Luggage Compartment

50 - Luggage Compartment

Front Luggage Compartment

The elimination of the spare wheel, which was previously housed near the bulkhead, and the new bulkhead cross member have facilitated a redesign of the luggage compartment. As a result of this redesign, it has been possible to increase the luggage compartment volume by approx. .75 cu ft (20 liters) to approx. 5.3 cu ft (150 liters) (basic equipment).

A new trim concept has been developed to enhance the appearance of the luggage compartment as a whole. In addition to new, large area trims on the inside of the luggage compartment, it also includes full trim on the areas around the luggage compartment up to the lower frame of the windshield (cross panel, side section and radiator tank trim).







Items such as the audio amplifier (optional), DVD navigation drive (optional), the tire sealing compound and compressor and the tool bag (including wheel nut wrench and towing eye) are concealed behind a vertical trim running over the entire width of the luggage compartment. This provides for a clearly laid out luggage compartment which presents a very neat appearance. At the bottom edge the trim is slotted flush with the luggage compartment floor in a holding rail and is easy to open and fold forward so as to provide good access to all the items.

Vehicles with CD autochanger, Sound Package Plus or Navigation and all USA vehicles are provided with a full trim covering the entire bulkhead area.

The active carbon filter which is mandatory in the USA is additionally installed in USA vehicles. The brake fluid reservoir is accessible via a separate flap on the left as seen in driving direction, for the purposes of checking the brake fluid level.

An emergency release device for the luggage compartment lid has been developed especially for USA vehicles. This is installed inside the luggage compartment (trunk entrapment). This device is mandatory in the USA and enables a child who has inadvertently been locked in the luggage compartment, to open the luggage compartment from the inside. The release handle is located at the front as seen in the direction of travel, in the area of the right-hand side member.

The new fender flange and radiator tank cover ensures that screws and metal edges which were previously visible are now neatly covered. The choice of material for the trim and the applied production process ensure a feeling of quality. Particularly scratch resistant plastics are used. These are injection molded by way of a two component technique (harder main part with directly molded on soft sealing lip). The sealing lips enable smooth transitions between the respective components and between the components and the body.

As a result of the redesigned lock cover with defined water drainage openings the trim is markedly less susceptible to soiling than previously. The trim package provides for an attractively stylish, high-quality appearance.