A £26,000 turbocharged Saab has become the first of the Swedish breed to join a UK police force. The 2.3 litre 9000 CD will patrol Kent's motorways and major trunk roads and should cover at least 80,000 miles a year.

Saab's corporate sales manager Maggie Small said: 'A number of police forces have expressed an interest in operating our vehicles and Kent will soon be joined by Northamptonshire police who have ordered four cars.'

Michael Miller, Kent County Constabulary's fleet manager, said: 'The Saab is already very popular with our officers, who regard it as a real driver's car. We were particularly attracted to the Saab 9000 because of its all-round performance and high level of occupant protection.'