Hatchback. What is it and what does it look like

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

A situation familiar to everyone: we hear a word and ask all friends and relatives about its meaning all day long, which, in turn, contradict each other, and we have no peace until we finally get to the truth! Such confusion occurs with the word "hatchback". What it really is, few people know. Some say that this is a car part, others say that this is a car manufacturer (probably confused with Hyundai), but this is nothing more than one of the body types.

What does "hatchback" mean

Hatchback as a term is derived from the English "hatch" (hatch) and "back" (rear), that is, "rear hatch". And this is not just because this type of passenger car body has a short overhang at the rear, which, unlike a sedan, allows you to maneuver faster, and this is very important when driving, especially in the city. The hatchback also has one or two rows of seats and a door in the wall behind. These types of cars produce both 3 and 5-door. With 3 doors, cars look even more sporty, andfrom the 5th car is considered more comfortable and is perfect for family people.

First car models

Such models became popular even before the war, when Citroen produced the first cars with a large rear sunroof. Also in the mid-40s, Kaiser turned its attention to the hatchback. That this is a very profitable investment of money, promising huge profits, was immediately clear. They released not one, but several models at once (Kaiser Traveler, Fraser Vagabond). After that, the idea of \u200b\u200bcreating this type of body was picked up by automakers in Japan, and the era of hatchbacks began. In Europe, the first such car was assembled by Renault masters. And even Russia in those years tried to produce it at the Togliatti automobile plant, but, unfortunately, the project was soon closed, and such a car remained the first and last. Then the domestic auto industry nevertheless achieved its goal, and in this body entered the world of "VAZ 2108".

Why choose a hatchback

This type of car body has always been extremely in demand, and today's new hatchbacks have even pushed sedans to some extent. And it's not just about increased maneuverability, because a hatchback can carry much more cargo than a classic sedan, and the unloading / loading process is faster and more convenient thanks to the spacious rear door that replaces the trunk lid.

It's interesting that when you change from a hatchback to a sedan, it becomes unusual to look at the rear window. But the ride becomes morecalm, because the dimensions of the second have been changed (30-40 cm of the trunk have to be taken into account), while due to the dead zone they are not visible, and only an experienced driver will cope with this task.

Cons of hatchbacks

However, there are also disadvantages. Many car owners complain about the hatchback that this car is poorly heated in winter, and due to the combination of the interior with the trunk, there is a possibility of unpleasant odors in the cabin. In addition, when buying a car with this type of body, you should take into account the fact that if you need to load bulky goods, you will have to pre-fold or even temporarily dismantle the rear seats. That is, as a means for the constant transportation of goods and passengers, a hatchback is not very convenient. What is this, if not the most uncomfortable car? Therefore, this body type is more suitable for families or sports.

Huge popularity makes automakers produce modernized models with more pronounced sporty notes, stylish design solutions and complemented by modern elements. Today, the best hatchbacks are Skoda Fabia, Ford Focus, Peugeot 308, Opel Astra, Citroen C4, Ford Fiesta, Audi A3, Volkswagen Polo, Daewoo Matiz. Even the Lada hatchback looks like a foreign car.

The only thing you can't say for sure about hatchbacks is that they are prestigious and ideal for people with high status. The sedan in this regard is more solid and presentable. But the first model is muchcheaper.

Important details

There are, by the way, quite important points that not everyone is paying attention to for some reason. For example, clearance. Clearance is the distance between the lowest point of the car and the surface on which the car stands. Passenger cars have a standard value of 12-16 cm. In addition, another important factor is the existing wheelbase length. From the fact that the car is longer, the cross-country ability worsens, and the same clearance suffers. Hatchbacks have a standard base length, which is slightly less than the sedan one, and therefore cars with the body type in question are better in cross-country ability, if we take the same models (Chevrolet hatchback and sedan) as an example. In any body, the car looks just great, and we have already considered the nuances of each model.

Who will fit the hatchback

You need to choose a car, first of all, based on your own preferences, lifestyle and who you are, what position you occupy in society. That is, if you are a fan of street racing and rarely go out with your family for picnics (and if you do, then not in your car), or you are a student who likes to ride girls, or maybe you have a summer house where you drag a huge luggage every year, then choose a hatchback in this case. And if you are a businessman and often make business trips, or a family man who takes his family every Sunday to the zoo or circus, then the best option would be, of course, a sedan. Going on a trip to Europe, it is better to again prefer the type of body in question, because Europeansleave the best reviews about such machines. They adore the hatchback, and you, who arrived in such a car, will be appreciated. Anyway, just figure out what is more important for you: beauty or practicality.