If you’re trying to choose your next vehicle and are considering a hatchback over a coupe or saloon, read on to find out more about this popular car.
What does hatchback mean?
A hatchback has a boot that’s almost built into the car, and it is this feature that gives the vehicle its name. The boot is accessed by opening up the back of the car, unlike a saloon that has a boot space separate to its rear windscreen. Many people think that hatchback describes the size of the vehicle, but this isn’t the case. They come in a variety of sizes, from small, like the Fiat 500 and Citroen C1, to large, like the Nissan Juke and Renault Kadjar.
What does a hatchback car look like?
Every hatchback car will look slightly different based on the make and model you go for – there isn’t one specific look. They usually come in three- or five-door varieties with a number of features, depending on what you’re looking for and your budget, including built-in sat nav, parking sensors, heated seats, cruise control, DAB radio.
What’s the difference between a coupe and a hatchback?
If you’ve heard of a hatchback, then it’s likely that you know of coupes, saloons and estate cars too. These terms generally refer to the shape and structure of a vehicle. As described above, a hatchback defines a car with a boot that opens in a certain way, so how is a coupe different?
A coupe is generally a more luxurious, faster car than a hatchback. Their sleek form and sporty shape can offer something that a hatchback doesn’t. However, a coupe is not a family car. Coupe is a French word, originally spelt coupé, that was used to describe a horse-drawn carriage that could seat a maximum of two passengers. Therefore, many coupes vehicles contain just two front seats. Occasionally, in the case of an Audi TT, for instance, there are two rear seats but these are usually quite cramped and not ideal for adults or long journeys.
Unlike a convertible, the coupe has a hard roof that can increase the performance of the vehicle, as it prevents drag from occurring.
What’s the fastest hatchback?
For those fuelled by a need for speed, you can purchase a sporty hatchback that is also known as a ‘hot hatch’. It’s thought that the Audi RS3 is the fastest hot hatch you can lease, which can do 0 to 60 in around 4.1 seconds. The Mercedes-AMG A45 and Volkswagen Golf R come in at a close second, achieving 60mph in around 4.5 seconds.
Which hatchback has the biggest boot?
It’s thought that the Skoda Octavia has the biggest boot of all the hatchbacks, with an enormous 590 litres of space. It’s the perfect family car that boasts five seats, five doors and plenty of legroom. Running at 60 miles per gallon, it also goes easy on the fuel consumption, making it ideal for family journeys and long drives.
What is the safest hatchback car?
Each car is provided with its own safety rating by the National High Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In order to get this rating, a test is completed that simulates a head-on collision involving two vehicles that are both travelling at 35mph.
According to the NHTSA, the Audi A5 hatchback has one of the safest ratings, followed by a Chevrolet Bolt EV and a Honda Fit.