IF the second generation 9-5 Aero is anything to go by - then it is to be hoped that Saab can overcome it's current financial difficulties.

Having emerged from the meltdown at General Motors barely eighteen months ago, when it was bought by Dutch sports car specialist Spyker, the Swedish firm currently finds itself fighting for survival once again.

Which is a real shame because this executive flier shows that the company may, once more, be heading in the right direction after regaining its independence.

Although largely developed while still under GM ownership, the new look 9-5 saloon was the first model to be launched following the buyout and was billed as heralding in a new era.

That may be stretching it a bit, especially given the current travails, but there is certainly enough here to suggest that, if it survives, Saab still has plenty to offer to those business types who prefer not to go down the well trodden BMW, Mercedes or Audi route.

It certainly made a big impression with family and friends during my week behind the wheel.

My elder sister, who does a lot of miles in her job and knows her cars, was besotted. My younger sister's other half, who drives for a living, was similarly impressed. And a good mate who runs his own business was moved to ask if I had won the lottery when I pulled up outside his house.

Admittedly, that may not represent a fair cross section of the marketplace or add up to very in depth market research - but it does suggest that the beefed up design is striking the right chord with exactly the aspirational types Saab are aiming for.

The trademark aeroplane-inspired aerodynamics are unmistakable while the muscular, low slung stance gives the 9-5 some real presence.

The Aero version is the sportier option - Vector SE models being set up more for comfort - and offers a stiffer suspension for sharper handling and some nifty performance.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol powertrain, coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, generates 220bhp and will get you from 0-62mph in less than eight seconds while a top speed of 149mph means you'll never be lacking pace on the motorway.

And while not quite as engaging as might be expected when you get chance to open it up on the country lanes, the driving experience is an untroubled and enjoyable one with the engine proving smooth and reasonably refined.

The 9-5 is equally capable in town, where the light steering makes nipping in and out of the traffic easy enough - although the car's sheer dimensions will make you grateful that front and rear parking sensors are fitted as standard when you try to squeeze into any tightish spots.

It's size, however, is also one of the 9-5's advantages.

With a longer wheelbase than the Vauxhall Insignia, it's former GM stablemate with which it still shares many elements, there is plenty of space in the cabin for five adults and head and leg room should not be an issue for anyone while the boot should easily swallow a couple of crammed suitcases or the ubiquitous golf clubs.

It's fairly plush inside too, with leather upholstery as standard and heated front sports seats with eight-way electronic adjustment, armrests front and rear, dual zone climate control, electric windows all round, Bluetooth connectivity and a top line stereo system with USB and aux-in sockets.

A superior audio system with hard drive storage, satnav and dual screen rear video entertainment systems can also be added as cost options.

Ambient lighting in the doors, footwell and instrument panel, creates a chilled out feel after dark and there is brushed metal trim aplenty and sporty touches like the leather racing style steering wheel and alloy pedals.

The premium feel is let down slightly by some lower grade plastics around the dash and centre console, which as also a little cluttered, but the overall feel is still one of quality.

And the 9-5 is positively bristling with technology to aid driving, not least of which is the innovative head up display which the driver can choose to have illuminated in the windscreen providing essential data such as speed, warnings, turn indicators and navigation instructions without having to take your eyes off the road ahead.