Why doesn't the Lavida Plus use an independent suspension?
3 Answers
Because there is not enough space at the rear of this car to accommodate an independent suspension, and the manufacturer has opted not to use a multi-link independent suspension due to cost considerations. Below are the relevant details: 1. Advantages of independent suspension: The main advantage of independent suspension is that each wheel operates independently, meaning the vibration or movement of one wheel does not affect the other. In contrast, a torsion beam suspension connects the left and right wheels with a single beam, so the movement of one wheel inevitably affects the other. Therefore, independent suspension generally offers better ride comfort and handling. 2. Disadvantages of independent suspension: The downside of independent suspension is that it lacks the rigidity of a torsion beam. Each link joint bears significant stress, leading to greater wear and higher maintenance costs. Additionally, the materials and structural requirements during development are more demanding, resulting in a much higher price. Torsion beam suspensions are very robust and durable, with a low deformation rate, but they are significantly heavier compared to independent suspensions.
Speaking of why the Lavida Plus doesn't use an independent suspension, I personally think it's inseparable from its positioning. As a family car, Volkswagen's design leans more towards practicality and economy. Independent suspensions do have significant advantages in handling and comfort, but they come with higher costs, more complex structures, and more troublesome maintenance. By using a non-independent suspension, such as the torsion beam rear axle, the price is reduced, and more space can be freed up for the trunk. Over the years of driving the Lavida Plus in the city, I've found the chassis tuning to be quite soft, with decent road noise filtration, making an independent suspension unnecessary for daily commuting. Additionally, cost control helps users save money, and a lower car price leads to better sales. In short, this design is about balancing cost-effectiveness to make a good car more affordable for more people, not about cutting corners.
From a young person's perspective, it's quite normal for the Lavida Plus not to have an independent suspension. Independent suspensions are more commonly seen in sporty cars like the Golf GTI, which handles high-speed cornering with great stability. But how often do we engage in such aggressive driving in our daily commutes? The Lavida Plus is designed as a practical family car, and the non-independent suspension saves both cost and space, allowing manufacturers to invest in practical features like air conditioning and audio systems. The driving experience isn't bad either—bumps from speed bumps in the city are significantly reduced through tuning. Plus, maintenance is simple and cheap, and problems are rare, making it a worry-free car to own for years. Ultimately, it's positioned as an economical and practical choice, so there's no need to pile on high-end features.
