Hatchback. What is it and what does it look like

The familiar situation is that we hear the word and ask the whole day about its meaning for all friends and relatives who, in turn, contradict each other, and we do not rest until we finally reach the truth! Here such confusion occurs and with a word "hatchback". What it really is, very few people know. Some say that this is a detail of the car, others say that it is a car manufacturer (confused with Hyundai, probably), but this is nothing more than one of the body types.

What does "hatchback" mean

Hatchback as a term is formed from English "hatch" (hatch) and "back" (rear), that is "rear hatch". And it's not just that, because this type of car body has a short overhang, allowing you to maneuver faster than a sedan, which 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 machines produce both 3-and 5-door. With 3 doors, cars look even more sporty, but with the 5th car it is considered more comfortable and perfectly suited for family people.

The first models of cars

Such models became popular before the war, when Citroen produced the first cars with a large rear hatch. Also in the mid-40s, Kaiser turned its attention to the hatchback. That this is a very profitable investment of money, promising a huge profit, it was clear right away. They released not one, but several models at once ("Kaiser Traveler", "Frazer Vagabond"). After this, the idea of creating this type of body was picked up by automakers in Japan, and the era of hatchbacks began. In Europe, the first car was assembled by Renault masters. And even Russia in those years tried to produce it in the Togliatti car factory, but the project was, unfortunately, soon shut down, and such a car remained the first and last. Then the domestic car industry still achieved its goal, and in this body went into the world of "VAZ 2108".

Why choose a hatchback

This type of autocube has always been unusually in demand, and today's new hatchbacks to some extent even pressed the sedans. And it's not just the increased maneuverability, because the conceived hatchback can carry much more cargo than the classic sedan, and the process of unloading / loading is faster and more convenient thanks to the extensive tailgate that replaces the trunk lid.

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

Disadvantages of hatchbacks

However, there are also disadvantages. Many car owners complain about the hatchback that this car is poorly heated in the winter, and because of the combination of the cabin with the trunk there is the possibility of presence in the cabin of unpleasant odors. In addition, when buying a car with this type of body should take into account the fact that, if necessary, load volumetric loads will have to fold up or even temporarily dismantle the rear seats. That is, as a means for the constant transport of goods and passengers is not too convenient hatchback. What is this, if not the most uncomfortable car? Therefore this type of body is more suitable for family or sports.

Huge popularity makes autoconcerns produce modernized models with more pronounced sporting notes, a stylish design solution and complement with modern elements. Today the best among the hatchbacks are the Skoda Fabia, Ford Focus, Peugeot 308, Opel Astra, Citroen S4, Ford Fiesta, Audi A3, Volkswagen Polo, Daewoo Matiz. Even the "Lada" -the hatch looks like a foreign car.

That's just what exactly you will not tell about hatchbacks, so this 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 much cheaper.

Important details

There are, incidentally, quite important points, which are not all somehow carefully looked at. For example, ground clearance. The clearance is the distance between the bottom point of the machine and the surface on which the machine stands. The cars have a standard value of 12-16 cm. Besides this, another important factor is the existing length of the wheelbase. From the fact that the car is longer, the permeability deteriorates, and the same ground clearance suffers. Hatchbacks have a standard length of the base, which is slightly smaller than the Sedan, which is why the cars with the type of body in question are better in cross-country, if we take the same models for the example (Chevrolet hatchback and sedan). In any body, the car looks just fine, and the nuances of each model we have already considered.

Who will suit the hatchback

Choose the car you need, primarily based on their own preferences, lifestyle and from who you are, what position society occupies. That is, if you are a fan of street racing and rarely the whole family go on nature to picnics (and if you leave, it's not on your car), or you are a student who likes to roll girls, or maybe you have a cottage where you Every year dragging a huge baggage, then choose in that case a hatchback. And if you are a businessman and often make business trips, or a family man taking his family every Sunday with a zoo or a circus, then the best option will be, of course, a sedan. Going on a trip to Europe, it is better to prefer the type of body in question, because Europeans leave the best reviews about such cars. They love the hatchback, and you, who came by such a car, will be appreciated. And in general, just understand what is more important for you: beauty or practicality.