What does Monocoque Chassis mean? Here's the Explanation and its Types

Chassis is the framework of a car that functions to support the car's body, engine, and passengers. The materials used to make the chassis are usually made from iron or steel with certain composites. Each car has a different type of chassis to achieve optimal performance. There are various types of car chassis, one of which is the monocoque chassis. Do you know about the monocoque chassis? Find more detailed information in our article.

 

Monocoque chassis is commonly used in lightweight cars such as SUVs. As a passenger vehicle, SUVs with monocoque chassis can provide a good driving experience in urban areas. SUVs can be a choice for those of you who want to visit We The Fest 2023, which will be held at GBK Sport Complex Senayan. So, what car brands use the monocoque chassis? Read and follow this article to the end for a more complete explanation!

 

What is Monocoque Chassis?

The term "monocoque" originates from French, meaning "single shell." The chassis and body are integrated into one part, hence called unibody. Monocoque chassis is designed to protect the cabin space from impacts. The monocoque chassis uses strong materials such as iron, steel, or carbon fiber to support the vehicle. This chassis model was first introduced in 1923 in the Lancia Lambda car. In 1934, Citroen and Chrysler also used the monocoque chassis type. The monocoque chassis is made to be integrated with the car, designed by utilizing the strength and rigidity of thin panels, which are carefully shaped and joined together.

 

Read also: Before Renting a Car, Know the Popular Cars in Indonesia

 

 

Advantages of Monocoque Chassis

Here are the advantages of the monocoque chassis that you need to know:

 

1. Lighter car weight

The monocoque chassis is lighter due to the integration of the frame with the body. The materials used in this chassis also generally have a lightweight, making it a preferred choice for many SUVs.

 

2. More fuel-efficient

Cars require fuel as the driving force. The amount of energy required depends on the car's dimensions and weight. Cars using this chassis have a lighter weight, resulting in more fuel-efficient consumption.

 

3. More spacious cabin

The structure of the monocoque chassis is integrated with the body, so the space is not reduced by the chassis. As a result, cars have more room, and the cabin becomes more spacious.

 

4. Better handling

The monocoque chassis has a higher level of rigidity, making cars with this chassis easier to control. Therefore, SUVs with monocoque chassis are comfortable to drive in urban areas.

 

5. Absorbs impacts

Generally, the monocoque chassis is integrated with a crumple zone construction. This construction allows the chassis to absorb impact energy during accidents.

 

 

Disadvantages of Monocoque Chassis:

Here are the disadvantages of the monocoque chassis that you need to know:

 

1. Vulnerable structure with the body

Monocoque chassis has a unibody nature, making it more fragile. In the event of a severe accident, the chassis structure can be destroyed along with the body. Repairing it can be quite challenging as all parts need to be fixed together.

 

2. Expensive production costs

Monocoque chassis is designed to support the car's body, making the construction more complex. This results in higher production costs.

 

3. Limited off-road performance

SUVs with monocoque chassis usually have lower ground clearance. This makes them more suitable for urban roads rather than off-road terrains. However, this is not applicable to Range Rover, as it uses a monocoque chassis with robust off-road performance.

 

4. Limited weight-bearing capacity

Monocoque chassis generally uses lighter materials. The relatively high production costs also make it more commonly used in lightweight cars. Consequently, the monocoque chassis cannot support weight as well as a leader frame chassis.

 

Read also: Best Car Recommendations for Family Nature Trips

 

 

List of Cars Using Monocoque Chassis

Cars that use monocoque chassis are generally passenger cars such as SUVs, sedans, hatchbacks, MPVs, crossovers, and sports cars. Supercars also utilize monocoque chassis with stronger and more rigid materials like carbon fiber. Here is a list of some cars that use monocoque chassis, which can serve as your reference:

1. Audi Q Series
2. Honda CR-V
3. Toyota Avanza
4. Porsche Cayenne
5. DFSK Glory
6. Wuling Almaz
7. Range Rover
8. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
9. BMW X5
10. Lamborghini Urus

 

That concludes the information about the advantages and disadvantages of the monocoque chassis, as well as a list of cars that use it. Cars with monocoque chassis are more comfortable for daily urban driving. If you enjoy off-road driving but still want to use this chassis, you can opt for a Range Rover. It's important to note that cars with monocoque chassis are more difficult to undergo facelifts or redesigns due to the chassis being integrated with the car's body.

 

If you need an SUV or any other type of car for rental, choose a reliable car rental service for a better driving experience. One of the reputable car rental services in Jakarta is MPMRent. Currently, MPMRent has 8 branch offices and 18 representative branches spread throughout Indonesia. Furthermore, MPMRent offers a wide range of 15,000 vehicle variants for both office and personal use. MPMRent always ensures that the vehicles are in top condition for your driving comfort. Please contact the nearest car rental service in your city.