hjulbas

Hjulbas is the term used in some languages, including Swedish, for what is known in English as the wheelbase: the distance between the centers of a vehicle’s front and rear wheels, measured along the longitudinal axis. It is a fixed dimension for a given chassis and model, though manufacturers may vary wheelbase across different trim levels or variants of a platform. Wheelbase is commonly expressed in meters.

The wheelbase influences several aspects of vehicle dynamics and packaging. A longer wheelbase generally provides a smoother ride by better distributing shocks from the road and allowing more interior space for passengers and cargo. It also tends to improve high-speed stability and traction. However, a longer wheelbase can increase the turning radius and reduce manoeuvrability in tight spaces. A shorter wheelbase usually yields more agile handling and a tighter turning circle, but can result in a firmer ride and reduced interior length.

In design and engineering, wheelbase interacts with track width, overall length, weight distribution, and center of gravity. Changes to wheelbase affect ride quality, handling characteristics, and the available footprint for engine placement, suspension tuning, and cabin design. In commercial use, wheelbase length can influence payload capacity, rear-door access, and towing stability; longer wheelbases tend to improve highway stability when towing.

Typical wheelbase values vary by class. Compact cars often have wheelbases around 2.5–2.8 meters, midsize cars around 2.8–3.0 meters, and large SUVs or pickups around 3.0–3.8 meters.