Why is there a hump in the rear of Volkswagen cars?
3 Answers
Volkswagen cars have a rear hump to maintain chassis flatness. The underside of the car's chassis accommodates components like exhaust pipes or drive shafts. Typically, rear-wheel-drive vehicles require a drive shaft to transmit engine power to the rear wheels, necessitating this structural hump. Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturer headquartered in Wolfsburg, producing models such as the Magotan, Sagitar, and Lavida. For example, the Volkswagen Magotan is the first B-segment sedan produced and sold by FAW-Volkswagen since its establishment, with body dimensions of 4866mm in length, 1832mm in width, and 1464mm in height.
I've always driven Volkswagen cars and was curious about that hump in the rear. Actually, it's mainly because many Volkswagen models are rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive systems. The hump houses the drive shaft and exhaust pipe, designed with reserved space to ensure the system works smoothly. If the car is front-wheel drive, like some Japanese cars, the floor can be made flat. But Volkswagen prioritizes performance, and this layout also enhances body rigidity, improving handling stability and making the car feel steadier when driving. Although it's a bit cramped for the middle passenger's legroom, especially uncomfortable on long trips, it trades off for stronger anti-torsion capability. This is a Volkswagen tradition, from the old Golf to the new Tiguan, it's pretty much the same. It's a compromise between engineering and comfort, and I quite appreciate this aspect.
As someone who frequently travels with family, the rear floor hump is a real pain point—it's uncomfortable not having enough foot space. The reason is that Volkswagen predominantly uses four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive systems, and the hump accommodates the necessary drivetrain components. This design makes the undercarriage more robust, reduces driving vibrations, and enhances safety, but I'd prefer Volkswagen to optimize it for a flatter floor, like some front-wheel-drive cars for better comfort. The hump also affects the overall sense of space, especially when squeezing five family members in the back—the middle seat becomes particularly awkward. Volkswagen might have sacrificed this for handling, and my personal experience is that it's tolerable for short trips, but on long journeys, you just have to get used to the inconvenience.
