What is the reason for the raised middle section in the back row of Volkswagen cars?
2 Answers
The reason for the raised middle section in the back row of Volkswagen cars is: the chassis underneath the car is equipped with an exhaust pipe or drive shaft. Rear-wheel-drive vehicles must transmit the engine's power to the rear wheels through the drive shaft, which affects the flatness of the chassis. Taking the 2021 Volkswagen T-Roc as an example, it belongs to the compact SUV category, with body dimensions of: length 4318mm, width 1819mm, height 1582mm, wheelbase of 2680mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 51 liters. The 2021 Volkswagen T-Roc features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. It is powered by a 1.4L turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 150PS, maximum power of 110kW, and maximum torque of 250Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
While studying Volkswagen's chassis design, I discovered that the main reason for the raised middle section in the rear row is to accommodate the driveshaft tunnel in the body structure. Many Volkswagen models like the Passat or Golf 4WD versions feature rear-wheel-drive layouts, where power must be transmitted from the engine to the rear differential. This driveshaft requires space to pass beneath the cabin, otherwise the car wouldn't be able to move. Additionally, this design enhances body rigidity and improves torsional strength, making the car more stable during turns, which contributes to safety. However, this design compromises rear seat comfort, as passengers sitting in the middle position find it inconvenient due to limited legroom. As an automotive enthusiast, I've noticed that modern Volkswagen vehicles have improved platforms like MQB, allowing for flatter floors in some front-wheel-drive models. Yet, traditional models retain the hump to balance performance with practicality.
