How much trunk space lost in Cabrio?

[Bacoes]

My wife are fairly certain to be getting a orphan this summer (res# 1272 from Seattle). As this will be our only car, I am still undecided at to getting a coupe or the cabrio. We occasionally will buy 5 to 6 paper bags of groceries at a time and have been assured they will fit fine within a coupe's truck. Can any convertible owners tell me how much room the top mechanism takes up?

[Smart Enuf]

I can't quantify the loss, but the glass rear window, when retracted, does protrude a bit into the trunk space. However, I assure you that you can still fit that many grocery bags in the cabrio with the top down; I've done this many times. This is because the folded rear window is still above the level of the grocery bags. With the cabrio, you also gain the ability to carry things vertically that are taller than you could with the coupe (e.g., skis, surf board, tall painting) while still carrying a passenger.

[Smartdavis]

We first wanted a cabrio but were offered a passion orphan. That was a lucky break because we are always loading and unloading packages and baggage from the back and the opearable rear window on the passion is a much more workable solution. In fact the cabrio rear would have been quite inconvenient for the way we use the back storage. We also love the panaroma roof (it's huge) and so we were happy to keep the extra $3000 in the bank.

[mike-in-sa]

We have both a cabrio and a passion. Ther is much more room in the rear of the passion. The cabrio looses room at the top where the rollbar is and when the top is down there is less room. Our two golden retrievers fit in the back of the passion better ( see my gallery) but can still squeeze in to the cabbie. If you really want a cabrio the little space you lose is minor compared to the fun you have.

[Perel]

Another Cabrio owner here.. no problem fitting a full grocery cart's worth in. If you really need to maximize trunk space, you can leave the back window up - and that will allow you to open it from the bottom to have more space for loading. It doesn't open quite as wide as the Passion rear window, but it definitely makes a positive difference when loading/unloading larger items.

I suppose it does take up a little room, but frankly I haven't even noticed yet. The (minor) space loss is mostly up near where you'd be obstructing your view through the rearview mirror anyway. And with the roof above open you have the option of having a box (wouldn't risk it with a bag) jutting slightly above the roofline if you need to.

[SmartPassion]

I fit that many groceries in the back of my cabrio all the time. No issues to date.

[rrrucke]

The only loss of space is when you add the retractible luggage cover. I thought the side design of the cover would be "L shaped" but it's more like the two bottom lines of a "Z". What I mean is the straight lines in a L would lend itself to allow the most storage area but the cover is designed with a Z angle which allows the seats to lean back into the truck space a bit. It's good for me because I added the net that fits across the back side of the retractible luggage cover which is directly behind the seats. It's hard to explain so maybe someone else can add or clarify my response.

But as far as holding groceries bags. I have filled up the rear of my smartie with at least 10 bags. 5 on top of the cover and 5 on bottom.

[SharonRB]

Originally Posted by rrrucke

The only loss of space is when you add the retractible luggage cover. I thought the side design of the cover would be "L shaped" but it's more like the two bottom lines of a "Z". What I mean is the straight lines in a L would lend itself to allow the most storage area but the cover is designed with a Z angle which allows the seats to lean back into the truck space a bit. It's good for me because I added the net that fits across the back side of the retractible luggage cover which is directly behind the seats. It's hard to explain so maybe someone else can add or clarify my response.

But as far as holding groceries bags. I have filled up the rear of my smartie with at least 10 bags. 5 on top of the cover and 5 on bottom.

That's a good point. I just picked my cabrio up this weekend and haven't taken it shopping yet. I also got the luggage cover and realized it might make it more difficult to put groceries in. I thought I might have to remove it when I go shopping, but this is a great idea. I already discovered I could use it as a ledge for my purse if I have a passenger with me, but I never thought about putting groceries there. It actually doubles the space available!

So far, I just love driving my little smartie!

[Springlering]

We have a cabrio and a Passion, too.

To me, the trunk space in the cabrio seems larger than the Passion. I have fit six large Hefty bags and several small Target bags, stuffed with stuff for Goodwill, in the back of the Cabrio, with the top up. Would not have even attempted it in the Passion.

I also hoard boxes to recycle for use on my website and Ebay forays, and fit three large boxes in the back of the cab with no problem.

The Passion would not have held them.

I have fit a weeks shopping in the cabrio, including a Target visit and two groceries stores for my mob, with no problem. Took the Passion grocery shopping Friday night, and it held everything, but it was a squeeze compared to the cabrio.

I don't know why the cabrio trunk seems larger, common sense would dictate that the floor space dimensions are the same, but it just does.

Maybe it's just because I LOVE my cabrio so much, and anything else is just a beer.

[jayhead000]

glad you all posted this thread, as I was wondering the same thing... I think after reading the cabrio owners reviews, I will probably be getting a cabrio at configuration... Its the one i wanted in the first place anyways! only thing is the top longevity, but i guess it is too early to tell now.