1987 Saab 900 I Combi Coupe (facelift 1987) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The wheelbase of the Saab 900 I Combi Coupe facelift is about 2,605 mm (102.6 inches). This relatively long wheelbase for a compact hatchback contributes to improved ride comfort and stability, especially at higher speeds, by providing a smoother ride over bumps and road imperfections. Additionally, the wheelbase allows for a more spacious cabin, particularly benefiting rear passenger legroom and providing better packaging flexibility inside the vehicle, which is crucial in a sporty hatchback where optimizing interior space is essential without compromising exterior compactness.

The Saab 900 I Combi Coupe facelift weighs approximately 1,150 to 1,300 kilograms (2,535 to 2,866 pounds), depending on the specific trim and engine configuration. This moderate curb weight for a sporty hatchback of its time allows the car to offer a balance between solid, stable driving dynamics and reasonable fuel efficiency for its class. A lighter weight helps with brisk acceleration and nimble handling, while keeping the weight in check contributes to mitigating fuel consumption despite the car's turbocharged or naturally aspirated engines typical in this generation.

Yes, the Saab 900 I Combi Coupe facelift fits comfortably within standard garage dimensions. Standard single-car garages generally measure about 2.44 to 2.74 meters (8 to 9 feet) in width and 4.87 to 6.10 meters (16 to 20 feet) in length. With its length of approximately 4.56 meters (15 feet) and width of about 1.73 meters (5.7 feet), the Saab 900 I Combi Coupe leaves enough clearance on all sides for easy parking and maneuvering inside a typical garage. Its comparatively compact size for a sporty hatchback ensures hassle-free storage without specialized accommodations.

The Saab 900 I Combi Coupe facelift features a versatile hatchback design that allows for a reasonably spacious cargo area behind the rear seats. Exact cargo volume figures are not always standardized for this model, but it generally offers a practical space for luggage or shopping typical of compact sport hatchbacks of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The hatch design enhances loading ease compared to traditional sedans, and the rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo capacity significantly. When compared to competitors of that era, the 900 Combi Coupe stood out for blending sporty driving with commendable practicality in cargo and passenger flexibility.

The Saab 900 I Combi Coupe facelift introduced in 1987 maintained a similar overall footprint compared to its predecessor but featured subtle dimensional tweaks for improved aerodynamics and styling updates. While the length and width stayed close to the earlier 900 models, slight refinements in height and body contours were made to modernize the design. These changes improved aerodynamic efficiency, which helped with fuel economy and reduced wind noise. The facelift also enhanced interior space utilization without significantly altering the car's familiar compact yet roomy character, preserving the practical hatchback appeal of the original generation.

Compared to similar sport compact hatchbacks from the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as the Volkswagen Scirocco or Ford Sierra XR4i, the Saab 900 I Combi Coupe facelift falls within the typical size range but offers a distinct profile. While the Saab is comparable in length (around 4.56 meters or 179.7 inches), it is slightly narrower than some competitors, providing a sleeker, narrower stance that improved urban maneuverability. Its hatchback design prioritizes practicality and interior space utilization, often offering a more comfortable cabin environment. This size combination helped the Saab carve out a niche as a sporty yet practical hatchback with Scandinavian design ethos.

The Saab 900 I Combi Coupe facelift is equipped with a fuel tank capacity of approximately 56 liters (about 14.8 US gallons), providing a good range suitable for both city and highway driving. Passenger volume is optimized to comfortably seat four adults, with two front bucket seats and a rear bench seat designed for two or three passengers on shorter journeys. The interior space benefits from the car’s efficient use of its dimensions, providing ample headroom and legroom relative to its compact classification, and the practical hatchback shape ensures usable luggage space without sacrificing passenger comfort.

The Saab 900 I Combi Coupe facelift launched in 1987 brought several noteworthy updates over the earlier models in the same generation. Design-wise, it featured refreshed front and rear styling including updated headlights, grille designs, and bumpers that improved aerodynamics and modernized its appearance. Technically, improvements were made to the engine lineup and suspension tuning, focusing on enhanced performance, ride comfort, and reliability. Turbocharged variants became more refined, and safety features were gradually upgraded to comply with increasing standards. These updates helped the 900 Combi Coupe remain competitive and appealing throughout its production until 1994.

The Saab 900 I Combi Coupe facelift is designed to seat four passengers comfortably, with a driver-focused cockpit layout that includes ergonomically designed seats and controls. Hallmark features of this generation include its distinctive wraparound dashboard, a signature Saab trait offering excellent visibility and intuitive control arrangement. The hatchback's sloping rear design combines sporty aesthetics with practicality, while engine variants, particularly turbocharged options, provide spirited driving experiences. These elements together define the 900 Combi Coupe as a unique blend of Scandinavian innovation, sportiness, and everyday usability.