Hatchbacks: Your Questions Answered

Hatchback Questions Answered

With an ever-growing car market, choosing the right car for you can be hard! Cars now come in every shape, size and style, from hatchbacks and saloons to SUVs and crossovers. With so much choice on offer, there is the perfect car out there for everyone.

Whether you've decided on a hatchback, or still researching the best car for you, there could be many questions you feel need answering before taking the plunge. To help, we've put together a list of frequently asked questions to help make your used hatchback car buying journey easier.

What is a hatchback car?

What makes a hatchback different, is the car shape itself, or more specifically, the boot. Often the large boot space sits within the back of the car itself and incorporates the rear window with a hinge at the top. When the boot is opened, the back seats can then be folded down to expand the space.

Hatchbacks also come in three or five-door formation, offering even more choice. In comparison, a saloon car, with its elongated body, has a boot which acts as a separate compartment, with the boot hinging from underneath the rear window. 

Is an SUV, estate car, or coupe a hatchback?

Technically, yes, estate cars, SUVs and crossovers can count as a hatchback because of boot style. However, given other design features of these cars, we know them as other names that better describes them.

On the other hand, a coupe sits in a grey area, as they are generally a more sporty car with two doors and a sloped rear. Some have a hatchback boot, like a Volkswagen Scirocco, and others have a saloon boot, such as a BMW 2 Series, so it depends on the car you're looking as to whether or not it is technically classed as a hatchback.

What is the difference between a Saloon and a Hatchback?

A Hatchback incorporates the rear window with a hinge at the top, allowing a larger opening. In comparison, a saloon car, with its elongated body, has a boot which acts as a separate compartment, with the boot hinging from underneath the rear window. 

What's the difference between a three or five door hatchback?

Many hatchbacks will offer a choice of body styles, with either three and five doors, with car manufacturers counting the boot as the third or fifth door. Sometimes a fifth door can be slightly larger, though mostly the differences between the two are mild, and choosing between them comes down to personal preference.

A three-door car is known to be more dynamic in shape with two front doors, and if they have rear seats, these can be accessed by folding the front seats forward. These are often smaller city cars, such as the Peugeot 208, and are known for looking sporty. In comparison, a five-door car has four doors, two at the front and two at the back, offering easier access to the rear seats making it perfect for families. Often outselling their three-door counterparts, they continue to be top-selling vehicles in the UK.

What are the benefits of a hatchback?

There are several benefits to owning a hatchback in comparison to other car styles including:

Large boot opening and versatile folding seats.

Traditionally easier to park than a saloon car given the rounded rear.

Often, manufacturers will have a variety of hatchbacks across their range so there is plenty of choice.

What are the drawbacks of a hatchback?

Although the majority of drivers will love hatchbacks, there are some disadvantages to be aware of, such as:

Due to some boot sizes, the back seats can be cramped with less legroom.

As the boot space is open to the cabin, you are more likely to hear road noise compared to the enclosed boot of a saloon car

What is the fastest hatchback?

Known as hot hatchbacks, there are plenty of options out there for drivers looking for a bit more speed. These more powerful versions of the traditional family car are ever-evolving, with manufacturers often bringing new models to the market to compete for the top spot. Although measured by their 0-62mph speed and engine size, some will still debate which car is the best hot hatchback. There are still a few cars you might hear mentioned as the fastest around, including:

Mercedes AMG A45 - With more than 400bhp, the A45 uses its 2 litre engine to do 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds, and reach a top speed of 168mph. With this vehicle, you can enjoy power with all the luxury and comfort Mercedes has to offer.

Toyota GR Yaris - Completely different from its namesake, this GR Yaris three-cylinder engine delivers 257bhp to do 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds and is designed to offer you a rally-inspired road car experience.

With plenty of choice on the market, there is a hot hatchback for everyone. Why not read our Ultimate Guide to Hot Hatchbacks to find yours?

Which hatchback has the biggest boot?

Whether you're a family constantly on the go, or an individual who loves packing up the car for long road trips, having a big boot to store the essentials is a must. Here a couple of hatchbacks with the biggest boot:

Peugeot 308 - Giving you 501 litres of boot space, increased to 1,309 litres when the seats are folded down, you certainly won't be short of room! In addition, you'll find two under floor storage units in the boot which add 35 litres of space, perfect for hiding valuables out of sight.

Volkswagen Golf -  A popular choice, this VW offers 380 litres of boot space in either the three or five door design. With the addition of under-floor storage, bag hooks and a ski-flap for longer items, you don't need to worry about packing everything you might need for your next adventure.

For more information on these cars, or to explore other options, read our full guide: The best family hatchbacks with big boots.

What is the safest hatchback?

Car safety is always developing, with new materials and technology being introduced to reduce any injuries in the event of an accident. To ensure cars meet set conditions, the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) tests every new car to determine the level of safety that they provide, and give them a score out of five stars. Therefore, five-star rated cars are the safest and offers the best protection for the driver and passengers.

In the 2021 Car of the Year awards, it was determined that the Volkswagen ID.3 was the year's top scorer in the safety category and is one of VWs new pure electric vehicles. Following closely behind was the Toyota Yaris and Seat Leon, offering both affordability and safety, making either a great choice for your next car.

Are hatchbacks cheap to insure?

Like any type of car, the cost of car insurance varies depending on different factors, such as:

Driving experience

Past claims

Type of car

Age/year of vehicle

Usage

However, there are certain cars, including hatchbacks, which can help reduce the cost of your insurance. By choosing a hatchback in a lower insurance group, your insurance premium could be less, so why not consider:

Citroen C1 - This small hatchback offers a nippy 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, and by sitting in insurance group one, could offer you the low-cost insurance you're looking for.

Ford Fiesta - As a great all-rounder, it's not surprising that the Ford Fiesta can offer you low insurance too. Sitting in insurance group 2, this 1.0-litre engines makes it fun to drive but won't break the bank either. 

What is the best family hatchback?

There are a lot of things that make a family car great; boot space, leg room, safety features and economical use. With such a variety out there, it can be hard to know what car to buy, even if you have narrowed it down to hatchback. These popular family hatchbacks could be the perfect choice:

Audi A3 - A fantastic all-rounder, it's the perfect mix of practicality and desirability. This family hatchback is powerful but economical, feels premium and spacious inside, and handles with precision and assurance.

Seat Leon - Offering ample space for passengers and luggage, this nippy family car doesn't scrimp on space. Feeling sporty to drive without compromising on handing, most versions come with family-friendly features too, such as air conditioning and an infotainment touchscreen.

For more family car options, check out our guide on the Top Ten Cars for Families.

What is the best small hatchback?

There is fierce competition in the small hatchback market, with more and more people looking for both functionality and style. There is a huge variety of smaller cars to suit all needs, budgets and tastes, with many boasting flexibility, low running costs, efficient engines and lower fuel consumption. With so many hatchbacks on the market, why not start by considering:

Mini - Offering three- and five-door designs, the Mini is a great choice, with high-end interiors, technology and engine power. Refined and packed with high-quality features, it's a great option for everyone.

Volkswagen Polo - A comfortable, sleek and solid build, this VW is a great all-round small hatchback. With a comfortable interior and sophisticated tech, it feels like a premium option.

Why not browse more brilliant options for small hatchbacks using our guide to the Best Small Cars.

Find out more

If you are looking to upgrade to a new used hatchback car and need more help and advice, contact Carbase today. Our expert team of friendly staff are more than happy to help you select your next used vehicle today.