Why don't more cars have sliding doors?
Discussion
Is there a big reason why more cars don't have sliding doors?
Are they considerably more expensive to engineer? Are they compromised in terms of crash protection? Or have manufacturers just concluded that people don't like them due to the MPV/van connotations they presumably have?
In my opinion the Mercedes F800 Concept integrated them really well into a sleek looking saloon bodystyle...looks quite futuristic to me, and would definitely make rear seat access easier:
Are they considerably more expensive to engineer? Are they compromised in terms of crash protection? Or have manufacturers just concluded that people don't like them due to the MPV/van connotations they presumably have?
In my opinion the Mercedes F800 Concept integrated them really well into a sleek looking saloon bodystyle...looks quite futuristic to me, and would definitely make rear seat access easier:
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I have electric sliding doors on the family bus, a 2010 Mazda 5. I have a 4 year old, 3 year and 1 year old so for getting them in/out the car the sliding doors work great, especially in tight carparks. Also handy on hot days being able to open the doors and get some air in while you load up. For family duties, sliding doors are superb. For luxury cars or anything else though, I can't see them working as well or being required.
Sliding doors without a B-Pillar really improve access. But must be at a huge cost in weight and complexity.... imagine how those cars (the Merc and the B max) have to be strengthened to account for no b-pillar linking the roof to the floor. And the. The actual mechanism must be complex and heavy.
They make sense when the access is really highly valued, but that isn't the case very often.
They make sense when the access is really highly valued, but that isn't the case very often.
mp3manager said:
For the cripples like me, that would be nigh-on impossible to get out of.
I use a grab bar as leverage to get out of a car.
I've never seen one of those before, that's a very clever idea. Have you ever had it cause any problems with putting too much force on the latch? I imagine it must be strong as hell for crash protection reasons but if that bar is two thirds of a foot long and you put your full weight on a point near then end that's a fair old twisting torque on the latch.I use a grab bar as leverage to get out of a car.
Edited by mp3manager on Tuesday 30th May 11:46
Aside from the parent/kid packing thing I see them as less ergonomic than simple pivot doors, I guess the move to powered everything makes that less of an issue though.
Bear in mind too a lot of parents vanity wont let them get an mpv so opt for suvs, i suspect stylistically many manufacturers are wary of the minivan/soccer mum look.
Bear in mind too a lot of parents vanity wont let them get an mpv so opt for suvs, i suspect stylistically many manufacturers are wary of the minivan/soccer mum look.
Hungrymc said:
Sliding doors without a B-Pillar really improve access. But must be at a huge cost in weight and complexity.... imagine how those cars (the Merc and the B max) have to be strengthened to account for no b-pillar linking the roof to the floor. And the. The actual mechanism must be complex and heavy.
They make sense when the access is really highly valued, but that isn't the case very often.
i would imagine it would make passing the ncap side impact tests very difficult They make sense when the access is really highly valued, but that isn't the case very often.
zedx19 said:
bobtail4x4 said:
I see them advertised on chav TV; they have a bloke standing on it, no mention of the belt cutter and glass breaking capabilities just that it has a crappy LED torch.
mp3manager said:
For the cripples like me, that would be nigh-on impossible to get in and out of.
I use a grab bar as leverage to get in and out of a car.
I use a grab bar as leverage to get in and out of a car.
Hungrymc said:
Sliding doors without a B-Pillar really improve access. But must be at a huge cost in weight and complexity.... imagine how those cars (the Merc and the B max) have to be strengthened to account for no b-pillar linking the roof to the floor. And the. The actual mechanism must be complex and heavy.
They make sense when the access is really highly valued, but that isn't the case very often.
I just quickly google'd it, a B max weighs less then a focus surprisingly They make sense when the access is really highly valued, but that isn't the case very often.
vikingaero said:
Cost. Two hinges and a lock and you're done. With a sliding door you need to reinforce it with multipoint locking and engineer a rail system top and bottom. Then on luxomodels they'll have to be electric with door control switches, a motor and anti-crush.
Tons of non luxury vehicles have had the electric versions for years. Chrysler have been putting it into its Voyager for decades, same for the big Jap ones.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff