Each car model is produced by the manufacturer in a specific body, and sometimes even in several. For example, Ford Focus and Hyundai Solaris are both sedans and hatchbacks. These are the names of body types that not every motorist can distinguish, not to mention those people who do not have their own vehicle. What is a hatchback? Does it have features that make it easy to distinguish it from other body types during a visual inspection of the car?
What is a hatchback?
The term is formed by two words of English origin: hatch ("hatch") and back ("back"). Literally, hatchback translates to “rear hatch." Therefore, this type is characterized by the presence of a rear door equipped with a window. Structurally, the body is divided into 2 parts: the first is the engine compartment, the second - the interior and the luggage compartment, separated by the back of the rear passenger seats.
The hatchback is three- and five-door. This type of body is comfortable for the driver and passengers, roomy, but compact. Many car manufacturers based on the hatchback produce high-speed or economical models, since it has good aerodynamics, is easy to control and has a relatively small weight.
How to understand that this is a hatchback body, and not any other?
To learn to distinguish body types, you need to familiarize yourself with their main types. Having an idea of each of them will make it easier to spot the differences.
- Sedan. It will be very difficult to confuse it with a hatchback, since they are significantly different: the first option has a full back door in the luggage compartment, and the second has a trunk lid. Also, the sedan is characterized by a streamlined body shape.
- Station wagon. Most often, a hatchback is confused with it. Although, if you look closely, the difference is enormous. The hatchback seemed to be “chopped off” from behind, while the station wagon is much longer. It is the rear overhang that is the main difference.
- SUVs. These are quite large cars, for example, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Explorer or Infiniti QX. Due to the large size of the SUV, it is impossible to confuse it with a hatchback.
- Crossovers are slightly smaller than SUVs. These include models such as the Lada X-RAY, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai. In fact, both SUVs and crossovers due to the length of the luggage compartment can be attributed to wagons. But due to the size of the body and features in appearance, they were grouped into separate classes. A crossover is a hatchback, only it has larger wheels and more ground clearance. Otherwise, there are no differences between these types. This is what you need to focus on.
Liftback as a kind of hatchback
Liftback deserves special attention. This type of body is a kind of hatchback. The most popular liftback models are the Ford Mondeo and Skoda Superb. Visually, such a body is very similar to a sedan. But to distinguish between them is easy - the determining factor is the length of the rear overhang. Again, the liftback has a door with a window, and the sedan is equipped with a boot lid. Since the liftback is a hatchback, it is more important to make out the difference between the two. The differences are most clearly seen when comparing photographs of bodies presented in the article. The liftback combines the classic appearance of a sedan with a streamlined shape and the versatility of a hatchback. That is, the back is not "chopped off", but, like a sedan, smooth.
Advantages and disadvantages of a hatchback
This type of body has both positive and negative qualities. Of the advantages of a hatchback, one can single out its ability to carry more cargo than a sedan. Thanks to a full-fledged back door, it is more convenient to use the luggage compartment, and you can also accommodate large items, which can not be said about the sedan. Another positive feature is the good hatchback maneuverability. This means that it is perfect for use in urban environments, where traffic jams are common and often need to be rebuilt from one lane to another.
Hatchback disadvantages associated with the union of the passenger compartment and luggage compartment. Because of this, extraneous odors penetrate the interior, and it also warms up longer and worse. When transporting large loads, it will be necessary to dismantle the rear seats. As a small truck, the hatchback does not fit as well as, for example, the Lada Largus or Lada Kalina station wagons. This type of body is more positioned as sports or family.
Hatchback conclusions
Today, this type of body is the most popular in the automotive market, gradually replacing the eternal classics in the face of a sedan from the leading position. The hatchback can be called a modern representative of the automotive industry, thanks to its advantages that are ideally suited for use today. If you study the ratings, we can conclude that many people prefer hatchbacks instead of crossovers, sedans, station wagons. This is the main indicator of the versatility of this body, its convenience and safety.
Since hatchbacks are three- and five-door, you can choose the option that is best suited for use in everyday life. For example, three-door models are more sporty versions, thanks to a lightweight sturdy body. Five-door options are ideal for families. The spacious rear compartment and a large luggage compartment make these cars as comfortable and convenient as possible. Of course, in terms of passenger capacity and luggage, the hatchback is slightly inferior to an SUV, crossover and station wagon, but it is much easier to manage. By the way, thanks to excellent aerodynamics and increased maneuverability, many motorists recommend that beginners choose as the first car model in this body.
Favorites among hatchbacks and liftbacks: ranking of the best
This class of cars is relatively young, but has already managed to settle fairly tightly in the model range of many manufacturers. Below is a hatchback rating based on a rating from car owners.
So, TOP-20 models that motorists are happy with:
- Audi A5;
- Audi A7;
- Honda Civic Type R ;
- Porsche Panamera;
- Opel Insignia;
- Skoda Superb;
- Subaru Impreza WRX STI;
- Audi S5;
- Toyota Aqua;
- Lexus CT200h;
- Hyundai Veloster;
- Audi A1;
- Honda Accord;
- Honda Crosstour;
- Honda Freed Spike;
- Nissan Leaf;
- BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo;
- Citroen DS4;
- Volvo C30;
- Mini Hatch.
A hatchback is an increased level of security, an original design, ease of handling and aesthetic appeal, due to which the body type is so popular in a modern city for everyday tasks.