ISO 3832-2002 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 3832:2002 — Passenger cars — Luggage compartments — Method of measuring reference volume. This International Standard defines a repeatable method for determining the reference (reported) volume of passenger‑car luggage compartments to allow consistent measurement and comparison between vehicles.

Abstract

ISO 3832 specifies a method of measuring the reference volume of the luggage compartments of passenger cars; the reference volume is expressed in cubic decimetres and is obtained by filling the compartment with standardized unit modules and summing their volumes.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed as current after systematic review).
• Publication date: 13 June 2002 (Edition 3, 2002).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 43.040.60 — Bodies and body components (automotive bodywork).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2002).
• Number of pages: 4.

Scope

Specifies a procedure for measuring the reference volume of passenger‑car luggage compartments (both closed compartments and those communicating with the passenger compartment where defined limits apply). The standard defines the measurement units (unit modules), how the compartment shall be filled, what factory‑fitted items are to be included or excluded, and how to calculate and express the reference volume for reporting and comparison purposes.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of standardized unit modules (rectangular parallelepipeds with rounded edges; dimensions and volumes defined in the standard) used to fill the compartment for measurement.
• Procedures for filling the luggage compartment with unit modules to represent the largest achievable capacity without impeding closure of the lid or tailgate.
• Calculation of reference volume as the sum of the unit modules placed (expressed in cubic decimetres) and rules for reporting the measured value.
• Specification that factory‑installed fittings (spare wheel, jack, etc.) that are part of production must be considered in the measurement, while optional or non‑installed items are excluded.
• Separate procedures or clarifications for compartments that are open to the passenger area (e.g., hatchbacks) and for vehicles with foldable/removable seats or backrests.

Typical use and users

Used by automotive manufacturers (design and validation teams) to report luggage‑compartment volumes, by test laboratories and vehicle homologation bodies for consistent measurement, and by technical editors/journalists to compare reported trunk/boot volumes across models. It is also used by national standards bodies when adopting or referencing the ISO measurement method.

Related standards

Replaces ISO 3832:1991 (superseded by the 2002 edition). It is commonly adopted identically or referenced by national/adopted standards (for example SS‑ISO 3832 and related national adoptions). Other automotive body and volume‑measurement standards or national technical regulations may reference ISO 3832 for luggage‑compartment measurement methodology.

Keywords

luggage compartment, boot, trunk, reference volume, unit module, passenger car, measurement method, ISO 3832, luggage volume, trunk volume.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 3832:2002 is an International Standard that defines a repeatable method for measuring the reference volume of passenger‑car luggage compartments so measurements are comparable between vehicles.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the measurement procedure using predefined unit modules (dimensions and volume), how to place them in the compartment, what factory‑installed items to include, and how to calculate and report the resulting reference volume in cubic decimetres.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Automotive OEMs, vehicle test laboratories, standards bodies, homologation/regulatory agencies, and automotive reviewers and specifiers who need a consistent method to state and compare luggage compartment volumes.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 3832:2002 is the current published edition (Edition 3, 2002). The ISO record shows the standard was last reviewed and confirmed as current following systematic review (confirmed in 2025). It replaced ISO 3832:1991.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone ISO standard addressing luggage‑compartment volume measurement; it replaces an earlier edition (ISO 3832:1991) and may be referenced alongside other ISO and national standards for vehicle body components and testing.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Luggage compartment, trunk/boot, reference volume, unit module, measurement method, passenger car, ISO 3832.