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OF F I C I A L SOUV EN I R MAGA Z I NE
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2 012 POR T L AND I NT E RNAT I ONA L AUTO SHOW
35
2012 PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
57.012612 ASM
There’s a lot more to finding a car that
fits right than choosing between such official
classifications as subcompact, compact and
mid-size. Actually sitting in a car is the only
way to know for sure whether it is a good fit.
The official classifications are made by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
based solely on the gross interior size of each
car. The EPA doesn’t distinguish between
head, leg and shoulder room. And it doesn’t
separate seating areas from cargo space.
That’s why some drivers find more
headroom in one company’s compact than
another manufacturer’s midsize car. Or why
a certain midsize feels as big as some large
cars. Usable interior room actually depends a
lot on exterior styling, including the angle of
the front windshield and roof lines.
For the record, the EPA classifications are
as follows: Two-seater, any car designed to
seat only two adults; Minicompact, less than
85 cubic feet (cf); Subcompact, 85 to 99 cf;
Compact, 100 to 109 cf; Midsize, 110 to 119
cf; and Large, 120 cf or more.
The EPA also breaks down stationwagons
the same way. The classifications are: Small,
less than 130 cf; Midsize, 130 to 159 cf; and
Large, 160 or more cf.
TheEPAdoesnotapplysuchclassifications
to trucks, vans,minivans, sportutilityvehicles
and special utility
vehicles. Instead,
the EPA groups
them by weight.
As
a
result,
manufacturers
and
reviewers
apply their own
descriptions
to
them, resulting in
some confusion,
especially when it
comes to medium-
size SUVs with third-row seating.
Once again, the best way to figure out if
the size is right is to sit in them, preferably
with the rest of the family. And that’s one
advantage of attending the 2012 Portland
International Auto Show, where so many
vehicles are on display in one location. Some
manufacturers are also offering Ride &
Drives at the show.
One size doesn’t fit all
Classifications of interior space don’t give an accurate
indication of head, leg or shoulder room in an automotive
interior. That’s why it’s always recommended to pay
attention to how the interior fits your particular body.
By
Jim Redden, Pamplin Media Group
Once again,
the best way to
figure out if the
size is right is
to sit in them,
preferably with
the rest of the
family.