Hatchback - what type of car body?

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

Each car model is produced by the manufacturer in a certain 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, which 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 styles when visually inspecting the vehicle?

Hatchback - what is it?

The term is formed by two words of English origin: hatch ("hatch") and back ("back"). Literally, hatchback translates as "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 occupied by the engine compartment, the second - by the passenger compartment and the luggage compartment, separated by the back of the rear passenger seats.

HatchbackThere are three and five doors. This type of body is comfortable for the driver and passengers, roomy, but compact. Many car manufacturers use the hatchback as a fast or economical model, as it is aerodynamic, easy to drive and relatively light in weight.

How to understand that this is a hatchback body, and not some other?

To learn to distinguish body types, you need to familiarize yourself with their main types. Knowing each one will make it easier to spot the differences.

• Sedan. It will be very difficult to confuse it with a hatchback, as they are largely different: the first option has a full-fledged tailgate in the luggage compartment, and the second one has a trunk lid. Also, the sedan is characterized by a streamlined body shape.
• Universal. Most often, a hatchback is confused with it. Although, if you look closely, the difference is enormous. The hatchback seems to be "chopped off" at the back, 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, 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 Lada X-RAY, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai. In fact, both SUVs and crossovers can be classified as station wagons due to the length of the luggage compartment. But due to the size of the body and features inappearance 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

The liftback deserves special attention. This type of body is a kind of hatchback. The most popular liftback models are Ford Mondeo and Skoda Superb. Visually, this body is very similar to a sedan. But it is not difficult to distinguish them - the length of the rear overhang is the determining factor. Again, the liftback has a door with a window, while the sedan is equipped with a trunk lid. Since the liftback is a hatchback, it is more important to make out the difference between them. The differences are most noticeable when comparing the photographs of the bodies presented in the article. The liftback combines the classic look 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.

Hatchback advantages and disadvantages

This body type has both positive and negative qualities. One of the advantages of a hatchback is its ability to carry more cargo than a sedan. Thanks to a full-fledged tailgate, it is more convenient to use the luggage compartment, and you can also accommodate large items, which cannot be said about the sedan. Another positive feature is the hatchback's good maneuverability. This means it is great for use in urban environments, where traffic jams are not uncommon and you often need to change lanes.

Hatchback cons associated with the combination of interior and luggage compartment. Because of this, extraneous odors penetrate into the cabin, 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, Lada Largus or Lada Kalina station wagons. This type of body is more positioned as a sports or family.

Hatchback Conclusions

Today this type of body is the most popular in the automotive market, gradually replacing the eternal classic in the face of the sedan from the leading positions. The hatchback can be called a modern representative of the automotive industry, thanks to its advantages it is ideal 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 come in three and five-door versions, you can choose the option that is best suited for everyday use. For example, three-door models are more sporty versions, thanks to a lightweight, strong body. Five-door options will be an ideal solution for families. The spacious rear of the cabin and a large luggage compartment make these cars as comfortable and convenient as possible. Of course, in terms of passenger and luggage capacity, the hatchback SUV, crossover and station wagonsomewhat inferior, but they are much easier to manage. By the way, thanks to excellent aerodynamics and increased maneuverability, many motorists recommend that beginners choose models in this body as their first car.

Favourites among hatchbacks and liftbacks: ranking of the best

This class of cars is relatively young, but has already managed to settle quite tightly in the model range of many manufacturers. Below is a ranking of hatchbacks based on the ratings of car owners.

So, TOP 20 models that motorists are satisfied with:

1. Audi A5;
2. Audi A7;
3. Honda Civic Type R;
4. Porsche Panamera;
5. Opel Insignia;
6. Skoda Superb;
7. Subaru Impreza WRX STI;
8. Audi S5;
9. Toyota Aqua;
10. Lexus CT200h;
11. Hyundai Veloster;
12. Audi A1;
13. Honda Accord;
14. Honda Crosstour;
15. Honda Freed Spike;
16. Nissan Leaf;
17. BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo;
18. Citroen DS4;
19. Volvo C30;
20. Mini Hatch.

Hatchback is a high level of safety, original design, ease of operation and aesthetic appeal, which makes the body type so popular in a modern city for everyday tasks.