INDUSTRY analysts and the major leasing companies are predicting trend-busting improvements in residual values for Saab cars.

The Swedish manufacturer is entering its second year as an independent company and rising confidence among business users is being reflected in a residual value boost for its core 9-3 range.

And according to analysts CAP, the residual value of Saab's top-selling model, the 9-3 1.9-litre Turbo Edition diesel saloon, has risen by more than £1,000 during the last 10 months.

Jeff Knight, CAP's monitor chief, said: "The rise in forecast values for the Saab 9-3 over the last ten months has been driven by an increased confidence in the brand, allied to an improved product content creating a better future used car."

With CO emissions of 119g/km in combination with the 180bhp variant, the most powerful sub-120g/km car on sale in the UK, the 9-3 saloon and sportwagon are within the lowest diesel benefit-in-kind taxation band for company car drivers.

Recent specification improvements such as Bluetooth phone connectivity, leather upholstery and heated front seats are fitted as standard on all models.

Saab sales have increased by 73.5 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2020 and sales manager Paul Adler said: "With more new products to come later this year, such as 9-5 SportWagon and 9-4X crossover, Saab is in good shape to continue its renaissance."