Hatchbacks and Why Make One of Them Your Next Car (PDF)
While sedans maintain their popularity in the United States, hatchbacks are steadily gaining traction, especially in the compact car segment. If you find yourself in the market for a compact vehicle, you might face a choice between the conventional sedan and the less common hatchback or wagon. In this article, we’ll explore five compelling reasons to consider a hatchback and five factors to weigh before making your decision.
Understanding Hatchbacks
Hatchbacks made their debut in 1938 and saw their heyday in the 1970s and 1980s, largely due to escalating fuel prices in the United States. These vehicles are typically characterized by a two-box configuration: the first box houses the engine compartment, while the second accommodates passengers and cargo. Notably, the passenger and cargo areas are integrated into a single space.
One distinctive feature of the hatchback is its spacious rear door, which provides convenient access to the cargo area. Hatchbacks are commonly referred to as either three- or five-door, depending on the number of passenger doors they feature.
Understanding Sedans
Sedans, on the other hand, are recognized for their three-box configuration, consisting of one box for the engine bay, one for the passenger compartment, and another for the trunk. While sedans have been a staple in the automotive world since the introduction of cars, they began facing increased competition from SUVs over the past decade.
Advantages of Hatchbacks
Hatchbacks offer a level of versatility that sedans cannot match. With the simple lift of a lever or the push of a button, you can fold down some or all of the seats to create a spacious, open cargo area, a feature not found in sedans.
Furthermore, hatchbacks grant you the flexibility to adapt to your current needs, whether it’s accommodating more passengers or hauling additional cargo. Whether it’s a family trip to the snowy Muskoka region in winter or a weekend fishing expedition with a friend, a hatchback can easily accommodate your plans.
Disadvantages of Hatchbacks
Hatchbacks come with two drawbacks in comparison to sedans. First, if you lack a cargo cover, your cargo is visible to anyone outside, which may raise security concerns. Second, since the cargo area shares space with passengers, there may be an increase in noise inside the cabin.
Nevertheless, these issues have straightforward solutions. Most hatchbacks come equipped with a cargo area cover, addressing the visibility concern. To assess the noise levels within the cabin, a test drive can help you determine if it’s a problem for you.
On-the-Go Versatility
Hatchbacks provide driving dynamics akin to sedans while offering a versatility only rivaled by SUVs or minivans. If you’re uncertain about the number of passengers or the amount of cargo you’ll need to carry on a daily basis, a hatchback may be the ideal urban vehicle for you.
Five Reasons to Choose a Hatchback or Wagon
- Space, Space, Space: Opting for a hatchback often means gaining extra cargo space. Some small hatchbacks even outdo midsize sedans in terms of storage capacity. When you add split-folding rear seatbacks, which are typically standard in hatchbacks, transforming your compact car into a cargo hauler becomes effortless.
- Flexibility: While many cars now come with split-folding rear seats, hatchbacks benefit the most from this configuration due to their superior interior volume. This means you have more flexibility to accommodate various combinations of passengers and cargo, making it perfect for impromptu shopping trips or outings with friends.
- Small on the Outside, Big on the Inside: Hatchbacks offer expansive interiors comparable to larger vehicles but without the added exterior dimensions. In fact, hatchbacks can sometimes be more compact than their sedan counterparts in terms of their physical footprint. This is particularly advantageous for city dwellers or those in space-constrained areas, as finding parking is a breeze.
- Better Headroom for Rear Passengers: In contrast to sedans, hatchbacks typically feature a slightly higher roofline, making it easier to transport bulkier items. The extra headroom is a boon for passengers seated in the rear, as they won’t need to slouch or endure discomfort due to limited space.
- Superior Visibility: Thanks to their more upright design compared to sedans, hatchbacks boast larger windows and greater glass area. This improved visibility allows for easier navigation and a broader field of vision, making your driving experience safer and more enjoyable. Additionally, the rear windows of most hatchbacks are more upright, enhancing visibility from the rearview mirror.
Key Points
Hatchbacks offer a practical and flexible alternative to traditional sedans, making them a compelling choice for those seeking versatile and compact transportation options. Whether it’s the extra cargo space, interior flexibility, or improved visibility, hatchbacks provide numerous advantages that can enhance your everyday driving experience.
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