The explanation I have read from Jaguar in the past is the decision was based on two factors:

1. production costs
2. Type Approval

Fitting a seat is relatively simple and cost effective. The only requirements are approved materials and appropriate seat belts.

Fitting this same area out as luggage space brings with it a host of Type Approval issues. Provision must be made for effectively securing anything which may be carried there in order to avoid injury to front seat occupants in the event of accident or emergency.

Bentley faced this same dilemma when they removed the rear seats of the two door Continental R and replaced these with a luggage space in the Continental T.

Continental R - rear seats




Continental T - luggage space behind the front seats




Cost is not an issue in this market sector but Bentley found it so difficult to obtain Type Approval for the luggage space alone that they fitted a set of bespoke luggage with its own securing straps instead.

Graham

 

My wife will be glad to know I won't be carting around any coed's with this rear seat delete

 

If she'd ever tried to sit in the rear seats she likely wasn't worried about the co-eds. Mine is gone as well.

 

Lox,
There's your explanation as to why our cars have rear seats.

 

That may be, but any extracurricular activities taking place back there are essentially restricted to jockeys and acrobats only....

 

When I go out with friends I just take my a8l, plenty of room for drunk partners

 

Lol. Even when I was young and 140 lbs thier was no activity in that size rear seat. 34 years ago when dating my now wife I had a 71 celica with fully reclining front seats

 

When we took the XKR coupe for a test drive the owner sat in the back behind my g/f in the front passenger seat - she's only small so she had the seat well forward. After 20 minutes he could barely stand when he unfolded himself and got out...

 

I'm not sure "stuffed" has the same connotations here... :-D

 

There was a UK advertising campaign for MG in the 1970's - You can do it in an MG ........




....... YES - only not with the top up!

Graham

 

True these cars a cheap to insure. I paid £159 for fully comprehensive insurance with no claims protected! I guess its an age thing