What is a hatchback?

A hatchback is a common car body style, popularised by the likes of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. The name comes from the car's bootlid, which lifts upwards as a single unit that includes the rear windscreen. This is the 'hatch' at the 'back' of the car, which technically counts as a door because you can access the cabin through it. That's why a hatchback with two passenger doors is classed as a three-door, and a hatchback with four passenger doors counts as a five-door.

Hatchbacks are popular in the UK and Europe because they offer a decent amount of passenger and cargo space without being as long as many saloons or SUVs. This makes them easier to park and drive in tight urban areas.