Hatchback - description and characteristics of the type of body
Hatchback - what is it?
There are plenty of hatchbacks on the road and drivers see them every day. But what distinguishes this type of body and what does a "hatchback" really mean? The definition is simple - it is a car with a typical 3- or 5-door body. Which door is odd? Of course, those that provide access to the trunk. The hatchback body has a tailgate that opens together with the glass, which facilitates access to the trunk. A typical hatchback has a double-box body, which is most simply described as a cut or vertical rear - just like a station wagon. However, there are also three-box hatchbacks on the market that resemble sedans and are called liftbacks. The decisive factor in distinguishing hatchbacks is the opening of the tailgate along with the glass and usually the presence of a rear wiper.
The hatchback body has not changed much over the years, and its characteristics remain the same. The first designs of this type were created in the 1930s and 1940s, but they were really popular only in the 1960s and 1970s. In the early 1980s, the hatchback was already a body type present in the range of almost every major manufacturer of popular cars. After some time, the premium segment brands, which still have them in their offer, became convinced of the production of hatchbacks.
Hatchback and sedan - the most important differences
Over the years, the sedan has been the most common type of body. Although it may seem obsolete compared to today's market leaders, it is still associated with elegant limousines. The terms sedan and limousine are used interchangeably and essentially mean the same thing. What is the difference between a hatchback and a limousine? The sedan is a three-box body, divided into engine, passenger and luggage compartments. It lacks the cut-off rear mentioned above. The tailgate opens by itself, without lifting the window.
Limousines are not particularly practical and lag behind hatchbacks in terms of transport. While modern sedans also have folding rear seats and can carry longer items, a smaller loading opening and limited boot height make them much more restricted than hatchbacks. The hatchback vs sedan dilemma most often boils down to practical issues, because the aesthetics of these two types of bodies is simply a matter of taste. Market hits such as the Toyota Corolla Hatchback come in many types of body, so customers who are hesitant between a sedan and a hatchback may limit the choice to different variants of one model.
Hatchback and station wagon - the most important differences
Hatchback and station wagon are body types that most often coexist in the offer of a given model. Both hatchbacks and station wagons can belong to the class of city cars, compact cars or middle class cars.
These two body styles have many things in common. Both are most often found as double-box vehicles. Both have a boot lid that opens upwards with a windshield and a rear wiper. And the main differences? The station wagon resembles an elongated hatchback and it can be argued that it is so. The key is the presence of an additional pillar, which is almost never found on hatchbacks. The hatchback has A, B and C pillars. The estate car adds a D-pillar and an additional glass at the height of the boot. The market variety and different approach of individual designers make the D-pillar smaller or larger, exposed or hidden. However, it always remains structurally present, extending the body of the car and usually increasing the capacity of the boot, and certainly facilitating its loading.
Another difference is the presence of the roof rails. In hatchbacks they are rare, and in modern estate cars they are often standard equipment. The slats, thanks to which we can install roof accessories, are a typical view in a combo. With few exceptions, and unlike the body of the hatchback, estate cars have never been particularly fashionable. Their choice is most often motivated by practical reasons, although even today the market does not lack the desired, strong station wagons, which, according to many drivers, sometimes look better than their counterparts with other types of body.
Toyota Corolla Hatchback
Speaking of the most popular hatchbacks, it is impossible not to mention this car. Toyota Corolla Hatchback, one of the three body variants of the most popular car in Poland, won the hearts of Polish customers.
The compact Toyota hatchback is available in many trim levels, and the range of powertrains means you can choose from several fuel-efficient options - hybrid and gasoline. The Corolla Hatchback has a dynamic silhouette and shapely proportions. The eye-catching design is the result of a well-thought-out design based on the TNGA platform. It is thanks to her that the new Corolla Hatchback drives as good as it looks. Engineers designed a car that combines striking style, excellent handling and a comfortable ride.
What are the dimensions of the Toyota Corolla Hatchback? The compact hatchback measures 4,370 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width and 1,435 mm in height. The 2,640 mm wheelbase guarantees a lot of space inside, and the 795 mm long rear overhang allows for a spacious trunk with a regular shape. The new Corolla also looks so good thanks to its aesthetic details. The shape of the daytime running lights, carefully designed rim patterns and the optionally available two-color body composition have a positive effect on the image of the car.
Equipment versions
Toyota Corolla Hatchback is available in several trim levels. The most affordable variety of Active is PLN 83,900 and it is hard to say "basic". The car's equipment is already extensive in its basic version and includes amenities such as the Early Warning System in the event of a risk of collision (PCS) with the pedestrian and cyclist detection system, intelligent adaptive cruise control (IACC), the Toyota Touch 2 multimedia system, rear view camera, connectivity services Toyota Connected Car, air conditioning or LED headlights with daytime running lights. Customers who want a low monthly installment can also choose to finance with Kinto One leasing. The monthly fee is then from PLN 1061 net.
Another variety is Comfort. Toyota Corolla Hatchback in this version is distinguished by accessories such as 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tires, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, gear knob and leather steering wheel. Available for PLN 92,400, the Comfort version is available for financing from PLN 1115 net per month.
The distinctive Corolla Hatchback GR Sport costs PLN 125,000 and is available only as a hybrid. At the above-mentioned price (or a monthly installment of PLN 1,359 net per month), we can enjoy the equipment from the Comfort version, as well as the keyless system, obstacle detection system during maneuvers (ICS), wireless charging station in the central console, heated front seats, electric adjustable lumbar support in the driver's seat, rain and dusk sensor, automatic dimming rear view mirror, headlamp washers, tinted rear windows, front and rear parking sensors, as well as the multimedia system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto ™ and navigation with online maps and a 4-year free subscription for their automatic updates. The GR Sport hatchback looks even better thanks to the stylistic elements typical of this variety - a black roof, special light alloy rims or a three-spoke leather steering wheel with perforation. The most demanding drivers can also choose the optional active suspension system with adjustable damper characteristics.
The Executive version is at the top of the range. Toyota Corolla Hatchback in this variant attracts attention with the equipment available at no extra charge. There is a HUD display on the windshield, a blind spot monitoring system in the mirrors (BSM), a rear cross traffic warning system (RCTA), heated wipers, chrome strips on the windows, as well as a color display on the instrument panel with a three-dimensional effect, upholstery fabric with leather elements and a heated steering wheel. The Corolla Hatchback is equipped in this way and costs PLN 128 500 or from PLN 1389 net per month.
There are 3 options in the range of powertrains. It is a 1.2 Turbo 116 HP gasoline engine, which we can choose with a manual 6-speed gearbox as well as with a continuously variable Multidrive S automatic transmission. Electrified, hybrid variants include 1.8 Hybrid 122 HP e-CVT and 2.0 Hybrid Dynamic Force drive systems 184 e-CVT. Behind these markings there are economical, dynamic and, above all, reliable drives. The legendary reliability of Toyota gives you peace of mind and confidence on the road, which is confirmed, among others, by 10-year warranty on the hybrid battery. A strong point of all the drives used in the Corolla Hatchback is low fuel consumption. The 1.2 Turbo unit consumes an average of 5.8–7.2 l / 100 km. The hybrid with the 1.8 engine will be satisfied with an average of 4.4-5.1 liters per 100 km, and the top 2.0 Hybrid Dynamic Force guarantees excellent performance (acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h takes only 7.9 seconds), fueling an average of only 4, 7-5.6 l / 100 km. The data given in the catalog can be easily achieved in everyday use.
Advantages of the body type Hatchback
The described type of body has a number of advantages that make customers so eagerly choose them in showrooms. The hatchback has always stood for an agile and compact car that is perfect for city driving. The wide-opening tailgate makes it easier to load luggage and increases the versatility of the hatchback compared to the sedan. And what hatchbacks are better than station wagons? In addition to the already mentioned smaller dimensions, they often provide better body rigidity. The shorter body and one pillar less mean that with the spread of this type of body, manufacturers began to introduce to the market sporty varieties of compact hatchbacks, which today we simply call hot-hatchbacks. Cars of this type are also smaller and lighter than station wagons, which often reduces fuel consumption and improves dynamics. As you can see, hatchbacks do not lack the qualities that make them very versatile cars.
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