Hatchback Car Heaven: Where Space and Economy Meet in the Middle

Most people overlook one of the best car options on the market in favor of a full-sized sedan or coupe. But, if you really want to know how people can afford a car these days, you need to jump into driver’s seat of a hatchback. Here’s what you need to know to make the right car-buying decision.

Hatchback Car Heaven: Where Space and Economy Meet in the Middle
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What Are They?

A hatchback is a special kind of compact or subcompact vehicle that has a rear door instead of a traditional trunk. The new Ford vehicles for 2016 would be an example of one. Cargo access is either by a hinged gate-door in the rear or by a hinged door attached at the back of the roof of the vehicle.

The window and door assembly are one unit.

Hatchbacks also often have folding seats to accommodate more cargo. By definition, a sedan has 4 doors, and a coupe has 2 doors.

Most hatchbacks have 4 doors for passengers, with smaller hatches having just 2 doors. But, with all hatchbacks, the additional rear door makes a hatch either 3 or 5 door.

A hatchback can’t have more than three roof pillars (because of the rear door), which are metal pieces that run from the door or side panel on the frame all the way across the roof between the windows.

Why You Should Own One

One of the most compelling reasons to own a hatchback is the cargo space. Expect anywhere from 15 to over 35 cubic feet of space, with notable exceptions being the mini-cooper, which only has 5.7 cubic feet.

But, rear seats in a hatchback almost always fold down, dramatically expanding the cargo space up to 60 cubic feet.

Gas mileage is another reason to own a hatchback. Most hatches are compact cars, with some being subcompacts. So, it’s not unusual for them to get over 30 or 35 MPG. In some cases, hatchbacks get 40+ MPG. And, because they do not require premium gasoline, you can put cheap gas, pay less per fill-up, and drive 400 to 500 miles on a tank of fuel. Some cars will get you over 600 miles on a single tank of gasoline.

Finally, these cars aren’t expensive. Most can be had for between $10,000 and $15,000 new. Used hatchbacks cost only a few thousand dollars (if they’re 5 years old). And, even high-mileage hatchbacks will drive spectacularly provided the regular maintenance was done on them.

Why You Shouldn’t Own One

While there are many reasons to own a hatchback, there are a few reasons why someone might shy away from one. For starters, they’re small. Incredibly small. If you’re looking to lug a family around in one, it’s going to be absolute torture – unless you buy a compact and have small children.

Because of its small size, you’re at a disadvantage compared to other vehicles on the road. Drivers in SUVs, for example, might not see you as easily and may unintentionally run you off the road while changing lanes.

Hatchbacks also don’t have the same crash test ratings as larger vehicles. There’s simply not enough space to absorb an impact.

George Davis is a regular car buyer in his role as a fleet manager and likes to share his ideas on what questions to ask when buying a car with an online audience. He writes for a number of consumer websites quite regularly.

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