ARAI Updates Ground Clearance Measurement Norms

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has updated the ground clearance measurement norms for cars and SUVs.

Now, the ground clearance of the vehicle is measured with the vehicle loaded to its maximum capacity or the approved gross vehicle weight (GVW). Before this mandate, the ground clearance was measured with the vehicle unladen or kerb weight.

Ground clearance is one of the most important and basic dimensions of a vehicle. The ground clearance is the space between the lowest part of the vehicle and the ground.

The suspension system of a vehicle compresses when it is loaded to its maximum capacity, so the ground clearance decreases. With the fully loaded vehicle, the ground clearance decreases by 20 to 30 percent compared to the values measured with the kerb weight.

After the revised mandate, the ground clearance of Toyota Fortuner stands at 184mm as opposed to the 225mm. The global-spec Volkswagen Tiguan has a ground clearance of 189mm, whereas the India-spec model has a ground clearance of 149mm.

Fiat has also released the new ground clearance values for its models. Aventura has a ground clearance of 156mm as opposed to the 205mm under the previous rule.

Several manufacturers in India are displaying the updated ground clearance values of their models. But some automakers are still displaying the old ground clearance values.

DriveSpark Thinks!

The ground clearance is an important measurement, especially in India. The Indian roads are filled with huge speed breakers and potholes, so the ground clearance of a vehicle is very important. The current rules for measuring ground clearance is apt for the Indian road condition.