Take note, fans of “old-school” Saabs dating back to the ’80s when the cars were known for their distinctive design will likely find the new 2008 models more appealing than the previous generation.

In fact, I’m just about sure of it. The exterior of the ’08 Saab gives the new model a throwback feel to the days when Saabs first started developing a big following in the U.S. for those looking for something more unique in a vehicle.

Key features of the 2008 Saab, inspired by some of the styling cues of the Aero X Concept, includes a new front end with a larger grille, smaller side grilles and a V-shaped hood. You’ll definitely recognize the difference between the previous model when you spot the new one on the road.

Other new exterior features on the Aero Sedan we tested include a new front fender; new headlamps, fog lamps and taillamps; new front and rear bumpers; unique front and rear bumpers with a matte chrome fog lamp surround. The 9-3 line-up also features color-matched Aero rocker panels on all models and new door handles.

A new headlamp design with a new available Xenon cornering headlamps that adjust horizontally in sync with the vehicle’s steering for greater visibility help to give the ’08 9-3 a sleeker look.

The new Saab also features new lenses in the taillamps with a smoked tint appearance. Road presence for the Aero model is also enhanced with a 17-inch, five-spoke, low-split alloy wheels — the same wheels used on the Saab 60th Anniversary editions.

The Saab’s 2.8L V-6 turbo has been modified to produce 255 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque for 2008, a five-horsepower improvement over the 2007 model. Nice.

The new model also features a system known as the “Active on Demand” system, which helps to improve fuel efficiency and gives the car a rear-wheel-drive feel. The system, which only activates when required, electronically engages the clutch before pressing on the gas to avoid wheel spin and achieve immediate and a maximum traction. No front wheel slip is required before the rear wheels are engaged.

The Saab’s most impressive maneuvering its way through city traffic — preferably in a manual for true performance buffs, which we found out after getting stuck with an automatic model for our review. Some rides just seem like they shouldn’t even come in an automatic because of their performance attributes. And Saab is definitely one of them.

Gas mileage is 15/city, 24/highway for the automatic Aero we tested, and 19/city, 26/highway for the 2.0T model. It’s slightly better for both models in a manual.

Inside, the 9-3 now includes an available semi-aniline leather upholstery that includes sport seats in Black or Parchment. It’s also available with a new top-of-the-line Bose surround sound system developed with a team of Bose engineers and Saab designers. For 2008, both XM Satellite Radio and OnStar are also now standard as with most of General Motors’ vehicles.

Standard safety features include driver and front passenger front airbag, Saab active head restraint, and anti-lock braking system.

For better ride and handling, the Saab now features what engineers describe as the “most exhaustive” development program in chassis dynamics ever undertaken by the automaker.

The new Saab also features a design element know as “the driver outward.” Simply put, that means all the features of the cabin including the instrumentation, controls and seating position have been developed from the driver’s perspective.

Only problem, Saab still has not completely ironed out some of those interior design corks that do not quite live up to the brand, such as the in-dash cup holder that almost feels like it’s going to break when you try to use it. Perhaps not as much of an issue on a base model that cost $28,000. But it is definitely worth noting on a top-of-the line ’08 model priced at around $40,000 like the one we tested.

Final analysis? Not quite “classic” Saab through and through, but definitely doable for those shooting for BMW or Lexus-like status and feeling that their money was well spent.

Marcus Amick is an automotive consultant and co-host of the automotive entertainment site, www.MotorRocks.com.

SPECS

Sticker: $40,855

MPG: 15 city/24 hwy

Available 17-inch alloy wheels

Standard OnStar

New Bose audio system