Why is there a bulge in the rear seat of Volkswagen cars?
2 Answers
The reason for the bulge in the rear seat of Volkswagen cars is: for the flatness of the chassis. Since the car's chassis underneath is equipped with an exhaust pipe or drive shaft, usually rear-wheel-drive cars must transmit the engine's power to the rear wheels through the drive shaft, so structurally, such a bulge is necessary. The bulge in the floor can significantly increase the body's strength several times. This design enhances the chassis's toughness, as many cars without such a bulge tend to break after impact. The floor is made into a semi-circular bulge, as if a protruding steel beam is installed on the floor. The body dimensions of the Volkswagen Lavida are 4670mm in length, 1806mm in width, and 1474mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2688mm.
When driving a Volkswagen, I noticed that the hump in the middle of the rear seat is primarily designed to accommodate critical components, especially in all-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive models, where it houses the driveshaft that transfers power from the engine to the rear wheels. Even in front-wheel-drive models, the hump may contain the exhaust pipe, wiring, or fuel lines, protecting them from damage by road debris. This design strengthens the chassis, reduces the risk of body deformation, and enhances overall safety. I once discussed this with a mechanic friend, who mentioned that without this hump, the car might handle less stably, particularly during turns, as it actually balances performance and cost. Of course, it’s less comfortable, especially on long trips with multiple passengers, as feet can’t rest flat, but this trade-off ensures reliability and durability—Volkswagen engineers have considered the design quite comprehensively.
