Having the top-of-the-line 2.8 turbo-charged engine is not enough for this 9-3 owner. Already pushing close to 300bhp at stage 1, he's not stopping and has already planned his stage 2 mods.

Photos: Joel Tam

This sleek face-lifted 9-3 Combi comes with Saab's new XWD (Cross Wheel Drive), based around the new, fourth-generation, Haldex clutch, mounted ahead of the rear differential. It is basically a ‘predictive’ 4WD system that feeds power to the wheels that need it the most. Almost like the AYC found on the Evo, but not quite as effective.

Saab claims that 2000 changes were made to the face-lifted 9-3. Of all of them, the front-end certainly is the most noticeable and aggressive improvement. With the 2.8T engine, the aggressive looks and power go as well as strawberries and cream.

To most of us, having 280bhp at our disposal may seem more than enough, but not to this owner. With a Maptun Performance stage 1 tuning kit, his car now pushes close to 300bhp and 450Nm. With a host of other tuning bits and mods, he has what is certainly, one of Singapore's meanest Swedish sportswagons.

Aggressive new front design an improvement on what was already one of the most handsome cars on our roads.

Airfield backdrop quite appropriate for aviation specialist, Svenska Aeroplan AB (SAAB).

OK, maybe having competitor Fokker Aerospace in the back not so appropriate in this shot, but we liked the blue. Car's rear profile looks modern and sleek with Maptun Performance Dual exhaust.

Coming at you. While Saabs are not exactly known for eating corners, they do eat highways and autobahns pretty well.

Power is fed to fierce black multi-spoked 19" Work wheels with a surrounding stainless steel lip.

2.8 full turbo unit is a creamy V6 pumping a hefty 280bhp in stock form. Owner's next stage 2 project will put the car at 340bhp and 490Nm of torque.

Dated but highly functional dash and interior is spruced up with more silver and black.