You can tell if it’s a hatchback by the boot access. A hatchback will have a rear door that covers the width of the car’s back end and opens upwards for easy access. The rear window will be in the boot lid itself. Hatchbacks are available with two or four side doors, with the boot lid counting as an extra door (meaning they are called three or five-door cars).

What is the difference between a saloon and a hatchback?

The main differences between hatchbacks and saloons (also sometimes called sedans) are the car’s boot and overall structure. A hatchback has boot space inside the car, just behind the rear seats. This is accessed through a third or fifth door, which offers more practicality thanks to the bigger boot aperture. Saloons, however, have the boot as a separate part that sticks out. Saloon boots tend to open below the rear window. A saloon has three ‘compartments’; one for the engine, one for the passengers and one for the cargo (boot). A hatchback has two compartments: one for the engine and one for the passengers and cargo. This doesn’t mean a saloon has more seating space. A hatchback can also carry up to five passengers, but you can put the seats down for increased boot space – offering a bit more flexibility.

What is the best hatchback?

Hatchbacks remain one of the most popular choices in the UK. As such, there’s plenty of choice on the market. Here’s some of the best hatchbacks on the market today , as picked by our experts.

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Hatchback

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Hatchbacks make popular family cars thanks to their decent boot-size and roomy interiors.

If you’re looking for practical layouts, efficient engines and stylish designs, then a hatchback might be the right car for you. In addition to easy boot access, the boot lid effectively acts as an extra door; meaning you can find three-door and five-door hatchbacks in a range of shapes and sizes

Explore the range of used and new hatchbacks available on Auto Trader today.

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Your questions answered

The main differences between hatchbacks and saloons (also sometimes called sedans) are the car’s boot and overall structure. A hatchback has boot space inside the car, just behind the rear seats. This is accessed through a third or fifth door, which offers more practicality thanks to the bigger boot aperture. Saloons, however, have the boot as a separate part that sticks out. Saloon boots tend to open below the rear window. A saloon has three ‘compartments’; one for the engine, one for the passengers and one for the cargo (boot). A hatchback has two compartments: one for the engine and one for the passengers and cargo. This doesn’t mean a saloon has more seating space. A hatchback can also carry up to five passengers, but you can put the seats down for increased boot space – offering a bit more flexibility.

Hatchback

Find your perfect hatchback

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Got something specific in mind? Find the next hatchback car you want on your drive and shop by leading brands, all available on Auto Trader UK.

Ford

Volkswagen

Vauxhall

Audi

Toyota

BMW

MINI

Peugeot

£3,991

Nissan Micra 1.2 16v Visia 5dr

£11,495

Toyota Auris Hatchback 1.2T Icon TSS 5dr

£8,999

BMW 1 Series 1.5 116d Sport Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

£16,300

Toyota Yaris Hatchback 1.5 VVT-i Icon Tech 5dr CVT

Save£1,666

Mercedes-Benz MERCEDES-BENZ A-Class Hatchback Mercedes-AMG A 35 4MATIC Edition Hatchba 5dr

Save£3,755

Peugeot 508 1.6 11.8kWh Sport Engineered Fastback e-EAT 4WD Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Save£7,414

Peugeot 508 1.6 11.8kWh GT Premium Fastback e-EAT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Save£5,800

Peugeot 508 1.6 11.8kWh GT Fastback e-EAT Euro 6 (s/s) 5dr

Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TSI 300 GTI Clubsport 5dr DSG

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI GTE 5dr DSG

Nissan Leaf Elec 40kWh 110KW 150PS Tekna 5Dr Auto

Fiat 500e 87kW Icon 42kWh 3dr Auto

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addWhat is a hatchback?

addWhat is the difference between a saloon and a hatchback?

addWhat is the best hatchback?