1979 Saab 900 I Combi Coupe Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Saab 900 I Combi Coupe varies slightly depending on the specific trim and engine options, but typically falls around 1,100 to 1,200 kilograms (2,425 to 2,645 pounds). This relatively lightweight construction contributed to the car's agile handling and fuel efficiency. The use of lightweight materials and a compact hatchback body style helped Saab maintain a balance between robustness and performance. The manageable curb weight was part of Saab's design philosophy to create a fun-to-drive yet practical vehicle.

The Saab 900 I Combi Coupe is known for a surprisingly spacious cabin given its size. While exact interior dimensions aren't as widely documented as exterior ones, the car offers ample headroom and legroom for front and rear passengers. Its hatchback design allows for a flexible cargo area, which can be expanded by folding rear seats to accommodate larger or longer items. The thoughtfully designed dashboard and seating arrangement enhance comfort, especially for driver and front passenger. Overall, the interior space balances compact exterior dimensions with practical usability for daily driving and weekend trips.

The Saab 900 I Combi Coupe's hatchback design offers practical cargo space, especially when the rear seats are folded down. While exact volume figures vary by source, the cargo area typically provides around 350 to 400 liters (12.4 to 14.1 cubic feet) of storage with the rear seats upright. When folded down, this capacity increases substantially, allowing for transporting larger items. This balance between passenger comfort and cargo flexibility was a strong point of the 900 series, making it suitable for daily use and family needs. The large rear hatch door also facilitates easy loading and unloading.

Yes, the Saab 900 I Combi Coupe comfortably fits into a standard single-car garage. With its length of roughly 4,270 mm (168.1 inches) and width of 1,675 mm (65.9 inches), it falls well within the dimensions of typical home garages, which usually measure around 5,000 mm (197 inches) wide by 6,000 mm (236 inches) long or more. Additionally, the car's height of approximately 1,390 mm (54.7 inches) means there is no concern about vertical clearance in standard garages. Its compact dimensions also make parking and maneuvering in tighter spaces more manageable compared to larger vehicles.

The Saab 900 I Combi Coupe was developed as a modern evolution of the Saab 99, and while sharing a similar hatchback concept, the 900 tends to be slightly larger in exterior dimensions. The Saab 99 typically measured around 4,190 mm (165 inches) in length and was narrower at approximately 1,640 mm (64.6 inches) wide. The 900 I offered increased length and width, providing improved interior space and a more imposing road presence. These size increments translated into better passenger comfort and cargo versatility, reflecting Saab’s intent to evolve their popular model into a more refined and spacious offering.

When compared to other hatchbacks from the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Saab 900 I Combi Coupe stood out as a slightly larger and more premium offering. Competitors such as the Volkswagen Scirocco and Ford Capri were somewhat smaller in overall length and width. For example, the Volkswagen Scirocco measured around 4,090 mm (161 inches) long and 1,660 mm (65.4 inches) wide, making the Saab 900 marginally bigger and roomier. The 900’s size advantage contributed to a more comfortable cabin and better cargo space, aligning with Saab’s focus on safety and practicality alongside sportiness.

The Saab 900 I Combi Coupe is classified as a hatchback, featuring a unique three-door design with a large rear hatch that combines the functionality of a coupe with the practicality of a hatchback. This fusion creates a sporty yet versatile design, allowing easy access to the cargo area and flexible storage options. The Combi Coupe name reflects this dual-purpose design, popular in Europe during its production years from 1978 to 1986. Its sloping rear hatch and aerodynamic shape distinguished it from conventional sedans, making it iconic within Saab’s lineup.

The Saab 900 I Combi Coupe was produced from 1978 to 1986, marking an important first generation in the 900 series lineage. This generation established Saab’s reputation for combining safety, the turbocharged engine innovation, and a distinctive design ethos that appealed to drivers wanting something different from traditional sedans or hatchbacks. During its production run, it underwent various updates to improve performance, safety, and comfort. Its characteristic shape and solid build quality have since made it a classic and beloved vehicle among enthusiasts and collectors.

The Saab 900 I Combi Coupe offered a diverse range of engine options tailored to different markets and performance expectations. Starting with naturally aspirated inline-four engines ranging from around 1.8 to 2.0 liters, more powerful turbocharged variants were introduced, becoming one of Saab's hallmark features. These turbocharged engines offered enhanced horsepower and torque, setting the 900 apart from many contemporaries in its class. Transmission choices included manual and automatic gearboxes, providing drivers with options that emphasized sportiness or comfort. Overall, the powertrain options contributed to the 900’s reputation for reliable, spirited driving.