The Saab 900 II Combi Coupe 2.5 V6 24V, produced between 1993 and 1998, represents a distinctive evolution of Saab’s long-running 900 series. This model, a liftback (often referred to as a “hatchback” in US terminology) with five seats and three doors, was primarily marketed in Europe as a practical and stylish alternative to traditional sedans and wagons. While never officially a high-volume seller in the United States, the 900 series, including the Combi Coupe, gained a loyal following among enthusiasts who appreciated its unique design, robust engineering, and quirky character. The 2.5 V6 24V variant offered a significant performance upgrade over earlier 900 models, positioning it as a more refined and capable grand tourer.
Saab 900 II Combi Coupe: A Legacy of Innovation
The 900 II, launched in 1993, was a substantial redesign of the original 900, which had been in production since 1978. While retaining the core Saab values of safety, functionality, and driver focus, the 900 II incorporated modern engineering and styling cues. The Combi Coupe body style, with its sloping rear hatch, maximized cargo space and versatility. The introduction of the 2.5-liter V6 engine in 1995 further enhanced the model’s appeal, providing a smoother and more powerful driving experience. This engine was a key differentiator, offering a premium option within the 900 lineup. The 900 II, and specifically the Combi Coupe, aimed to blend practicality with a touch of Scandinavian sophistication.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Saab 900 II Combi Coupe 2.5 V6 24V is its 2.5-liter (2498 cm3 or 152.44 cu. in.) naturally aspirated V6 engine. This engine, designated the B258i, produces 170 horsepower (Hp) at 5900 rpm and 227 Newton-meters (167.43 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4200 rpm. The engine features a 10.8:1 compression ratio, multi-port fuel injection, and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration delivers a power output of 68.1 Hp per liter. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.2 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of 8.7 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 7.8 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 5.8 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably responsive driving experience.
Design & Features
The Saab 900 II Combi Coupe is characterized by its distinctive liftback design, offering a blend of coupe-like styling and wagon-like practicality. The body is a three-door configuration, providing easy access to both front and rear seats. Inside, the cabin is designed with a focus on ergonomics and driver comfort, typical of Saab’s design philosophy. The interior offers seating for five passengers. Safety features, while considered advanced for the early 1990s, included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The vehicle’s trunk space is particularly noteworthy, offering 494 liters (17.45 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up and expanding to 897 liters (31.68 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4637 mm (182.56 in.), width 1711 mm (67.36 in.), and height 1436 mm (56.54 in.). The wheelbase measures 2600 mm (102.36 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Saab |
| Model | 900 |
| Generation | 900 II Combi Coupe |
| Type (Engine) | 2.5 V6 24V (170 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1993 |
| End of production | 1998 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Liftback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 25.8 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 31 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 11 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 225 km/h (139.81 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 5900 rpm |
| Power per litre | 68.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 227 Nm @ 4200 rpm (167.43 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B258i |
| Engine displacement | 2498 cm3 (152.44 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 81.6 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 79.6 mm (3.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 8 l (8.45 US qt | 7.04 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1325 kg (2921.12 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1830 kg (4034.46 lbs.) |
| Max load | 505 kg (1113.33 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 494 l (17.45 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 897 l (31.68 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 68 l (17.96 US gal | 14.96 UK gal) |
| Length | 4637 mm (182.56 in.) |
| Width | 1711 mm (67.36 in.) |
| Height | 1436 mm (56.54 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.36 in.) |
| Front track | 1446 mm (56.93 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1443 mm (56.81 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Suspension with traction connecting levers |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Saab 900 II Combi Coupe 2.5 V6 24V, while discontinued in 1998, remains a sought-after vehicle among Saab enthusiasts. Its blend of practicality, performance, and distinctive styling continues to appeal to those seeking a unique and characterful driving experience. The model represents a high point in Saab’s engineering and design, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation and driver satisfaction.
