Is the ground clearance of the Tiida higher than that of a sedan?
3 Answers
The ground clearance of the Tiida is higher than that of a sedan. Here are the relevant details: 1. Ground clearance: The minimum ground clearance refers to the distance between the car and the ground on a flat surface when fully loaded. The minimum ground clearance of the Tiida should be around 166-167mm. The chassis height (minimum ground clearance) of a sedan typically ranges from 11 cm to 15 cm. 2. The larger the minimum ground clearance: The better the vehicle's ability to pass over obstacles or uneven terrain, but the higher the center of gravity, which reduces stability; the smaller the minimum ground clearance, the weaker the vehicle's ability to pass over obstacles or uneven terrain, but the lower the center of gravity, which can enhance stability.
I've been driving the Tiida for five or six years, using it to pick up and drop off my kids at school on weekdays and taking the whole family on weekend outings. The car's ground clearance is noticeably higher than that of a regular sedan. Once, on a rainy day driving through muddy suburban roads, a friend's Corolla had its front bumper scraped, but my Tiida came out unscathed. When taking my elderly mother to the hospital, she found it much easier to get in and out of the Tiida compared to a regular sedan, which required her to bend down uncomfortably. Last time at the mall parking, there was only a spot with a high curb left in front. The Accord next to me didn't dare to park there, but I drove the Tiida right up without scraping the undercarriage. Of course, it's not comparable to a proper SUV, but those extra 4-5 centimeters of ground clearance over a sedan make a huge difference in everyday practicality.
After researching many car models' specifications, the official ground clearance of the Tiida is 168mm, which is noticeably higher compared to mainstream sedans. For example, the Sylphy is only 132mm, the Sagitar 140mm, and the Civic just over 140mm. Those extra 2-3 centimeters make a significant difference in actual passability, especially with common speed bumps and manhole covers in China. I've personally measured it under full load, and the Tiida can still maintain around 160mm of clearance. Once on a construction road, I drove the Tiida over a pile of gravel without any issues, while a fellow Bora owner had to take a detour. However, it's important to note that the Tiida's approach angle is designed more for family use, so extra caution is needed when facing steep slopes.
