On the road, it measures up well. The interior abounds with Saabish details, such as the altimeter-style speedometer, head-up display, panel black-out, and starter that's mounted by the handbrake

It's good to have Saab back from the brink - and even better that it has been saved by those car-loving types at Spyker. But here it is, and after all manner of delays, the new Saab 9-5 looks like nothing else in its class.

Under its all-new skin, the Saab 9-5 still relies heavily on GM hardware. It sits on an Epsilon platform, which underpins the Vauxhall Signum, andis powered by a range of GM engines, including a pair of diesels, and some potent petrol engines, including the 2.8-litre V6 turbo that powers the range-topping Aero model.

But it's the styling that will grab your attention. There's plenty of Saab DNA in the new car, but it moves on a couple of generations from the last 9-5 - which staggered on for 13-years. The sheer length, and the sloping rear appear to be liked by Saab enthusiasts, and it certainly stands apart from the German class-leaders.

On the road, it measures up well. The interior abounds with Saabish details, such as the altimeter-style speedometer, head-up display, panel black-out, and starter that's mounted by the handbrake. Some of the interior plastics lack the soft-feel solidity of an Audi or a Mercedes-Benz, but overall, it's a stylish effort.

The V6 power unit is quiet and unobtrusive, and once underway, there's enough power to allow speed to pile on deceptively quickly. Refinement is first rate, but so it should be, because the 5m long 9-5 is, quite simply, a massive car. Our 300bhp T6 model hits 60mph in under 7 seconds, but never comes close to feeling like a sports car.

Ride quality is a strong point, which is welcome in a stiffly-sprung sector - and interior room is class-leading, especially in the rear. Is it enough to save Saab and bring further prosperity to Spyker? It depends on how many buyers there are out there who are willing to take a punt on depreciation and possible ultimate build quality against the car's undoubted quirkiness, and singular strengths. We like the Saab 9-5, and hope that there are enough buyers out there who feel the same...