What is a hatchback?

If you’re looking for a new car, you’ve probably come across the term “hatchback”. But what is a hatch, and why is it at the back? What exactly does it mean?

The hatchback is one of the most popular styles of car in the UK, loved by many for its practicality, compact dimensions and versatility. In this article, we’ll dig down into what makes a hatchback, the different types available, and give you all the information you need to decide whether it’s the right choice for your next car.

What is the definition of a hatchback?

A hatchback is defined by its boot design. Unlike a saloon car, which has a separate boot compartment behind the rear seats and a boot lid hinged at the bottom of the rear window, a hatchback has a boot lid hinged at the top of the rear window. This is the hatch, and it means you get a larger opening at the back of the car, making for easier access – perfect for loading groceries, luggage, children’s paraphernalia and just about anything else. Most hatchbacks will also let you fold down the rear seats, offering even more space when you buy too many long packages at popular Scandinavian furniture shops.

Key features of a hatchback

Practicality

Hatchbacks are generally designed with a focus on space efficiency, making the most of their compact size. This means plenty of room inside for both passengers and cargo.

Versatility

When it comes to all-round appeal, hatchbacks are great. They’re generally small enough to navigate narrow city streets, but spacious enough to load up with bags for a weekend away. They’re designed to suit a broad range of lifestyles, and that includes yours (probably).

Fuel efficiency

Many hatchbacks are relatively small and light, which makes them more fuel efficient than larger cars, saving you pennies or even multiple pounds at the pumps.

Easy parking

One reason hatchbacks are so popular in towns and cities is that their relatively small size makes them easy to nip down congested roads and park in tight spots without scraping your paintwork. Or not as much, anyway.

What types of hatchbacks are there?

There are various subsections of hatchbacks. The car market has diversified in recent years, and there are now numerous cars that blur the lines between hatchback and other types of vehicle. Fastbacks, liftbacks, backpacks – honestly, you don’t need to know about those (we made one of them up, anyway). Regardless, there are some core types of hatchback that you probably should know about, and these are the main ones.

Small hatchbacks

Often known as superminis, these are compact, easy-to-drive cars that are designed predominantly for urban driving and for those that want a small, practical runabout. Popular examples include the Ford Fiesta, the Volkswagen Polo and the Vauxhall Corsa. They’re affordable, fuel-efficient and easy to manoeuvre, making them perfect for zipping around town.

Family hatchbacks

Stepping up in size, family hatchbacks (sometimes known in the industry as C-segment cars) have extra space for those that need more room for people and/or stuff. Legroom in the back seats will be improved over small hatchbacks, and there’ll be more boot space, but the overall footprint on the road will still be relatively small. Popular family hatchbacks include the Ford Focus, the Volkswagen Golf and the Vauxhall Astra. They generally have a higher level of comfort, which makes them great for family outings and longer journeys while still being well suited to gadding about in town or taking the kids to school.

Hot hatchbacks

For those looking for excitement in their life (well, specifically in their driving), hot hatchbacks, or hot hatches, mix style and performance with everyday practicality. A hot hatch will often be based on a small hatch or family hatchback, but have extra power and often a sportier look. Popular models include the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Ford Fiesta ST and the Honda Civic Type R. Cars like this will have a sportier, more exciting feel from behind the wheel. They’ll put a smile on your face, and many will even be at home on a race track. However, they’ll usually cost you more to buy and run, because their focus is more on performance than fuel economy.

Advantages of hatchbacks

Space and flexibility

Hatchbacks are often known for their clever use of space. Capable of carrying four and sometimes five people, they also have a wide boot opening and fold-down rear seats, meaning they can cope with a surprising amount of luggage for their size.

Affordability

Hatchbacks tend to be more affordable than SUVs or larger vehicles, and they’re usually more fuel-efficient too, which makes them cheaper to run and less of a shock at the pumps.

Great for urban areas

If you live or spend a lot of time driving in the city, a hatchback is a great choice, as they’re easier to drive and manoeuvre than most other types of car. Small parking spaces? Pah. Easy.

Disadvantages of hatchbacks

Limited space

Space-efficient though they are, if you’re after the maximum passenger or cargo space possible, hatchbacks might not be the best option. SUVs and estate cars will generally give you more room inside if you and your passengers want to spread out.

Not suitable for rough terrain

Hatchbacks sit lower to the ground than SUVs, making them less appealing if you need to go away from the tarmac. Although a handful of hatchbacks offer all-wheel drive, their low ground clearance means anything more than a flat grass field risks damage. Or getting embarrassingly stuck.

Popular hatchback models in the UK

If you’re in the market for a hatchback, you’ve got plenty to choose from. These are some of the most popular models in the UK.

Ford Fiesta

Now discontinued as a new model, the Ford Fiesta remains hugely popular on the used market and was for decades the best-selling car in the UK. It’s fun to drive and affordable to buy and run.

Volkswagen Golf

The Golf is an excellent all-rounder, with a wide range of models and a level of premium quality above rivals like the Ford Focus. The Golf GTI is an all-time classic hot hatch.

Vauxhall Astra

A very practical and relatively budget-friendly option, the Vauxhall Astra comes with lots of features and drives very well, too.

Toyota Yaris

Toyota is known for its superb reliability, and that’s well demonstrated in the Yaris, which is available as a hybrid and noted for its fuel economy.

Honda Civic

Eye-catching looks and excellent reliability underpin a practical car that also comes with lots of standard features.

Ford Focus

A long-time British favourite, the Ford Focus mixes affordability and practicality with very impressive driving capabilities, even in non-performance models.