S sometimes drive us crazy. While we press against case, the feeling is growing, the promised volume is not true. That is why we have measured for these candidates: Audi Q5, BMW 1 Series Coupe, Dacia Logan MCV, Mercedes E wagon, mini countryman, Opel Astra ST, Renault Twingo, Skoda Roomster, VW Jetta and Ford focus.
Who does not know this: on the paper, the trunk seemed so huge - 350 litres - already the half package fills it up to the breaking point. In moments like these, the liter specification looks like a foreign currency, the conversion number is not known.
Each trunk is ausgelitert according to the VDA standard in this country, you will find at the bottom explains the exact procedure. The crux: These include existing Stauraumchen like (double cargo floor, subjects in the wheel).
The manufacturer have of the sum as a luggage compartment - different information refers to different seat configurations. Therefore the minimum loading volume describes the remaining luggage storage height of the rear seat back, when all the seats are used as such. The maximum loading capacity are only the front seats available, behind it is neatly folded or expanded and the cargo roof high eingestapelt. As far as the theory.
The curious: There is not only significant deviations down, but also upwards. While the measuring results at Audi only slightly different Q5, mini countryman and Mercedes E-class from the manufacturer's instructions, the differences in the other seven models are significant, as shown in the table.
This can be quite pleasing, as in the case of the Skoda Roomster: Skoda specifies a maximum loading capacity of 1,585 litres for him - we have measured 1,820 liters, 15 percent more with upgraded rear seats. For the Twingo (230 litres) and reading (174 liters), down 24 percent were between factory specification.
Model vehicle L x B x H seats luggage storage volume at least. manufacturer/ams luggage storage volume maximum manufacturer/ams maximum deviation to the VDA standard specification
The second part of the test, to which we stocked each model with suitcases, bags, water boxes & stroller shows how relevant is the boot volume. While the Renault dragging Twingo as much baggage away like the mini countryman. And, although the XXL mini 156 litres will have more room. Man sets flat the rear seat in both vehicles, the Twingo swallows toilet even a bag more.
Also, the BMW 1 Series Convertible is the Renault Twingo for luggage, although the BMW with closed hood is designed to provide more space. But as for the mini countryman this volume consists of many small niches, which are not usable in practice.
At the end remains the sad realization that no conversion formula between loading capacity and loading happiness exists. The VDA indication seems as useful as the NEDC consumption of standard.
The only help with estimating a cargo offers the level of the square - so providing maximum height, width and length of each boot. The larger these numbers, the greater the usable space.
The BMW 1 Series Convertible which is for singles or duration of lovers, who can travel with towel and toothbrush - his rear compartment is nested and less than promised. Of course a Slapper are down 24 percent - in the trunk and bag test the Renault Twingo however persuades. He swallows up more than the mini countryman.
VDA standard
The VDA standard 70.020 on 36 pages describes how is a boot volume to determine. This involves the maximum use of the offered space including any useless niche - the practical value not interested in.
The standard prescribes to stack as many plastic blocks (edge length 200 mm x 100 mm x 50 mm) with exactly one litre volume as possible in the luggage compartment. In capped back seat, parcel shelf and items may be removed from the spare wheel recess. As the upper bounds is one of the back bank back.
When the maximum capacity every inch is exhausted, however, - of the space under the seats of all rear door pockets up to the roof.
Earlier was everything better?
Already at the luggage compartments. The side covers were not as thick, the carpets but. Our comparison literten we also a Mercedes T-model W123 from - 580 L fit in the rear compartment with the flat edge of the load. The value is evident when compared to the similar long Opel Astra sports tourer (503 litres).
