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In the realm of car battles, the estate vs. hatchback one is definitely worth discussing. Both of those vehicle types are renowned for their practicality and overall high quality. However, there are some areas where there is a clear distinction between them. Those differences can make or break your choice of which vehicle body type you should hire. Today, we’ll tackle this very subject in our article.
Table Of Contents
The Difference Between An Estate Car And A Hatchback
The main difference between both body styles is the design. An estate car is a longer vehicle that boasts an extended rear end, which results in a large boot space. Hatchback cars, on the other hand, have a compact and trendy appearance.
There are many reasons for the hatchback car’s popularity but its compactness and practicality are the main factors of great interest. Its most famous model, the Renault 4, was such a hit in Europe that it sold over seven million units.
Estate vehicles generally have more cargo space due to their extended rear ends. Both hatchback and estate car models are widely used in Britain, and each of them comes with its own benefits.
We also have a more thorough breakdown of what an estate car is. And for those wondering about its hatchback counterparts, you can read about them here.
Estate Car Vs Hatchback
To help you understand the differences between those two popular cars, we have compared them across various categories.
Design & Style
Estate cars typically have longer and more streamlined bodies compared to the shorter and more compact appearance of the hatchback. While hatchbacks are usually more trendy and sporty, there are some high-cost estate models with really appealing designs.
Space
The estate car can provide you with a cargo kingdom. With an elongated boot, there’s enough room for large items and equipment. The passenger cabin offers room for 5 people with plenty of head and legroom. A hatchback, on the other hand, offers limited cargo space. You’ll get seating for up to 5 people but not plenty of head and legroom.
In many estate cars and hatchbacks, you can fold the rear seats to increase cargo room.
Performance
Estate cars tend to offer better stability due to their elongated bodies. This makes them suited for carrying heavy loads while remaining easy to drive. You’ll find many sport hatchbacks, which are generally more fun to drive than their estate car counterparts.
Versatility & Practicality
Due to their large size, estates can be adapted to various needs. You can use them for family vacations or to transport bulky objects. They’re also very practical, prioritising space over everything else. Hatchbacks are also very practical. Their compact size makes them useful if you’re living in larger cities. You’ll have the privilege of being able to park in tight spots and navigate high-traffic roads with ease.
Hire a Ford Mondeo from SDVH for the ultimate estate experience. We also offer VW Golf hire for anyone looking for a compact hatchback.
Safety Features
When it comes to features, there are a lot of similarities between both vehicles, as this usually comes down to the manufacturer. Higher-end models may come with advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and parking assistance. You can also get a range of performance and comfort features.
Estate cars and shooting brakes are often used interchangeably but the latter refers to three-door cars with the estate body style.
Efficiency
Estate cars are generally slightly less fuel efficient due to their larger size and extra weight. You, however, get value for the fuel consumed, as these cars tend to offer more in terms of capacity. A hatchback is your best bet if you prioritise fuel economy. They provide excellent mileage for both daily use and long drives.
Price
Yes, the estate can offer you premium features like a bigger boot, but those (as with everything in life) will come at a higher price than you’d have to shell out for a hatchback. If you count every penny and aren’t ready to spend a fortune on a new car, hatchbacks won’t empty your bank account.
If you’re interested in how these car body types stack up against SUVs, you can check out our deep dive comparison on estate vs SUV and hatchback vs SUV.
Should You Hire Or Buy An Estate Car Or A Hatchback?
Whether you should hire or buy an estate car or a hatchback will depend on your personal needs and preferences. Larger families and professionals who need more cargo space and legroom should choose an estate car. But if you’re frugal and looking to save money, a hatchback is the perfect vehicle. It’s also suitable for those who reside in urban areas.
If you’re a stylish person who cares about appearances, you might prefer to drive a hatchback. Their sleek and modern look is sure to catch attention. Sporty fans will be particularly drawn to the aesthetics of sportback cars. To learn more about this type of car, click here.
Hire an estate car from SDVH for maximum convenience during family adventures. We also offer hatchbacks and other small cars for hire if you’re looking for a budget vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between A Hatchback And An Estate Car?
The difference between a hatchback and an estate car lies in the design and size. Estate cars are longer and more rectangular in shape, while hatchbacks usually have a more compact design. Consequently, they differ in cargo capacity as well. Estates have larger cargo areas because they feature an extended rear end.
How Do You Know If Your Car Is An Estate?
You’ll know if your car is an estate by observing its features. Keep an eye out for elongated, stretched-out shapes. These vehicles usually come with a longer roofline that goes beyond the rear wheels. Observe whether the car has a rear door that’s big, wide, and spans the entire back end. Also, look out for the number of doors as shooting brakes have an identical design to estate cars but with three doors instead of five.
Does A Hatchback Consume Less Fuel Than An Estate?
Yes, a hatchback consumes less fuel than an estate. The reason for this is because they are typically smaller in size and lighter in weight. Their budget-friendly fuel consumption is one of the main reasons why it’s so popular among people. For an affordable price, you can enjoy a practical and aesthetically pleasing vehicle.
How Do People Call An Estate Car Outside The UK?
People outside the UK call an estate car a ‘station waggon’. This term is most widely used in US territory. Another common name for three-door estate vehicles is shooting brakes. This term originated from the horse-drawn waggon, which was used to move shooting parties. Regardless, the most appropriate names for this vehicle body style are estate car and station waggon.
Conclusion
It’s been a wild ride in this estate vs. hatchback breakdown, and now you have enough information to decide who your winner is. Both of those can be a great choice, depending on what exactly you need a vehicle for. Whether you want to hire an estate for its spaciousness or a hatchback for its practicality, one thing is sure- you’ll get value for your money with these vehicles.
