SAAB'S problems have been well documented recently and it is not the only car company to have suffered set backs, what with recalls, tsunamis and the general economic climate.

But the stunning looking 9-5 looks certain to get the iconic Swedish brand back on the front foot.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but for me the big, revamped saloon is now one of the best looking cars in its class, with only Jag's XF providing real competition.

The mid-range test model takes the battle to the opposition with a comprehensively equipped executive saloon that is economical to run and costs under £30,000.

With emissions of under 160g/km this makes it even more of an attraction to the fleet market.

"We are giving a fresh, very modern expression to some of our classic brand design cues," says Simon Padian, Saab Brand Design Chief.

"We have taken visual themes in our recent concept cars, such as the Aero X, which are inspired by Scandinavian design and our brands aircraft heritage."

You can see what he means. The front end is an evolution on its predecessor, with signature Saab logo still prominent, but new headlamps with coloured insets dominate.

It looks good, but the back end must qualify as rear of the year.

The front now features a deep grille flanked with what Saab describe as curving, ice-block headlamp units that wrap around the front.

It has a sporty, feline, low-slung body with, a full-width, ice-block rear light bar housing the signature lighting.

It is a real alternative in the executive sector with its quirky styling both inside and out.

It still features the wrap-around cockpit-style dash/console, but the new binnacle, dials and indicators feature a compelling green displays and following an old tradition, the new starter button is situated in the centre console, in the same place the key start used to be.

The recessed main dials include an aircraft instrument-style speed read-out, while driver displays can include the optional head-up display in the windscreen.

Compared to its predecessor, legroom is increased both front and rear.

The choice of materials, the fit and finish are good, if not the best in the segment and everything is logically laid out. The optional leather seats were supportive and comfortable.

Despite its sloping profile headroom is good both front and rear while rear passengers get plenty of leg space while the boot is simply cavernous, with 515 litres available.

Powered by a two-litre twin turbo diesel engine that pumps out nearly 190bhp, the Saab is pretty rapid, accelerating to 60mph from a standstill in just 8.8 seconds.

Acceleration is so powerful that it does suffer from torque steer where the power snatches at the steering wheel, but thereafter accelerates briskly.

The bonus to the pace is the economy. The fuel gauge seemed reluctant to move as the car piled mile upon mile of town and motorway cruising. It used less than half a tank in seven days of continuous motoring.

Official average consumption figure is 47.1, the onboard computer was telling me I was getting 50-plus.

It may not be the quietest diesel but it is anything but raucous and the smooth six-speed gearbox box makes it an enjoyable ride.

The 9- 5 comes in Vector and Aero trim and a choice of petrol and diesel engines. The range starts with the two-litre diesel engine at £27,000.