clamshell bonnet (a signature Saab feature). Together with the smoked white lenses of the tail lamps, the overall result is stylishly high-tech. Things look promising. Until you step into the cabin.

The interior remains virtually unchanged. The vertical design of the dashboard is retained and everything looks the same except for the addition of one 'S' button near the instrument binnacle. When engaged, it turns on the all-new Sport mode feature, which holds the gear instead of changing up or down for faster acceleration or better engine braking respectively.

During braking, downshifts are effected more quickly too in order to closely match the car's deceleration.

But perhaps the biggest improvement to the new 9-3 - and the one which is unseen - is the chassis. The suspension has been tweaked for a sportier yet more resilient ride. The damping quality has been upgraded and bumps on the road have become less intrusive. Along with the now wider 17-inch wheels, the steering also feels more accurate and displays sharper turn-in.

The driving dynamics are complemented by the ReAxs passive rear wheel steer characteristic, which continues to be offered on the 9-3 for optimum handling.

If you're not behind the wheel, however, you are likely to experience something different in the new 9-3 - the lack of cabin noise. The squeaks and rattles of old have been banished and one reason is that the door sills' previously plastic lining are now rubberised. The bottom of the glove box also has a rubber mat to further reduce unwanted sounds.

The 9-3 sedan comes in three variants - a 2.0t with its so-called Linear trim, the 2.0T Aero, and the more powerful 2.8 V6 Turbo Aero. The entry-level 2.0t has a smaller turbo than the Aero and does without certain equipment like the latter's sports seats. It only has 150 horses and 240 Newton-metres of torque - 60 hp and 60 Nm less than the Aero. But it is also significantly cheaper at $134,888.

On the other hand, the 2.0T Aero has a bigger turbocharger and nicer accents in the cabin, along with two electric front seats and a rain sensor, among other things.

As for the top-of-the-line V6 model, it has had its engine uprated and now packs an extra five hp to 255 hp and 350 Nm of torque. It takes just 7.5 seconds to hit 100 kmh from standstill with its six-speed automatic gearbox.

Overall, the Saab 9-3 has had 2,000 improvements and changes. It may not look new all over but it certainly feels a lot less old.

Saab 9-3 2.0T Aero

Engine: 1,998cc turbocharged
Gearbox: 5-speed automatic transmission
Max power: 210 hp @ 5,300 rpm
Max torque: 300 Nm @ 2,500-4,000 rpm
0-100 kmh: 8.8 secs
Top speed: 230 kmh
Price: $153,888 (with COE)
Distributor: Trans Eurokars, tel 6251-6888