The all-new Saab 9-3 is due to arrive in 2012 and details that have leaked out suggest it will be a five-door hatchback rather than a four-door saloon like the current model.
Switching back to a hatch design has been prompted by Saab customers, many of whom felt the saloon was compromised over the traditional hatchback style of previous Saabs. The Swedish firm is yet to confirm if it will also build a saloon version of the new 9-3.
Saab unveiled its PhoeniX concept at the recent Geneva Motor Show and the next 9-3 is thought to take many of its design cues from this car. A Convertible and Sportwagon estate will also join the new 9-3 range.
Since being bought by Spyker in 2010, Saab has struggled to regain its share of the executive sector, but insiders at the Swedish firm believe a return to traditional Saab values and shapes will win back customers.
Saab's 9-4X compact crossover is set to go on sale in late 2011. Launch models will come with a 2.8-litre V6 turbo petrol producing 300bhp, but cheaper and more appealing diesel-fuelled models will also be offered in this BMW X3 rival.