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Hatchbacks and sedans are two of the most popular car body styles, but choosing between them can be tricky. Both offer distinct advantages and the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. Let's break down the key features of each style to help you navigate this decision.
What is a hatchback?
Hatchbacks – also referred to as a ‘hatch’ – are small, versatile passenger cars characterised by their rear hatch door that opens upwards, providing easy access to the cargo area. They are popular for their practicality, fuel efficiency and general affordability compared to other types of cars.
Hatchbacks typically feature a shorter rear overhang compared to sedans, giving them a more compact and sporty appearance. With the cargo area integrated into the main cabin space and foldable rear seats, the cars are well suited for transporting bulkier items and luggage. Furthermore, their compact size and tight turning radius make them well-suited for navigating crowded urban streets and tight parking spaces.
What is a sedan?
A sedan, also known as a saloon in some regions, is a type of car body style with a closed-off boot separate from the passenger cabin. Sedans typically have four doors – two front doors for the driver and front passenger, and two rear doors for passengers accessing the back seats. However, there are also two-door sedan variants known as coupes.
Sedans are popular for their comfort, refinement and smooth ride quality, and appeal to a wide range of drivers seeking a versatile and functional vehicle.
Hatchback highlights and downsides
Pros:
- Ample cargo space: with the rear seats folded, hatchbacks offer a surprisingly large and versatile area for luggage, groceries, sports equipment or even pets.
- More manoeuvrability: their small, compact size makes hatchbacks easier to handle in tight city streets and parking situations.
- Fuel efficiency: in general, hatchbacks tend to be more fuel-efficient than larger vehicles, helping drivers save money on fuel costs over time.
- Affordability: hatchbacks are often cheaper to buy and run than other car types, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
Cons:
- Passenger space: due to their compact design, hatchbacks may have limited rear headroom and legroom, which could make passengers feel cramped.
- Less soundproofing: some hatchbacks may have slightly less soundproofing than other vehicles, potentially leading to more road and wind noise in the cabin.
- Limited off-road capability: while hatchbacks are well-suited for urban driving and paved roads, they may not offer the same off-road capability as SUVs or crossovers.
Sedan strengths and weaknesses
Pros:
- Spacious comfort: sedans generally offer more legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride for everyone on board.
- Secure boot: the separate boot compartment provides a secure and protected space for your belongings. This can offer peace of mind and prevent loose items from rolling around the cabin.
- Refined ride: sedans often offer a quieter and more refined driving experience, with enhanced soundproofing leading to a more peaceful and comfortable journey.
- Classic style: sedans offer a timeless and sophisticated look that appeals to many drivers.
Cons:
- Cargo constraints: while sedans offer decent boot space, they generally can’t compete with the cargo capacity of a hatchback with folded seats.
- Manoeuvrability: The larger size and length of sedans can make navigating tight spaces and parking a bit more challenging compared to a nimble hatchback.
- Fuel efficiency: sedans can be slightly less fuel-efficient than hatchbacks due to their increased weight and size.
Which has better resale value – hatchbacks or sedans?
Traditionally, hatchbacks have been considered to hold their resale value slightly better than sedans. This is due largely to their versatility and affordability. However, sedans are also strong contenders. In fact, both hatchbacks and sedans dominated CarExpert’s list of cars in Australia with the best resale value.
Whether you have a hatchback or a sedan, there are a number of ways to maximise resale value:
- Choose a popular and reliable brand.
- Opt for neutral colours like black, grey or silver.
- Maintain the car regularly with proper servicing.
- Keep the car clean and in good condition.
- Consider desirable features.
Ultimately, the best choice between a hatchback and a sedan for resale value depends on the specific model, market conditions and the car's overall condition.
Making the choice: it's all about your needs
Now that you're familiar with the key features of hatchbacks and sedans, it's time to consider your driving needs and lifestyle. Here are some questions to guide your decision:
- How much cargo space do you typically need?
- Do you prioritise passenger comfort or cargo flexibility?
- How important is fuel efficiency to you?
- Do you frequently navigate tight city streets or parking lots?
- What kind of driving experience are you looking for – sporty, comfortable or a balance of both?
A hatchback can be a good choice if:
- You need a lot of cargo space and versatility.
- You frequently drive in tight city areas.
- Fuel efficiency is a major concern.
- You travel light or have minimal passengers.
Sedans are a good choice for:
- Families or those who frequently transport passengers.
- Drivers who prioritise a comfortable and quiet ride.
- People who appreciate a classic and sophisticated car style.
- Those who don't require a massive amount of cargo space on a regular basis.
Remember, this is just a starting point. Test drive both styles to see which one feels more comfortable and suits your driving needs best.
Whether you settle on a hatchback, sedan or another type of car, Savvy can help you with your financing needs. We work with more than 40 lenders across Australia to help our clients find a deal that best suits their needs and budget. We can help you too. Enquire with us and get started today.
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This guide provides general information and does not consider your individual needs, finances or objectives. We do not make any recommendation or suggestion about which product is best for you based on your specific situation and we do not compare all companies in the market, or all products offered by all companies. It’s always important to consider whether professional financial, legal or taxation advice is appropriate for you before choosing or purchasing a financial product.
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