Trunk comparison: Mercedes Benz CLA Shooting Brake vs Renault Clio
Key Differences
The comparison reveals four relevant differences greater than 10%: The Mercedes‑Benz CLA Shooting Brake has a trunk that is 18.1 in (+35%) longer with the seats folded down and a trunk that is 13.8 in (+49%) longer with the first row of seats upright than the Renault Clio.
The Renault Clio, on the other hand, offers a significantly larger trunk depth reserve (loading edge → trunk floor) by 21.7 in (+250%) as well as a wider trunk opening by 5.1 in (+15%) compared to the CLA.
The remaining differences (opening height +1.2 in / +4%, narrowest width +1.6 in / +4%) are minor and practically negligible.
Impact on Usability
Mercedes‑Benz CLA Shooting Brake – Advantages: - Due to the significantly longer loading area (with seats folded or upright), the CLA is better suited for long items (e.g., slats, skis, long furniture parts) and for larger overall loads on trips or moves. - The slightly greater narrowest trunk width is hardly relevant but tends to contribute to somewhat more cargo volume.
Mercedes‑Benz CLA Shooting Brake – Limitations: - The loading edge is significantly higher (+20.1 in).
Heavy lifting into the trunk is more strenuous; frequent loading/unloading of large, heavy items is less practical. - The trunk opening is narrower than on the Clio, which can make loading wide-format cargo more difficult, even though the interior volume is overall larger.
Renault Clio – Advantages: - The larger trunk depth reserve (±21.7 in) and the significantly wider opening (+5.1 in) make maneuvering and storing bulky, cumbersome items through the rear easier; loading is overall more flexible. - The significantly lower loading edge makes lifting heavy loads easier and is more practical in everyday use (shopping, suitcases, child seats, transport boxes).
Renault Clio – Limitations: - The shorter total loading area (both with seats folded and upright) limits transporting long items and reduces the maximum usable cargo volume compared to the CLA.
Summary: If length and total cargo volume matter (long items, lots of luggage), the CLA Shooting Brake is the better choice. If frequent, easy loading/unloading, lower loading edge, and a wider opening are more important (everyday use, bulky but not very long items), the Clio scores better.