The Saab 9-5 has always had its work cut out. Aimed at a sector including the likes of the BMW 5-series, the Mercedes E-Class and the Audi A6, it has some well-loved manufacturers to compete with. Saab are learning that they are unlikely to reach the success of BMW and Audi and are underplaying the potential success of the facelifted 9-5 model by saying that "it isn't quite there yet". In the fashion stakes, Saab corner the market dominated by Volvo and Skoda, offering a mix of executive class and practicality. They want to attract the buyer looking for an executive saloon with the added bonus of being suited to the family vacation.

The front end of the new 9-5 is based on the 9-X concept car and appears to be the design direction for many future Saab models. When a new design template is launched, there inevitably tends to be criticism, especially if the design in question has the potential to cause an impact within the industry. Saab appear to get the mix just right; they have achieved a design template with enough pizzazz to make a statement about the future of the brand whilst being pleasing to the eye. The chrome headlight surrounds and clean finish to the grille and bumper sections give the 9-5 serious presence without resorting to the sorts of me-too contrivances that have afflicted certain rivals. The rear end has been tidied and modernised with a more streamlined-looking rear valance and bumper assembly. Many people struggle to find a car that is executive enough to give the right sort of image and be practical enough for the family. Many buyers in this predicament choose a vehicle like the Saab 9-5, a car with enough practicality for the family holiday and a reasonable amount of road presence and luxury to impress clients.

The 150bhp 2.0-litre turbo four kicks the range off, whilst the 185bhp 2.3t model is also well worth a look and both of these units are available in BioPower form - able to run on a mix of unleaded and E85 bioethanol. The manic 256bhp Aero model translates into an overtaking weapon with few equals and represents keen value too. A 150bhp 1.9-litre TiD unit is now the only offering for diesel customers. Developed in conjunction with Fiat and produced at the FMA plant in Italy, Saab have produced a top-class powerplant. With development budgets being what they are, if Saab were still an independent company they would never have been able to afford the design, testing and construction of such a sophisticated powerplant. This 1.9-litre unit replaces both the 2.2 and 3.0-litre TiD engines previously used in this line-up. Mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard with the option of a six-speed auto, there's plenty of scope for plugging the car straight into the meat of the torque curve. With at least 90% of peak torque available in a broad load running from 1,750 to 3,250rpm, you'll be guaranteed respectable progress. After all, peak torque for the 16v engine is 315Nm so you'll not be lacking overtaking response.

Billed as the credible manufacturer for those who won't be seen dead in a German status symbol like BMW or Audi in fear of the stereotype, the Saab attracts executive types looking for a sophisticated ride. The 9-5 looks good, drives good and delivers some definite road presence, criteria that many executives find at the top of their lists. Where it loses points in the fashion stakes, the Saab 9-5 builds them up again on the practicality side making the 9-5 one of the best cars for business people with kids in tow. If you fancy yourself as a bit left field and are looking of an alternative to the obvious choice of executive model, then the Saab 9-5 could be the car of your dreams.