Does the Lavida have a rear anti-collision beam?
3 Answers
The Lavida is equipped with a rear anti-collision beam. Both the front and rear anti-collision beams of this vehicle are made of 3mm-thick impact-resistant steel. The primary function of the rear anti-collision beam is to absorb impact forces, ensuring that in the event of a minor rear-end collision, the rear anti-collision beam is sacrificed to maintain the integrity of the vehicle's chassis. The Lavida is a sedan under the Shanghai Volkswagen brand, with exterior dimensions of 4605mm in length, 1765mm in width, and 1460mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2610mm. The car features teardrop-shaped headlights, a U-shaped front grille design, and the traditional Volkswagen family grille, which are all inherited in the Lavida. The rear design of the Lavida is relatively compact, with a chrome strip connecting the taillight clusters, creating a cohesive overall appearance.
I've been driving a Lavida for several years, and every time I take it for maintenance, I ask the mechanic to lift it up and check the chassis. There is indeed a rear anti-collision beam, made of steel, about two fingers wide, hidden behind the bumper. Last time, after a minor rear-end collision, when the bumper was removed, we saw slight deformation in the anti-collision beam. The repairman said this design is meant to absorb impact. As an old owner would remind you, some entry-level models before 2010 might have been equipped with a plastic beam, but after 2015, all models reverted to steel beams. For routine self-inspection, you can see a silver horizontal metal bar by looking under the car. Pay special attention to the parts connected to the body; if rust is found, it should be treated promptly.
As a frequent visitor to auto repair shops for car disassembly, I just helped my neighbor fix a 2018 Lavida last week. The rear anti-collision beam comes as standard equipment - a 1.5mm thick hot-formed steel beam with energy-absorbing box structure that extends from the longitudinal beams on both sides of the body. Actually German cars are quite conscientious in this aspect, unlike some Japanese models that use foam instead. However, three points need attention: the base version might lack the pedestrian protection foam layer; after being rear-ended, even if there's no visible damage, the anti-collision beam should be checked for bending; for vehicles over five years old, watch for rust at the welding points between the beam and frame. Backing into low posts most easily causes deformation of the anti-collision beam - installing a reversing radar is recommended.
