In Search of Headroom, Part 2

Tom Murphy, Managing Editor

May 6, 2011

2 Min Read
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[caption id="attachment_98" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Back seat of diminutive Fiat 500 feels like a straightjacket."]Back seat of diminutive Fiat 500 feels like a straightjacket.

Fiat 500

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Yesterday I began sharing some photos from our evaluations of 51 vehicles as part of the Ward's 10 Best Interiors competition for 2011. Working alone, I took pictures inside all 51 vehicles and realized the best way to illustrate whether a backseat was comfortable or cramped was to use facial expressions in self-portraits.

More photos coming on Monday.

[caption id="attachment_104" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Don’t worry, that’s just my head against dome light in center rear seat of Ford Fiesta."]Don’t worry, that’s just my head against dome light in center rear seat of Ford Fiesta.

Ford Fiesta center

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Two outboard rear seats in Acura TL are fine, but center position brings extreme discomfort.

Acura TL center

Two outboard rear seats in Acura TL are fine, but center position brings extreme discomfort.

[caption id="attachment_106" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Often a penalty box in 7-passenger vehicles, the center third-row seat in new Honda Odyssey minivan makes me wanna holla."]Often a penalty box in 7-passenger vehicles, the center third-row seat in new Honda Odyssey minivan makes me wanna holla.

Honda Odyssey center 3rd row

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[caption id="attachment_103" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Center rear seat in Kia Sportage CUV not bad. Panoramic roofs can improve headroom."]Center rear seat in Kia Sportage CUV not bad. Panoramic roofs can improve headroom.

Kia Sportage center

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Yes, it’s called a headliner, but the head isn’t actually supposed to touch, as in Saab 9-5’s center rear seat.

Saab 9-5 center

Yes, it’s called a headliner, but the head isn’t actually supposed to touch, as in Saab 9-5’s center rear seat.

[caption id="attachment_100" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Center rear seat of BMW X3 CUV surprisingly comfortable."]Center rear seat of BMW X3 CUV surprisingly comfortable.

BMW X3 center

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[caption id="attachment_99" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="That’s a nod of approval for third-row seat in new Ford Explorer."]That’s a nod of approval for third-row seat in new Ford Explorer.

Ford Explorer

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About the Author

Tom Murphy

Managing Editor, Informa/WardsAuto

Tom Murphy test drives cars throughout the year and focuses on powertrain and interior technology. He leads selection of the Wards 10 Best Engines, Wards 10 Best Interiors and Wards 10 Best UX competitions. Tom grills year-round, never leaves home without a guitar pick and aspires to own a Jaguar E-Type someday.

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