How do you define baggage space?

You’d think this would be an easy one to answer, but, in reality, it’s far from it. That’s because different car-makers use different methods to calculate luggage space. So the first thing to do is ascertain which method the manufacturer of your car subscribes to. This information, usually expressed in litres, should be in the owner’s manual or specification sheet, but if not, you may have to contact the car-maker directly to find out.

The two main methods are called VDA and SAE. Many European car-makers use the VDA system which involves filling the luggage space with stacked one-litre blocks measuring 200mm X 50mm X 100mm. Clearly, the way the blocks are stacked will be crucial in eliminating wasted space (in corner and awkward shapes) so a stacker proficient at Tetris will achieve the best result. This method also involves stacking the car only to the height of the rear seat-back.

The SAE method involves packing an enclosed luggage space (like a sedan’s boot) with different shaped boxes of known capacities. These can range from large (60-litre plus) boxes to smaller lunchbox-sized containers, and different combinations thereof. For a hatchback or station-wagon where the luggage area is part of the cabin, the SAE method involves basic maths to calculate the space from the length, height and width measurements taken at various points in the load area.

The point is that these two methods will almost never give the same result, so, crazy though it may sound, perhaps lugging your stroller or golf clubs down to the dealership for a trial fit before you choose your next car is still a valid idea.