Wolf in sheep's clothing

This is a performance vehicle producing high torque levels and exhilarating performance.

Saab would have you believe this is the best thing since thin sliced bread.

It isn't, at least not for a diesel.

But my word it certainly does motor, with the V6 powerplant giving a powerful if somewhat noisy performance at all times.

Power on demand has been the hallmark of this Swedish manufacturer and just because this is a diesel, it is no less true of the 3.0-litre TiD.

There are other sporty diesels on the market, the Audi and Mercedes examples being tops among them.

And there is the Saab, a marque that has long been the car for those wanting something a bit different, even quirky.

The powerplant has been developed by its General Motors partner, Isuzu, and is the first car to use it.

The 9-5, like most Saabs, is an acquired taste.

It is big and rather bulky, a bit old fashioned in design, but rock solid when it comes to safety, where its credentials are legendary.

This is a car you get and drive with confidence and with a steadily growing demand for diesel cars, it fits into the Volvo range of cars very well.

Now hear this!

Here's a car, a big 3.0-litre V6 diesel-powered car, with a top speed of 131 mph, which returns 38.2 mpg in the combined cycle, urban 28 mpg, and 47.9 in extra urban.

That's impressive!

Pricing starts at £24,495 for the saloon and £25,695 for the estate version.