Saab has added several new interior colors, available with both the velour and optional leather packages, but the dominant hue is still black. Saab stylists suggest black makes it easier to find buttons and other controls.

Saab upgraded door and window seals on the 9-3. But while the new car is definitely quieter than the old 900, it's still not quite as quiet as some of the other vehicles in its class. There was a bit more road noise than we might have expected, but that might have been attributable to the aggressive set of developmental snow tires we had mounted for our cross-continental trip.

Traveling from Alaska to Florida was a great way to test the efficiency of the climate control system, and after 5,800 miles we had no complaints. It provided plenty of heat, good defrost distribution, and its improved air conditioning system clearly came through as we reached sweltering south Florida.

The unusual Night Panel display (an upgraded version of the 900's Black Panel), proved a blessing during our all-night death marches. After a few hours driving in the dark, even the most well-designed instrument panel can become harsh and distracting. With the Night Panel, simply press a button to black out everything except the speedometer. If there's a problem, such as low coolant or fuel, a warning light will automatically pop on.

Saab has traditionally emphasized both active and passive safety features, and the 9-3 won't disappoint those who consider safety a key attribute. Dual front airbags are complemented by head and thorax side-impact airbags. But the most innovative addition to the redesigned 9-3 is the Saab Active Head Restraint system. In a rear impact, the headrests swing forward just enough to catch and cradle your cranium, reducing the odds of whiplash and other head and neck injuries.