Comments on: The Downfall of Station Wagons https://carspiritpk.com/the-downfall-of-station-wagons/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-downfall-of-station-wagons Pakistan's Trusted Automobile Blog Wed, 27 Nov 2024 17:33:16 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 By: Wagons are not that much needed any more. https://carspiritpk.com/the-downfall-of-station-wagons/#comment-15254 Sun, 10 Dec 2023 21:58:42 +0000 https://carspiritpk.com/?p=77289#comment-15254 Cars have become much more space-efficient due to advances in architectural design. The engine room has become much smaller and the cabin has become enlarged. There is a lot more space in a modern 3-box sedan’s cabin and trunk as well as new hatchbacks.

The engine room has become primarily smaller due to technical improvements in thermodynamics, mechanical, electrical and electronics engineering. Electric power steering means there is no need to allocate space to the hydraulic pipes, pumps, belt and reservoir. Engines have become more powerful so the number of cylinders have been reduced. Thermal efficiency increases mean heat loss has reduced hence the radiator and oil sump volume has reduced. Smaller engines also require smaller self-starter and smaller battery. ISG means there is no need to have separate self-starter and generator. New model A/C compressors and condensers are smaller. Fuel pump is nowadays in the fuel tank. Increased fuel efficiency means smaller fuel tanks provide the same range, hence the cabin and trunk can be bigger.

All this means the unique selling point of station wagon is no more valid. Though the CUVs are also wagon-bodied, they have much bigger wheels and engines, increasing fuel consumption, and have a higher initial price too. Primarily the reason why station wagons like the Corolla Touring (wagyo) and Fielder are so popular in the NCP areas of Pakistan.

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