Entry-level executive cars used to start at around £20,000. Not any more. The cheapest BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-class models are in the £25,000 bracket. Refreshing then, to find that Saab's entry-level 9-5 2.0t costs from £21,480.

That's just for the entry-level Linear model of course - but it's still very well equipped. If you want more, there are also Linear Sport, Vector and Vector Sport versions in saloon or (for a £1,200 premium) estate guises. If you're not up to speed on your 9-5s, it's worth pointing out that there are also 185bhp 2.3t and 250bhp 2.8 models available, as well as a four cylinder 1.9 TiD 150bhp diesel.

The 9-5 line-up has been much improved in recent times, notably with that new front end. 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 facelift goes a whole lot further than a mere window dressing, however, and Saab claim that every piece of panelling ahead of the windscreen pillars is new. The rear end has been tidied and modernised with a more streamlined-looking rear valance and bumper assembly.

Drop inside and you'll be able to tell it's a Saab even if you're wearing a blindfold. The cliff-like fascia, the odd combination of super-soft thermoplastics and harder materials more akin to a mainstream car and the key slot on the transmission tunnel mark the 9-5 down as a product that could only have come from Trollhattan. The rather unusual steering wheel design debuted in the 9-3, not the Flash Gordon movies as some may suspect, and is actually rather more pleasant to use than its looks would suggest. There are also a number of small detail changes to the instruments and cabin. Chrome-ringed dials, an uprated information system, better quality ventilation controls and the repositioning of some minor functions to help ergonomics are all welcome, but expect a cutting edge executive car interior and you're likely to be disappointed. Swedish functionality wins out over design flair in this instance.

"The recent improvements, together with some notable company car tax benefits, put the 9-5 2.0t in a strong position."

The 2.0-litre engine's torque figure of 177lb/ft gives it an advantage over many executive rivals. This lends the Saab a more imperious outside lane attitude and the engine's bigger muscles can be felt around town when you won't need to trouble the gearstick to frequently. The sprint to 60mph takes just 9.6 seconds, whilst the top speed of 134mph is again very class-competitive.

The 9-5's chassis is, much as Saab hate us noting, based on an extended Vauxhall Vectra platform, itself not the first place you'd start to build a credible executive express. Over the years however, Saab have fettled this pig's ear into something that may not feel like a silk purse but comes laudably close. Whereas the original 9-5 model felt quite skittery when you applied the power to the front wheels mid-corner, the latest generation car deploys its power far more cleanly, making it feel more of a driver's tool than the old motorway mogul ever was. With weight taken out of the subframe and more rigidity built in, the Saab feels lighter on its feet than of old, and the chassis engineers have also had a fiddle with the damper, springs and roll bar settings. The result is a far sportier drive than whilst still retaining a degree of suppleness.

Aside from the most astonishing cup-holder in the automotive world, there are the typical Saab design cues including the centrally mounted ignition barrel and vertiginous fascia. It's neither slick nor pretty but it feels rock solid and incredibly well thought through. In terms of cabin space, you'll find a decent amount of elbow room and (in the estate) a decent 416-litre boot which grows to 890 litres with the rear seats folded. In the saloon, there's 15.9 cu/ft of luggage capacity accessible via split-folding rear seats that also feature a ski-flap. Safety as ever, has also been a priority and all the obvious protection is there, with careful touches that even stretch to anti-whiplash head restraints and those pre-tensioning seat belts.

In summary, the latest Saab 9-5 2.0t has set itself a very big mountain to climb. Still, the recent improvements, together with some notable company car tax benefits, put it in a strong position. If you don't care for badge snobbery, the 9-5's case looks even stronger. Check one out before you take a more conventional choice.

TOP 5 9-5 DEALS

The results below show the top 9-5 deals on buyacar

	Saab 9-5 2.0t Linear SE 5dr BioPower Estate
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £6,369	Price £19,076
	Saab 9-5 2.0t Linear SE 4dr Saloon
	ETR	Mthly £352	Saving £5,896	Price £17,764
	Saab 9-5 2.0t Vector Sport 4dr Saloon
	ETR	Mthly £389	Saving £6,511	Price £19,489
	Saab 9-5 2.0t Airflow 5dr Auto Estate
	ETR	Mthly £407	Saving £4,248	Price £20,057
	Saab 9-5 2.0t Airflow 5dr [Sat Nav] Estate
	ETR	Mthly	Saving £4,409	Price £20,556

typical 11.80% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000