The 2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan has an aggressive stance, which you might expect from a sport sedan. You just wouldn't necessarily expect it from Saab.

Saab, which has long been a popular brand in New England and elsewhere up north among people who wear tweed sport coats with suede elbow patches, is getting kind of hip now.

Photo by Saab (ENLARGE) 2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T Sport Sedan

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Its menacing-looking headlights, industrial-tough grille, and sloping A-pillar lines are heralding its arrival in this era of cool sedan designs.

On our test drive model, the 9-3 had a rockin' 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

That powerplant cranked out an impressive 210 horsepower.

Also to be available is a 2.8-liter engine that will produce 280 horsepower.

Tell the guy with the tweed jacket to put that in his pipe and smoke it.

Saab has also always been known for its safety features, and today's car doesn't mess that up.

There's electronic stability, plenty of airbags and front and rear crumple zones.

That's good to know, when you're driving a ride with such great performance capability as the 9-3.

For amenities, check out the eight-way power driver's seat, rear fog lights and moonroof.

So clearly, without offending the tweedy guy, Saab is reaching out to other folks who like a nice performance sedan with a few goodies attached.

And it's reaching out to those who like value.

Our test drive car went for just $31,435, one of the best values we've encountered lately among luxury or premium-class cars.