Trunk comparison: Ford Focus Wagon vs Mercedes Benz CLA Shooting Brake
Summary
The Ford Focus Wagon offers a significantly wider trunk opening, while the Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake has a notably higher loading lip and a considerably greater depth between the loading lip and trunk floor. These three differences (each >10%) most strongly influence the practical usability of both models.
Key Differences
The Ford Focus Wagon has a
than the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake — this makes loading wider or bulkier items much easier. The CLA’s loading lip is
, which makes lifting luggage or heavy items during loading noticeably more strenuous. Additionally, the measured depth from the loading floor to the loading lip is
in the CLA, so the cargo area there appears significantly deeper or recessed.
Implications for Usability
The wider opening of the Focus makes it more practical for wide items (strollers, furniture parts, wide boxes) and for quick loading and unloading in tight spaces. The lower loading lip in the Focus reduces the effort needed to lift heavy loads and lowers the risk of cargo getting caught or bumped during loading. In the CLA, the higher loading lip results in greater physical strain when lifting; those who often load heavy items will see this as a disadvantage. However, the much greater depth between the loading lip and trunk floor can provide more vertical space (room for taller cargo below the loading lip or a lower-lying storage compartment). Practically, this means: for very tall, slender items, the CLA can have advantages; for wider or particularly bulky items, the Focus is preferable. Also, the deep, recessed floor of the CLA makes placing items further down more difficult to reach. Small differences, such as the 2.4 in longer loading floor in the Focus with folded seats or the 0.8 in longer usable length in the CLA with the rear seats upright, as well as the 3.1 in wider width at the narrowest point in the Focus, are less decisive in everyday use and were not emphasized. The height of the trunk opening is the same in both models.