Hefty A-pillars on the 9-5 intrude slightly on vision, but are apparently designed to protect against 500-odd kilos of moose barging over the hood and into the cabin (an all-too-common occurrence in Sweden, we're told)

Power gizmos galore of course, including windows/mirrors and remote locking. The test car did not have the `premium' 200Watt Harman Kardon sound system fitted, but with 150W and seven speakers scattered through the cabin it still sounded good.

Ventilation was mildly disappointing, however. It works fine so long as the air-conditioner is running, but we never found a way to have fresh air entering the cabin in any quantity with air-con switched off; it's not always so hot that you need refrigeration.

The steering wheel is an appealing combination of wood and leather, and has a comfortingly sturdy feel, with a rim that is nicely grippable. It could possibly be slightly smaller in diameter but is very good to hold, and light in spite of its airbag.

And that excellent dashboard layout, with everything ideally located, has a couple of added touches that seemed - somehow - very, very Saab.

Press on a small vertical bar and an intricate system of folding arms blossom forth to create one of the most effective drink-holders in existence. Not immediately noticeable is that the speedo readings are grouped closer together above 120kmh (where you shouldn't be, anyway), making the lower readings easier to observe.

And the "Night Panel" switch; flick it and the entire dash is darkened apart from the speedo and "headlights on" light. Switches on the central panel and console remain dimly lit, so you can see to switch it back up, and of course there are back-up warning lights - amazing how much more relaxing it is on the eyes over a long journey at night.

The auto transmission in its normal mode requires fairly deep throttle before it downshifts, but the Sport mode is exactly what it claims to be. It holds on to higher rpm before changing up, as all sport modes do, but also downshifts at a mere breath of throttle pressure. Well, it seems that way at first, but get the new feel of the pedal and it is an absolute delight for quicker driving.

And such quickness is easily attained with the 9-5's turbocharged 2.3 litre "Ecopower" engine, a four cylinder unit that emphasises torque rather than power and delivers its peak torque at just 1800rpm. (A 3.0 litre V6 arrives later this year)

But the 2.3 puts some serious grunt on tap, enabling the 9-5 to accelerate with amazing ease and maintain high cruising speeds, averaging 11.1 L/100km fuel consumption (25.5mpg) on its preferred diet of premium unleaded.

Yet it all happens so quietly…

Just a whispering rush forward which, combined with the aircraft-like feel and our test car's midnight blue paintwork, led to it being dubbed the `stealth'! (But it can still fall prey to police radar.)

In the twisty bits, the 9-5's GM-derived platform has retained much, or all, of the handling precision expected. Front-drive understeer is well controlled, even when the turbo bites with full force, and the handling stability in no way detracts from ride comfort.

The 9-5 has all the desirable characteristics associated with Saab, combined with levels of comfort and convenience new to the Swedish marque. And if you order one in midnight blue, you can pretend you're piloting a stealth fighter….