Should you choose a hatchback or an SUV? – The best type of car for you will vary depending on a range of factors, from your household budget to your lifestyle goals. A smaller hatchback may appeal if you’re looking for an economical vehicle that’s simple to run and maintain.
However, if you go on longer drives over rougher terrain, have a bigger family, or require more interior and boot space, an SUV could be worth a look. Once you have a good idea of the type of car you want, it’s time to go shopping. After comparing offers for new and used vehicles, you can organise finance to make a purchase.
While dealer finance remains an option, there are also a range of car loans available to suit Australians in different financial situations. The best car loan for you may depend on whether you’re looking for a new car or a used car, if you have good credit or bad credit, and a range of other factors.
Why choose a hatchback?
Because there’s no separation between the trunk and the car’s interior, hatchbacks have more storage space than sedans. You can fit larger items into the trunk of a hatchback, and the rear seats fold down, giving you even more room for cargo.
Are hatchbacks the most practical?
It’s true: Hatchbacks are far more practical than sedans. You can fold down the rear seats in nearly all hatchbacks, allowing for significantly more cargo space than in a sedan.
Is a hatchback a good family car?
The best family cars are versatile, roomy and though they don’t have to be cheap, they do need to offer great value. Hatchbacks are a popular body type for family motors, and it’s easy to see the appeal. Whether it’s a five- or seven-seater family SUV or MPV, estate cars, or even an electric car, there’s something to cater for most budgets without the need to compromise too heavily.
Safety is of vital importance when you’re choosing a car to cope with daily life, so check out the Euro NCAP safety ratings on any new family MPV you’re considering buying. You also need to think about whether your baby’s car seat is compatible and how many Isofix points there are in the car. Scroll down to see the Top 10 list of our best family cars for 2023.
And if nothing appeals, read the rest of our Parkers car reviews to help find your next family car.
Are hatchbacks easier to break into?
On a hatchback, extra storage pieces have to be used to hide belongings you don’t want visible through the windows. The storage area of a hatchback can be easier to break into.
What are the disadvantages of a hatchback?
Cons –
Hatchbacks typically have a cargo cover to shield prying eyes from peeping into your stuff in the back. But if your hatch does not have a cargo cover, all your precious cargo is visible for everyone to see.Unlike sedans, hatchbacks do not have a sealed rear trunk. In other words, the hindquarters are part of the interior, which can lead to more road noise and tire roar if the vehicle is not adequately insulated.
Why are hatchbacks popular in Europe?
This helps us sort answers on the page. Probably because, due to (usually) relatively smaller streets, parking structures, home garages, etc., people tend to prefer smaller cars, and a hatchback generally allows for more volume (and loading/unloading ease) than a similarly sized sedan.
Why do British people like hatchbacks?
Practical – Alongside their efficiency, hatchbacks tend to be extremely practical urban cars. The majority are made to be very dependable and are fitted with up-to-date safety features. Their low centre of gravity makes them easy to drive, particularly for new drivers looking for a first car.
What is the best car shape?
1962 Alfa Romeo Giulia – Cd 0.34 – Photo: Stellantis The most aerodynamically-efficient shape for a vehicle is, in theory, a teardrop. A smooth shape minimises drag and the profile, if correctly configured, keeps airflow attached to the surface rather than breaking free and causing turbulence.
It’s a little impractical though, since you’d need to make every car several feet longer to finish off the teardrop shape. In the 1930s though, an engineer named Wunibald Kamm, built upon the work of several other engineers to demonstrate that cutting the tail off sharply could be similarly efficient, quickly breaking airflow and reducing the potential for turbulence.
Having demonstrated its efficacy in racing, Alfa Romeo applied it to cars too, including 1962’s Giulia saloon. It didn’t look much like a teardrop – in fact, it was surprisingly boxy. But with the aid of a wind tunnel, cutting down on drag from superfluous details, careful shaping of the surfaces, a curved edge to the base of the windscreen and of course, a “Kamm tail”, the Giulia was the sleekest saloon of its era, with a Cd of just 0.34.
Which car body type is more comfortable?
What are saloon cars? – A saloon car – often referred to as a sedan – is a type of car that’s typically associated with prestige vehicles in the UK. A popular choice for a company car, saloons have a sleek shape with a long body, offer plenty of interior space, and boast a longer wheelbase that can make this car category more comfortable than others.
Saloons are typically made up of three different sections: a covered engine, the cabin, and the boot. The boot will stick out from the rest of the vehicle, which can make the cabin quieter as less road noise can leak through. But it’s worth keeping in mind that its elongated shape can mean a saloon takes up more room in parking spots.
The separate boot works well for families who need four doors and plenty of luggage space. Classic saloon cars include the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C Class.
Are hatchbacks better for handling?
Performance – Hatchbacks are more agile than sedans, and they’re also more responsive. Hatchbacks have better handling and are easier to drive at high speeds. They also have excellent fuel economy compared to sedans. Hatchbacks have more cargo room and a higher load capacity than sedans.
