The hull of the Saur 1 is of all-welded steel which provides the occupants with protection from small arms fire and shell splinters with the highest protection being given over the frontal arc. According to ROMARM, the vehicle has the following levels of protection:
- Ballistic - STANAG 4569 Level 4
- Under wheel station - STANAG Level 4569 3a (8kg TNT anti-tank mine)
- Under hull - STANAG Level 4569 2b (6kg TNT anti-tank mine)
Layout of the new Saur AIV is in line with more recent 8×8 developments in other countries with the driver's position towards the front on the left and the power pack to the right which makes the chassis easier to adopt for a wide range of battlefield missions. The troop compartment extends to the rear of the hull with the roof hatch arrangement depending on the mission. In a typical AIV role the commander would be seated to the rear of the driver and also be provided with a single-piece hatch cover. Both the drivers' and commanders' hatch covers open to the rear and to the immediate front are three periscopes for forward observation. The middle one can be replaced by a passive periscope for driving at night. The weapon station would be in the center of the roof with two hatches over the rear troop compartment which open outwards and can be locked in the vertical position. The troops would typically be seated on individual seats down either side facing inwards. The Saur 1 is capable of speeds in excess of 100km/h.
| Saur 1 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Armoured wheeled vehicle |
| Place of origin |  Romania |
| Production history | |
| Designer | ROMARM |
| Designed | 2006 |
| Manufacturer | Uzina Automecanica Moreni SA |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 14 t |
| Length | 7.8 m |
| Width | 2.9 m |
| Height | 2.52 m |
| Crew | 2 + 9 |
| | |
| Armor | STANAG 4569 Level 4, STANAG Level 4569 3a, STANAG Level 4569 2b |
| Main armament | 7.62mm belt-fed MG (modular system - can be reequipped with 30mm autocannon) |
| Engine | Cummins diesel 280 hp |
| Power/weight | 16KW/t |
| Suspension | 8x8 |
| Operational range | 700 km water: 10 km/h |
| Speed | 100 km/h |
