What is Boot Space in a Car and Why Does It Matter?

Boot space is an essential part of a car for storing luggage, groceries, and other equipment. Usually, it is located at the rear end of a car but can differ depending on the model. Understanding and evaluating boot space according to your requirements is essential to ensure hassle-free drives, as are other aspects like engine, mileage, top speed, etc.

Also, if you plan to purchase a car, remember to purchase car insurance as per the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 to secure your car from theft, traffic fines, damage, etc.

Keep reading to learn more about the types and uses of boot spaces and how to maximise them.

The boot space in a car is an area where luggage, groceries, heavy sports equipment, or other things can be stored. It is usually located at the car's rear end and is accessible through an external latch and an internal unlocking system. 

Depending on the car, the boot space may be large or small; however, its primary purpose is to aid the owner in transporting goods, such as luggage, groceries, or equipment. 

A boot space is essential for properly storing items securely and organizedly when travelling, especially for long journeys. It also enables one to carry bulky items easily without restricting the cabin's interior. Since it is an essential part of a car, analysing it based on your needs before purchasing is crucial.

Here are a few uses for boot space in cars:

Weekend Trips

Whether you are going on a long road trip or just for the weekend, a large boot space can easily store all your luggage and other things and not crowd the cabin of the car. This makes the journey more comfortable by giving ample space to the passengers. Moreover, a large boot space can also carry camping equipment, gear, and other extensive things.

Grocery Shopping

Many people go on monthly shopping trips and get stuff in large quantities. A car with enough boot space can accommodate everything without cramping up the space or any spillage risks inside the cabin.

Moving/Transport

Depending on the boot space, it can also come in handy when moving houses and transporting stuff from one place to another. A large boot space can eliminate the need to rent another vehicle to move stuff, such as furniture, electrical equipment, TVs, etc.

Emergency Supplies

Another use of a boot space is to store emergency supplies, such as toolkits, extra tyres, spare parts, etc. This can help you avoid running around searching for these things if you are stuck somewhere. 

Transport for Pets

Boot space is also helpful for carrying pets on journeys or to vet appointments. A decent-sized boot space can easily store crates or carriers.

If you wish to measure the boot space in a car, here are a few ways to do it:

Calculate with Dimensions

Figure out the boot space by measuring the dimensions of the car. Here is how to calculate it:

• Measure from the rear seats to the edge of the trunk.
• Measure the widest part of the interior of the trunk.
• Measure from the trunk’s surface to the highest point of the trunk’s inside.

After you get the measurements, you can calculate the boot's value by multiplying length, width, and height. This will give you an accurate figure. If you cannot physically measure a car you’re interested in, consider contacting a nearby dealership to know the specifics. 

Calculate by Storing Luggage

You can also understand the boot space by using luggage to fill it up. 

• Fill the boot with the luggage you usually take for trips.
• Then, measure the filled boot space length, width, and height to estimate usable space. 

The Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA) Approach

The VDA is a German system for assessing boot capacity. In this approach, the boot is occupied with blocks sized 200x100x50 millimetres. After the boot is filled, the blocks are counted and transformed into cubic metres.

The reason for using these specific measurements for blocks is that each block represents one litre. Many well-known car brands, such as BMW, Toyota, Hyundai, and Honda, adopt this method.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Approach

The SAE provides an American standard for assessing boot capacity. In this approach, the boot is occupied with smaller items that can fill the little gaps and spaces that the one-litre blocks utilised by VDA do not cover.

You may purchase a hatchback, sedan, or SUV based on your budget. However, these categories and everything in between play a role in the car insurance you have to pay. 

Here is how boot space impacts car insurance:

For Hatchbacks

Hatchback cars are usually square-shaped vehicles with a 300 - 400 litre boot space. Car insurance for hatchbacks is cheaper than for other vehicles, as they fall in the lower range of the automobile spectrum.

For Sedans

The boot space of a sedan typically ranges from 400 to 550 litres. Therefore, insurance premiums are higher for sedans compared to hatchbacks.

For SUVs and MUVs

These cars have the largest seating capacity, comfortably fitting 6 to 8 people in the cabin. SUVs and MUVs have the highest boot capacity, reaching 750 litres. All these features combined make the insurance premium for such a car the highest. 

Whether it’s a hatchback or an SUV, any space that isn’t fully utilised is wasted space. A hatchback can provide the cabin comfort of a sedan if you properly take advantage of the boot space available to you. 

Here are a few tips to maximise the boot space you have available: 

Consider the Tailgate Angle

The tailgate angle is an important factor to consider, especially in hatchbacks. Depending on the car's tailgate, you can fit more objects into the boot space. An internal access panel would also allow hands-free access to the boot. 

Make Use of Foldable Seats

Folding seats can help you temporarily expand your boot capacity. If the rear seats can be folded down, you get significantly more space to store larger items like sports gear, tall furniture, or even a bicycle. Secure the additional cargo and folded seats in place to avoid any hassle while the car is in motion.

Use Storage Baskets

Utilising an empty box-like space is harder than it looks. Purchasing storage boxes or baskets can help you store smaller items in the hard-to-reach corners of the boot. These also help you easily locate small items stored in the boot instead of rummaging through the vast space.

Choose Compressible Luggage

Using softer luggage like duffle bags, backpacks, or leather-bound suitcases instead of bulky plastic or metal trolleys can help you fit more bags in the limited boot space. Duffle bags can be easily squeezed into tight spaces where a traditional suitcase may not fit.

Stack Luggage Mindfully

Stacking suitcases, bags, and other items in an orderly manner, almost like Jenga, can help optimise boot space. Placing things in order of size and shape can also help fit more things into a smaller space.

Use the Under-Seat Storage

People often forget about storing items under the seats. Placing flatter or smaller items under passenger seats can increase the storage space available in the vehicle.

Thus, boot space in a car plays a vital role, making a long journey much more comfortable and enjoyable. Measuring the boot space of a car based on your needs is essential to avoid any hassle afterwards.

Moreover, when you purchase a car, remember to get third-party car insurance according to the laws to protect your vehicle.