1996 Renault Safrane I (B54, facelift 1996) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Renault Safrane I (B54, facelift 1996) ranges from 1450 to 1580 kg (3197 to 3483 pounds), depending on trim and equipment level. The maximum permissible weight spans from 2025 to 2145 kg (4463 to 4728 pounds). This weight range allows the Safrane to handle passengers and cargo comfortably while maintaining good driving dynamics and safety margins, reflecting its positioning as a comfortable and well-equipped executive-class hatchback.

The Renault Safrane I facelift model offers a luggage capacity of 455 liters (16.1 cubic feet) with the rear seats in their upright position, which is suitable for everyday shopping or luggage for a couple. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage capacity expands significantly to 1360 liters (48 cubic feet), making it highly practical for transporting larger items or more luggage on trips, which is a strong attribute of the hatchback body style combined with the vehicle’s size.

The Renault Safrane I (1996 facelift) typically comes with 15-inch rims with sizes 15,6J x 15. The tire sizes standardly fitted to this model are 195/65 R15 and 205/60 R15. These tire and rim sizes are balanced to provide a comfortable ride quality along with good handling characteristics for a car of this category, contributing to stability and ride comfort while helping with overall vehicle aesthetics.

Standard residential garages typically measure around 2400 mm (94.5 inches) wide and 4800 mm (189 inches) deep. The Renault Safrane I facelift measures 1816 mm (71.5 inches) in width and 4768 mm (187.6 inches) in length, which means it fits comfortably within the bounds of a standard one-car garage. There’s enough room on the sides for opening doors without scraping the walls and sufficient length to park safely, making it suitable for typical home garage storage without any special accommodation or modifications.

The Renault Safrane I facelift (1996-2000) retains the core dimensions of its predecessor but features a more modernized design and improved aerodynamics. While the overall length and width remain close to the original Safrane, the facelift refined exterior styling, and possibly improved interior packaging. This generation kept the large hatchback's spacious character while updating features to maintain competitiveness. Typically, the differences are subtle dimension-wise but notable in design, comfort, and equipment rather than size.

In comparison to other executive hatchbacks from the 1990s, such as the Opel Omega or the Saab 9000, the Renault Safrane I facelift holds its own with competitive exterior dimensions (length near 4.77 meters), respectable interior space, and a large luggage capacity with seats folded. Its 455-liter trunk capacity is typically on par or better than many rivals. The Safrane’s hatchback design adds practicality over traditional sedans, making it an attractive option for buyers needing both comfort and cargo versatility in that segment.

While exact ground clearance is not specified here, cars of the Renault Safrane’s class and era generally have a ground clearance around 140-160 mm (5.5-6.3 inches). This moderate clearance ensures comfortable highway driving and urban usability without compromising stability. It allows easy entry and exit, while being high enough to clear speed bumps and typical road irregularities. This balance enhances everyday use for family transportation, even on less-than-perfect road surfaces.

The Renault Safrane I facelift is known for its spacious and comfortable interior, designed to accommodate five passengers with ample legroom and headroom. Its large dimensions translate to roomy front and rear seats, suitable for longer journeys. High-quality materials, ergonomic seating, and an effective climate system further elevate comfort levels. The car also provides practical storage compartments, making it a well-rounded option for families or executives who need both comfort and space.

The 1996 facelift of the Renault Safrane I included refinements to suspension tuning aimed at improving ride comfort and handling stability. Though the fundamental suspension layout remained unchanged, fine-tuning of components helped reduce road noise and vibrations, enhancing the smooth driving experience expected in this class. The suspension is designed to absorb urban road irregularities efficiently while maintaining composure on highways, making the facelift version more refined compared to the pre-facelift Safrane.