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Ahatchback is acar body configuration with a rear door[1][2][3][4][5] that swings upward to provide access to the main interior of the car as a cargo area rather than just to a separated trunk. Hatchbacks may feature fold-down second-row seating, where the interior can be reconfigured to prioritize passenger or cargo volume.
While early examples of the body configuration can be traced to the 1930s, theMerriam-Webster dictionary dates the term itself to 1970.[2] The hatchback body style has been marketed worldwide on cars ranging in size fromsuperminis tosmall family cars, as well asexecutive cars and somesports cars. They are a primary component ofsport utility vehicles.
The distinguishing feature of a hatchback is a rear door that opens upwards[6] and is hinged at roof level (as opposed to the boot/trunk lid of asaloon/sedan, which is hinged below the rear window). Most hatchbacks use atwo-box design body style,[7][8] where the cargo area (trunk/boot) and passenger areas are a single volume. The rear seats can often be folded down to increase the available cargo area.[9] Hatchbacks may have a removable rigid parcel shelf,[10] or flexible roll-uptonneau cover to cover the cargo space behind the rear seats.
When describing the body style, the hatch is often counted as a door, therefore a hatchback with two passenger doors is called athree-door and a hatchback with four passenger doors is called afive-door.[10][11]
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Estates/station wagons andliftbacks have in common atwo-box design configuration, a shared interior volume for passengers and cargo[6][12] and a rear door (often called atailgate in the case of an estate/wagon) that is hinged at roof level, similar to hatchbacks.[13][14] Liftback cars are similar to hatchbacks from a functional perspective in having a tailgate hinged from the roof, but differ from hatchbacks from a styling perspective in having more of a sloped roofline. The term "fastback" may sometimes also be used by manufacturers to market liftback cars.[15] Afastback is a broad automotive term used to describe the styling of the rear of a car in having a single slope from the roof to the rearbumper.[16][17][18]
Some hatchbacks arenotchbackthree box designs, bearing a resemblance tosedans/saloons from a styling perspective, but being closer to hatchbacks in functionality by having a tailgate hinged from the roof. This is featured on cars such as the 1951Kaiser-Frazer Vagabond,[19][20]Simca 1100,[21]Mazda 6 GG1, andOpel Vectra C. As such, notchbacks are not fastbacks, as the slope of the roofline on a notchback is interrupted by its three-box design.
An estate/wagon typically differs from a liftback or hatchback by being longer (therefore more likely to have aD-pillar). Other potential differences of a station wagon include:
"Liftback" is a term for hatchback models in which the rear cargo door or hatch is more horizontally angled than on an average hatchback, and as a result, the hatch is lifted more upwards than backward, to open.[12]
The term was first used by Toyota in 1973, to describe theToyota Celica Liftback GT.[23][24]
Toyota called the new body style a Liftback, signifying that it was a three-door hatchback rather than a two-door coupe. With its sloping fastback roofline, the Celica Liftback was, if anything, even less habitable for rear-seat passengers than was the hardtop, but the hatchback roof and folding rear seat made the Liftback more versatile for quotidian chores or the sort of "active lifestyle" pastimes that so fascinate advertising copywriters.[25]
Later, Toyota needed to distinguish between two 5-door versions of theToyota Corolla, one of which was a conventional 5-door hatchback with a nearly vertical rear hatch while the other one was a 5-door more horizontal hatch, for which the termLiftback was used.
Saab called similar body style of their carscombi coupé, starting from 1974.[26]
The first production hatchback was made byCitroën in 1938: the (11CV)"Commerciale" version of their 1934–1957Citroën Traction Avant series.[27][28] The initial target market was tradesmen who needed to carry bulky objects, like butchers, bakers, vintners, and grocers.[28] BeforeWorld War II, the tailgate had two pieces, a top section hinged from roof level and a bottom section hinged from below.[28] When production of the Commerciale resumed after the war, the tailgate became a one-piece design that was hinged from roof level, as per the design used on most hatchbacks since.[28][29]
In 1949,Kaiser-Frazer introduced the Vagabond and Traveler hatchbacks. These models were styled much like a typical 1940s sedan, fully retaining their three-box profile; however, they included a two-piece tailgate as per the first Citroën 11CV Commerciale.[30] The Vagabond and Traveler models also had folding rear seats and a shared volume for the passengers and cargo.[31] The design was neither fully a sedan nor a station wagon, but the folding rear seat provided for a large, 8-foot (2.4 m) long interior cargo area.[32] These Kaiser-Frazer models have been described as "America's First Hatchback".[33]
TheBritish Motor Corporation (BMC) launched a 'Countryman' version of theAustin A40 Farinatwo‑box economy car in 1959. Just like itsA30 andA35 Countryman predecessors, it was a very smallestate car — but instead of regular, sideways opening rear doors, it had a horizontally split tailgate, having a top-hinged upper door and bottom-hinged lower door. The 1959 A40 Countryman differed from the 1958 A40 Farina saloon, in that the rear window was marginally smaller, to allow for a frame that could be lifted with roof-mounted hinges and side support struts so that the car now incorporated a horizontal-split two-piece tailgate. The lower panel was now flush with the floor and its bottom-mounted hinges were strengthened.[34]
In 1953,Aston Martin marketed theDB2 with a top-hinged rear tailgate, manufacturing 700 examples. Its successor, the 1958DB Mark III, also offered a folding rear seat. The 1954AC Aceca and laterAceca-Bristol fromAC Cars had a similar hatch tailgate, though only 320 were built.
In 1965, MG had Pininfarina modify theMGB roadster into a hatchback design called the MGB GT, becoming the first volume-production sports car with this type of body.[35]
Manycoupés have 3 doors, including theJaguar E-Type andDatsun 240Z.
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In 1961, Renault introduced theRenault 4 as a moderately upscale alternative to theCitroën 2CV.[36][37] The Renault 4 was the first million-selling, mass-produced, compact two-box car with a steeply raked rear side, opened by a large, one-piece, lift-gate hatch.
During its production life cycle, Renault marketed the R4 calling it a smallstation wagon, just like Austin's series of small Countryman estate models from 1954 until 1968 – even after the term "hatchback" appeared around 1970. The company only offered onetwo-box body style. The Renault 4 continued in production through 1992, selling over 8 million cars.
In 1965, the R4economy car was complemented by the D-segmentRenault 16, the first volume production two-box, hatchbackfamily car.[38] Its rear seats were adjustable, would fold down, or could be completely removed. The Renault 16 was successful in a market segment previously exclusively populated by notchback sedans and, despite making only one body style for 15 years, consumers purchased over 13⁄4 million R16s.
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Unlike the Renault 4, which had a semi-integrated body, mounted on aplatform chassis, and a front mid-mounted and longitudinally placed engine behind the front axle, the 1967Simca 1100, which followed in the footsteps of the 1959BMC Mini with front-wheel drive, a more space-efficienttransverse engine layout, unitary bodywork, and independent suspension (features which became key design concepts used by almost every mass-market family car since) - and it was the first hatchback with these features.[39] The Simca 1100 also came in both three and five-door variants, and the hatchback models took a central position, traditionally taken up by saloons, in a full model line-up, completed by a station wagon, as well as panel van versions.
Also in 1967, Citroën released theDyane, a redesigned2CV with a large rear hatch, to compete with the Renault 4.
The Simca was closely followed by Mini's larger stablemate, theAustin Maxi. Counting the rear hatch made it a five-door saloon. It featured a transverse-mountedSOHC engine, a five-speed transmission, and a flexible seating arrangement which gave the option of forming a double bed.[40] Created by the same designer as BMC's Mini, sirAlec Issigonis – accountants had determined that the car had to use the same set of doors as theAustin / Morris 1800, but would be marketed below it in the model range, so needed a shorter rear body. A curtailed rear end with a big hatch resulted.[38] The Austin Maxi operated in the same market segment as the Renault 16, and the two competitors were closely matched in specifications and exterior dimensions, although the Maxi had significantly more interior space due to its transverse engine.[38]
In 1974, theVolkswagen Golf was introduced, intended to replace the ubiquitousBeetle.[41]
In 1976British Leyland introduced theRover 3500, arear wheel driveexecutive car five-door hatchback.[40]
Increasing demand for compact hatchbacks in Europe during the 1970s led to the release of models such as theAustin Ambassador,Austin Maestro,Fiat 127,Saab 99 andRenault 5. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, the majority of superminis and compact cars had been updated or replaced with hatchback models.
Hatchbacks were the mainstay of manufacturers'D-segment offerings in Europe in the 1990s (they were already popular in the 1980s) and until the late 2000s. It was common for manufacturers to offer the same D-segment model in three different body styles: a 4-door sedan, a 5-door hatchback, and a 5-door station wagon. Such models included theFord Mondeo, theMazda 626/Mazda6, theNissan Primera, theOpel Vectra/Insignia, and theToyota Carina/Avensis. There were also models in this market segment available only as a 5-door hatchback or a 4-door sedan, and models available only as a 5-door hatchback or a 5-door station wagon. Often the hatchback and the sedan shared the same wheelbase and the same overall length, and the full rear overhang length of a conventional sedan trunk was retained on the five-door hatchback version of the car.
The 1989-2000Citroën XM and second-generationSkoda Superb (2008-2015) are cars that blur the line between hatchbacks and sedans. They feature an innovative "Twindoor" trunk lid. It can be opened like in a sedan, using the hinges located below the rear glass; or together with the rear glass, like in a hatchback, using the hinges at the roof.[42]
Audi andBMW introduced hatchbacks in 2009, but marketed them as "Sportback" (Audi) or "Gran Turismo"/"Gran Coupe" (BMW).
In the 2010s hatchback versions became available on luxury cars such as theBMW 5 Series Gran Turismo,Porsche Panamera, andAudi A7 while the Skoda Octavia was always available as a hatchback. Meanwhile, three-door hatchbacks have seen a fall in popularity, compared with 5-door models. This has led to many models no longer being offered in 3-door body styles, for example, theAudi A3 andRenault Clio.
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In 1970,American Motors Corporation (AMC) released the first North Americansubcompact car since the 1953-1961Nash Metropolitan, theAMC Gremlin.[43] Although the Gremlin has the appearance of a hatchback, it is frequently called aKammback coupe instead,[44] with only its rear window being an upwards opening hatch, that gives access to the rear cargo space.[45] The Gremlin was based on theAMC Hornet, but its abrupt hatchback rear end cut the car's overall length from 179 to 161 inches (4,500 to 4,100 mm). AMC added a hatchback version to its largercompact-sized Hornet line for the 1973 model year.[46] The design and fold-down rear seat more than doubled cargo space and the Hornet was claimed to be the "first compact hatchback" manufactured by U.S. automaker.[47] The 1975Pacer featured a rear door or hatchback.[48] A longer model with a wagon-type configuration was added in 1977 with its large rear "hatch" as one of the car's three doors, all having different sizes.[49] The 1979AMC Spirit was available in two designs, a "sedan" with a rear lift up window and a semi-fastback "liftback" version.[50]
General Motors' first hatchback model was theChevrolet Vega, introduced in September 1970. Over a million Vega hatchbacks were produced for the 1971–1977 model years accounting for about half of the Vega's total production.[51] The Vega hatchback was also rebadged and sold as the 1973–1977Pontiac Astre, 1978Chevrolet Monza S, 1975–1980Buick Skyhawk, 1975–1980Oldsmobile Starfire and 1977–1980Pontiac Sunbird.
In 1974, the largerChevrolet Nova became available in a hatchback body style. The Nova hatchback was also rebadged as theChevrolet Concours,Pontiac Ventura,Pontiac Phoenix,Oldsmobile Omega,Buick Apollo, andBuick Skylark. In 1980, General Motors released its first front-wheel drive hatchback models, theChevrolet Citation andPontiac Phoenix.
Both AMC and GM offered a dealer accessory that turned their compact hatchback models into low-cost recreational vehicles.[52] An example is the Mini-Camper Kit for the AMC Hornet, a low-priced canvas tent that converted an open hatchback into a camping compartment with room for sleeping.[53][54] The "Mini-Camper" was a weatherproof covering that fitted over the roof section from the B-pillar back to the rear bumper that was easy to set up.[55]
Ford Motor Company's first hatchback was theFord Pinto Runabout, introduced in 1971.[56] The Pinto-based 1974-1978Ford Mustang II was offered as a hatchback. The body style was continued for the redesignedFox platform-based 1979third generation Mustang and theMercury Capri derivative. For 1981, Ford offered hatchback versions of its sub-compactEscort and the badge-engineeredMercury Lynx, which were now front-wheel drive. Two-seat hatchback derivatives were introduced for 1982, theFord EXP and the Mercury LN-7.
Chrysler Corporation's first hatchbacks (and firstfront-wheel drive cars) were the 1978Dodge Omni / Plymouth Horizon models, which were based on the FrenchSimca-Talbot Horizon.[57] These were followed by the 3-door hatchbackDodge Omni 024 / Plymouth Horizon TC3 which were later renamedDodge Charger andPlymouth Turismo.
The first Japanese hatchbacks were the 1972Honda Civic,Nissan Sunny, andNissan Cherry.[citation needed] The Civic and Cherry hadfront-wheel drive powertrains, which later became the common configuration for a hatchback. Along with the Honda Civic, other Japanese hatchback models included theNissan Pulsar,Toyota Corolla, andSuzuki Swift.
Almost all JapaneseKei cars ("city cars") use a hatchback body style, to maximize cargo capacity given the overall vehicle size is limited by the regulations applicable to these vehicles. Kei cars include theMitsubishi Minica,Honda Life,Suzuki Fronte,Subaru Vivio, andDaihatsu Mira.
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The first Soviet hatchback was the rear-wheel driveIZh 2125 Kombi, which entered production in 1973.[58] This was followed only in the 1980s by the front-wheel driveLada Samara in 1984, theMoskvitch 2141/Aleko in 1986, andZAZ Tavria in 1987.
In 2014, four of the top five selling models in Brazil were hatchbacks.[59] However, in the 1980s and 1990s, hatchbacks were less popular than sedans, leading manufacturers to develop compact sedan models for the Brazilian market, for example, theFiat Premio and sedan versions of theOpel Corsa andFord Fiesta.
The vehicle is classified as aB-segment marque in the European single market, a segment referred to as a supermini in the British Isles. Prior to this, the "Swift" nameplate had been applied to the rebadgedSuzuki Cultus in numerous export markets since 1984 and for the Japanese-marketSuzuki Ignis since 2000. The Swift became its own model in 2004. Currently, the Swift is positioned betweenIgnis andBaleno in Suzuki's global
Holden produced theTorana Hatchback from 1976 to 1980 across the LX and UC generations. Up until recent years, buyers in Australia have preferred the station wagon body style, with the big three Australian manufacturers;Holden,Ford Australia, andChrysler Australia all producing station wagon models of their sedan models. Australia started moving to hatchbacks partially in the mid-1990s with relatively cheap offerings fromHyundai andHonda. Australia now sells mostly hatchbacks, after the last domestic-built wagon, theHolden Commodore Sportwagon ceased production in October 2017.
TheFord Laser hatchback was produced in Australia. Nissan produced thePulsar andPintara hatchbacks and Mitsubishi built theColt hatch. Toyota produced the Corolla hatchback, and more recently Holden produced the Cruze Hatchback.
Liftback or Hatchback: The distinguishing feature of this vehicle is its luggage compartment, which is an extension of the passenger compartment. Access to the luggage compartment is gained through an upward opening hatch-type door. A car of this design can be a three or five door model, the third or fifth door is the rear hatch. Station Wagon: A station wagon is characterized by its roof which extends straight back, allowing a spacious interior luggage compartment in the rear. The rear door, which can be opened numerous ways depending on the model, provides access to the luggage compartment. Station wagons come in two and four-door models and have space for up to nine passengers.
The estate body, also known as station wagons in some countries, has the roofline extended to the rear of the body to enlarge its internal capacity. Folding the rear seats down gives a large floor area for the carriage of luggage or goods. Stronger suspension springs are fitted at the rear to support the extra load. Hatchback: The hatchback is generally based on a saloon body but with the boot or trunk area blended into the centre section of the body. The hatchback is therefore halfway between a saloon and estate car. This type of body is very popular due to its versatility and style. Although some hatchbacks are in fact saloon bodies with the boot or trunk effectively removed (usually the smaller cars), many hatchbacks retain the full length of the saloon but the roofline extends down to the rear of the vehicle. As with the saloon bodies, a hatchback can have two or four passenger doors, however, there is a tendency to refer to hatchbacks as three or five doors because the rear compartment lid (or tailgate) is also referred to as a door on the hatchback bodies. As with the estate, the rear seats fold down to give a flat floor for the transportation of luggage or other objects. When the tailgate is closed, the luggage compartment is usually covered with a parcel shelf.
A hatchback car is called a liftback when the opening area is very sloped and is lifted up to open.
A three or five-door hatchback (no separate trunk compartment) is a 'two-box' car.
it was innovative Kaiser that gets full credit for an automotive first with its Traveler and Vagabond hatchback sedans
at the cutting edge when it was launched, offering front wheel drive allied with hatchback versatility
The dictionary definition ofhatchback at Wiktionary
Media related toHatchbacks at Wikimedia Commons Media related toLiftbacks at Wikimedia Commons
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