Choosing a car, a person is guided by many factors, including the cost of the vehicle, the brand, the model of the car, and, of course, the type of body. The latter factor is almost of decisive importance, because comfort and the possibility of correct operation of the car directly depend on it. The hatchback and station wagon are very popular with drivers all over the world, and the difference between the two body types is precisely what determines the choice of a motorist in favor of one or another option.

Hatchback

The car body can have one or two rows of seats, depending on the configuration. A distinctive feature of this type of body: the presence of a door in the rear wall and, most importantly, a shortened rear overhang. The latter factor makes it easy to distinguish the hatchback by its appearance. As a result, the trunk of a car is not as roomy as, say, a station wagon. But such a design allows the hatchback to maneuver well in urban conditions, because this type of body is widely in demand in metropolitan areas. Another advantage is the possibility of easy parking. The actual combination of the cabin and the trunk also has a negative side: quite often, drivers and passengers complain of an unpleasant smell from the trunk, if, for example, some products are transported there.
Toyota Prius NHW20 - an example of a hatchback

Station wagon

It is a closed two-volume body for passenger and cargo transportation. We can say that the station wagon is a sedan in which the luggage compartment is increased and there is an additional lift door in the back. As a consequence, the vast majority of station wagons have five doors, less often three. Since the luggage compartment and the cabin are combined, this causes the risk of injury to passengers with the transported cargo (for example, due to an accident). Therefore, in many countries around the world, a special dividing net is used to properly protect passengers from force majeure situations.
Opel Astra H - an example of a station wagon

Comparison of hatchback and station wagon

The combination of the luggage compartment and the passenger compartment is the most striking example of the similarities between a hatchback and a station wagon. What's the difference between a hatchback and a station wagon? In the following:
The size of the luggage compartment of the hatchback is smaller, respectively, this type of body is less often used for cargo transportation. But the station wagon is specially purchased by many companies as a vehicle for cargo transportation.
The hatchback has a more elegant design (rear end). The inclined door looks more beautiful than the strict vertical version of the station wagon. For example, many women prefer hatchbacks because of their aesthetic appearance.
The station wagon is longer. It is difficult to say whether this is an advantage or a disadvantage - it all depends on what purpose the car is used for. If for freight, then rather an advantage, if for a regular trip and transportation of passengers, then closer to a disadvantage.
The ride comfort of the station wagon and the hatchback is almost the same, except that in some station wagons, tall passengers in the rear seats feel more comfortable.
Typically, a station wagon is more expensive. For example, the station wagon body type in new Lada Priora or Kia pro cee’d cars is more expensive than a hatchback.

ImGist determined that the difference between a station wagon and a hatchback is as follows:

Luggage compartment size. At the station wagon, it is more spacious.
Different design. The rear of the hatchback is more elegant than a station wagon.
In the length of the car (the wagon is longer).
The station wagon is more comfortable for tall passengers in the back seat.
In most cases, the cost of a station wagon is higher.

When choosing a car, we pay attention not only to the engine size, the type of gearbox and its equipment. The choice of body type is important. Many people choose from a hatchback, station wagon or sedan on the principle of "I like these", but do not forget that each type of body was designed for specific purposes. Also, each of them has both its pros and cons.

Hatchback

This body type is ideal for city trips. The short wheelbase slightly reduces the turning radius and makes it easy to maneuver among other machines. Also, the hatchback takes up little parking space, which is important in a big city. The rear window is usually quite large, has a good view in the rearview mirror and has its own wiper blade.

But the hatchback also has its drawbacks. First of all - a small volume of the trunk. Of course, if one or two people are driving in the car, then you can fold or remove the back of the rear seat, but four of you cannot go to nature in such a car.

Another negative side - the trunk is combined with the interior. Since the trunk bottom of almost all models is poorly soundproofed, the noise level in the cabin is quite high. In addition, hatchbacks are rarely equipped with large-volume engines, so it is not very convenient for country trips.

Station wagon

Basically, a station wagon is an elongated hatchback with a larger wheelbase. Due to its length, it is less maneuverable, but it has an impressive trunk. Typically, this type of vehicle is used for transportation, so station wagons are often equipped with large engines and diesel engines. On this, perhaps, the pluses ended.

The station wagon's cabin is quite noisy, for the same reason as in the hatchback's cabin. The rear window is quite far away from the driver, therefore the view in the rearview mirror is reduced. Due to the fact that the rear part is high, it is constantly scratched by low tree branches when reversing. And parking in such a car is not very convenient. Such a car is suitable for those who rarely visit the big city, rather it is convenient for country trips.

Sedan

The base of the sedan is longer than that of the hatchback, in some models it is the same as in the station wagon. The trunk is quite roomy, and given the fact that you can fold or remove the backs of the rear seats, it is quite acceptable for transporting large items.

Another positive point is that the trunk is separated from the passenger compartment, so the cabin has a low noise level. As a rule, it is sedans that are equipped with the widest range of engines, ranging from low-volume gasoline engines to large-volume diesel engines.

One bad thing is that the sedan has no wiper blade on the rear window. Also, the volume of the cabin can be attributed to the negative aspects of this type of body. As a rule, the distance between the rear and front seats is slightly less than that of a hatchback or station wagon. In principle, a sedan is a car that can be driven both in the city and out of town, in its own way, it is universal.

We do not buy a car every year and when choosing it we present a large list of requirements. Manufacturer, price, fuel consumption, passenger capacity - all this must be taken into account. Body type is also an important criterion. It is on him that the appearance, comfort during operation, and cross-country ability of the car depend. There are many types of bodywork: convertible, coupe, pickup, limousine, crossover and others. We will consider the most common on Russian roads: sedan, hatchback, station wagon. And let's try to figure out which is better.

Body types

Let's analyze the most common body types:

• Sedan is a body of a passenger car with a trunk separated from the passenger compartment by seats. This type is also called three-volume: the interior and trunk are two closed adjacent spaces (the third is the engine compartment). The luggage compartment lid is called the hood. The rear window is comparable in terms of installation angle and area with the windscreen. Mostly car models have 4 doors and 2 rows of seats.
• Hatchback is a body with a shortened rear overhang, that is, the distance from the rear wheel to the rear bumper. The body is two-volume - the trunk is a part of the cabin and is located behind the passenger seats. To hide the contents of the trunk and protect passengers, a stretching fabric mesh is provided by the manufacturer. The rear wall has a lift-up door for access to the interior. The vast majority of modern hatchbacks have this door sloping. Models are available with both 3 and 5 doors.
• Station wagon - a passenger car with 5 doors and a luggage compartment combined with a salon. It features a large trunk volume. The fifth rear door can be lifting, side-opening, double-leaf. It is possible to install an additional row of passenger seats in the cabin. The sedan and wagon have the same body length.

The difference between a sedan and a hatchback

We found out the characteristics of the sedan and hatchback body. Now let's figure out how they differ and what their advantages are.

• Machine length... The hatchback is 30-40 centimeters less due to the shortened rear overhang. This affects maneuverability and makes parking much easier. This is important in a city where every inch of parking space counts.
• Weight distribution along the axes... The sedan takes advantage of the evenly distributed weight load on the wheels.
• Rear overhang... In a hatchback, it is shortened and thanks to this it is easier to park it in reverse, without fear of touching the curb. Due to splashing from the road, the hatchback needs a rear wiper and washer.
• Interior volume... For this parameter, a sedan gets a plus, since there is a more comfortable cabin for passengers. And although its competitor's interior is considered more due to the trunk, it is not so comfortable. Moreover, in order to make a suitable microclimate in a hatchback, it will take more time to heat the cabin or, conversely, cool it.
• Trunk volume... It's hard to say who is winning. The volume of the trunk itself in the sedan is larger. But in the hatchback, the passenger seats can be folded down, which will give extra space. At the same time, the useful space is commensurate, but it is difficult to immerse, for example, a TV or long objects in a sedan. The hatchback makes a practical and large loading window.
• Safety... The sedan clearly wins, since in the event of an accident, depressurization of the rear compartment is almost impossible. Hatchback passengers in a collision are often injured by objects that were in the trunk. Some countries even mandate the use of a special mesh.
• Body connection... It is difficult to say which side the advantages are on, rather it depends on the situation. Advantages of the combined interior and trunk space:

1. access to luggage without leaving the car;
2. in an unusual situation, it is possible to get into the car through the back door;
3. an increase in the volume of the trunk due to the interior.

Positive aspects of an insulated trunk:

1. When transporting a can of fuel or an open can of paint, you will not feel the smell, and this will not affect your well-being.
2. By opening the trunk, you do not change the microclimate in the car.
3. It is safer to transport small items.

• Ease of management... In a hatchback, the border of the car body runs along the edge of the rear wheels, this allows the driver to better feel the dimensions of the car. Almost all sedan models have low ground clearance, which prevents them from driving freely on dirt roads or broken asphalt.
• Rear view... Novice car enthusiasts will notice that it is wider in the sedan. This is achieved as a result of a large rear window and a short distance to the driver. In a hatchback, this distance is longer, and the glass itself is smaller, thus a tunnel effect or a reduced viewing angle is obtained.
• Appearance... The sedan has a more solid, presentable look. The hatchback is closer to a sports car.

What to choose?

When choosing a car, decide what functions, in addition to delivery from point A to point B, it should perform.

If you are planning a move, renovation, family replenishment or frequent trips out of town, then it is better to opt for a hatchback. It will help you move bulky goods, such as a small refrigerator, TV, stroller or cornice. And also deal with bumps in the road thanks to the higher seating position and adapted suspension.

The Russian buyer prefers the sedan for its comfort, respectable appearance and safety. If you carry a lot of small things, the best option would be a car with a closed body.

As we can see, the characteristics of the body type in different situations can play both for us and against. When buying a car, focus not only on the aesthetics of appearance, but also on your needs and practicality. The car will tell others about your status, lifestyle and even character.

In the USSR, there was not only sex, but also types of car bodies. Rather, there was only one body type - a classic sedan. Later, the country learned about the station wagons - for example, these were the white Volga, working in the medical service. And with the advent of perestroika, hatchbacks appeared - "nines" VAZ-2109. And then it started: coupes, roadsters, crossovers, micro vanes, liftbacks - Henry Ford himself will break his leg. And then marketing came to the aid of the manufacturers: auto giants began to call their new models completely mysterious words like "four-door coupe" or "fastback". "Komsomolskaya Pravda" tried to put everything together and understand the modern types of car bodies.

Let's note right away - everything is so mixed up that today it is impossible to adjust the variety of modern automobile forms to a common denominator. Whatever you take as a basis, there are still cars that do not fit into the class at all. Simplifying certain points, we decided to divide all types of bodies into three groups: three-volume, two-volume and one-volume.

Three-volume bodies

The main feature is the protruding hood and trunk, as in the classic Zhiguli of the first model. This is the most conservative type of body, and gradually the global fashion for such cars is fading away - they say, there is no versatility and the possibility of transforming the interior and trunk. This group includes sedans, coupes (including convertibles) and pickups.

The brightest representative of the three-volume body is sedan, which is still present in the lineup of almost all manufacturers. Unlike Europe, the sedan is very popular on Belarusian roads, where "prestige is everything", and many drivers still divide cars into sedans and non-sedans.

Coupe - the same sedan, only not with four, but with two doors. Coupes are usually built on the basis of a sedan and have a sporty bias - a lower body, powerful engines.

Cabriolet - This is a sedan or coupe with a soft top-awning that folds behind the rear seats and rises if necessary. But the soft top did not allow the car to be used all year round, so in the late 90s a new version of the open body - the hardtop coupe - began to gain popularity. At first glance, this is an ordinary coupe, but when you press a button, the hard metal roof rises and neatly folds into the trunk, turning the coupe into a convertible. Double convertible (without the second row of seats) is called roadster.

Pickup is a car with an open cargo area, separated from the passenger compartment by a rigid partition. Simply put, this is a miniature copy of an ordinary truck - like in films about American farmers. Most pickups are built on the same platform as SUVs and have good cross-country ability. In Belarus, and throughout Europe, pickup trucks are not popular, but in the US they are crazy about them.

Two-volume bodies

They do not have a protruding trunk, and its back cover opens only with the glass and is considered another door. That is, there are three-door and five-door cars. Two-volume bodies include hatchbacks, station wagons, as well as created on their basis crossovers and SUVs... Two-volume bodies are distinguished by the most capacious luggage racks (station wagons) and compact dimensions (hatchbacks).

The main difference between a hatchback and a station wagon is the length of the trunk. In addition to the usual hatchback, there is still liftback - a hatchback with an almost three-volume body. In the liftback, the trunk lid has a small protrusion and resembles a sedan, but it opens with the rear window. The main advantage of the hatchback is its compactness and maneuverability, but the station wagon always wins in terms of trunk volume.

Most SUVs and crossovers (more on them later) are essentially station wagons, but they can be distinguished into a separate class due to their appearance and size. SUV, thanks to the high ground clearance, all-wheel drive and the presence of a frame body, is always higher than any station wagon and most crossovers. Crossover although it tries to look like an SUV, it cannot boast of a frame body and impressive ground clearance and is very often inferior to an SUV in height. In addition, more and more crossovers are created on the basis of hatchbacks and differ from them only in increased ground clearance and large wheels. These are often called sUVs - they say, the pseudo-SUV is only suitable for driving on smooth asphalt.

Recently, however, the popularity of crossovers around the world, and in Belarus, has grown very much. Despite the fact that the first crossovers appeared relatively recently, almost every manufacturer already has such a body in its lineup or plans to add it in the near future.

One-volume bodies

They do not have a far protruding hood and trunk - the engine and luggage compartment are practically in the cabin. Monocabs pride themselves on the sheer number of options for transforming their spacious interiors. These include the youngest body types: minivans, compact vans and microvans - that is, almost all family cars of all sizes. These body options can be distinguished by the size of the car and the number of rows of seats.

Microvan is simply a taller hatchback with a more spacious interior. There is no third row of seats in the micro van. The first microvans appeared only 5 - 7 years ago, but they are already rapidly gaining popularity in Europe, and even on our roads they can be found more and more often.

VIEW FROM THE SIXTH FLOOR

Over time, the difference between body types becomes less and less noticeable. That there is only the Skoda Superb hatchback sedan (the trunk lid opens with and without glass) or the almost one-volume Honda Civic hatchback. The desire of manufacturers to create the most versatile car will soon lead to the fact that it will be incredibly difficult to understand what type of car a car has. For example, because of the smooth blurred shapes of the Mercedes CLS sedan, advertisers called "the first four-door coupe in the world." And the BMW X6 SUV was named Sports Activity Coupé. Although the body of the last two cars, many experts call a fastback - because of the shape of the roof, smoothly flowing into the trunk. It turned out that the term was used back in the 1930s to refer to cars with a teardrop-shaped rear end. In general, the times are not far off when the Department of the History of Automobile Bodies will open at the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Belarus, and students of BNTU or BSEU will defend their diplomas on the topic "Four-door compartment: echoes of heritage or a victim of marketing?"