Think TT and usually the iconic Audi sports coupe comes springing to mind. But Saab have a different sort of  TT that deserves to hog the limelight – the new Saab 9-3 TTiD.

This is the impressive new twin turbo diesel in the beautifully honed, mid-sized Saab saloon that just goes on getting better. But then I would say that – after all, Saab has always been one of my favourite brands during my past 28 years of road testing.

But the TTiD is the new star of the show for Saab, and with good reason. The 180bhp/295 lb ft TTiD has a two-stage turbocharging system – one for low engine speeds and start-up and a second, larger one kicking in at higher revs.

And Saab proves here that it up there with the big boys of the diesel world - namely BMW and Mercedes-Benz - who have developed diesel engines so smooth, refined and  quiet in recent years that it is sometimes hard to remember if there's a traditional petrol engine under the bonnet or an oil-burner.

For driving enthusiasts, there's no disappointment in having a diesel in this case. No clatter, joyous creamy-smooth performance, energetic but sweet delivery and lightning-quick response.

The manual Aero saloon I drove sprints to 60mph in a healthy eight seconds with a top speed of 140mph and just as importantly, returns nearly 50mpg overall, which is mightily impressive, considering the enjoyment you're getting from the car at the same time.

Factor in a fast-action, smooth and quiet six-speed manual gearbox and the dynamics are there for a good drive. And the wonderfully balanced front-drive 9-3 proves a lithe, relaxing and involving car with a near-perfect driving position, excellent  balance and solid stability in the straight-ahead opposition.

Bends can be tackled with supreme confidence, with tight turn-in and smooth exit, and the 9-3 snaps out of a roundabout flat and sure.

The 9-3, with its coupe-like profile, has always been a desirable car. But latest models  take this one step further, with a far more dynamic and aggressive front end, embracing contemporary and classic Saab design themes and a bold, assertive stance.

It has always been the case that nobody – but nobody – designs a more ergonomic and driver-friendly cockpit than Saab, and latest models follow this tradition faithfully.

The main instrument panel arcs around the driver, layout is logical and all controls have a tactile feel to them. Among a number of excellent features is night panel instrument illumination that can be dimmed to reduce visual 'clutter'.

I also love the pop-out cup-holder on the passenger side, which springs appealingly from the fascia and folds back silently in a magical piece of engineering that almost deserves a round of applause in itself.

The mid-sized 9-3 has never boasted the most passenger space yet rear legroom is acceptable and the car has the perfect proportions for involvement and everyday driving and manoeuvring.

And the seats also take a bit of beating – the top Aero model I tested was kitted out with rounded, all-black leather ones as comfy as an armchair yet supremely supportive and boasting all-electrical adjustment, so that they  can be tailored for body shapes of all sizes.

A wide, deep boot tunnels into the car a good way and includes an offside recess for extra space, though a small opening restricts the size of objects that can be loaded aboard, and there's a small lip to overcome when getting luggage in and out.

With generations of Saab fans behind them and a whole new bank of fans lining up to join them, things have never looked brighter for the Swedish masters who, with GM's backing, continue to make cars that both look good, drive impressively and continue to attract excellent residuals.

I've been admiring  them for nearly 30 years and for me, driving a Saab remains one of life's greatest motoring pleasures – immensely civilised without ever being boring.

At a glance:

• New Saab 9-3 range with dynamic new looks and leading-edge technology. Frontal styling inspired by Aero X concept.


• Prices from £18,575-£28,675.


• All-new 1.9TTiD twin turbo diesel offers class-leading combination of power and fuel economy –'best of both worlds', with good, instant torque at low engine speeds and strong top-end power at higher revolutions.


• Standard features include alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control with cooled glovebox, cruise control and car computer, Saab information display, tinted windows with heat absorbent glass and seven-speaker CD player.