The technical characteristics of the car are not only the engine size, power, suspension and transmission. This data also includes body type. Today, not every car owner will be able to distinguish, for example, a crossover from an SUV, or a sedan from a station wagon. And, even more so, to answer the question of how many body types there are. In general, there are more than twenty of them, and one of the least known, but gradually gaining its popularity, is the liftback. The meaning of the word, body description, distinctive features and other helpful information will be presented in this article.
Hatchback + sedan = liftback
Some people confuse this body type with a sedan, others with a hatchback. It's actually very easy to tell them apart.
The liftback is a kind of hatchback, no matter how strange it may sound. But it is not for nothing that it is called a unique body type, as it combines the practicality and presentability of a sedan with the spaciousness and excellent aerodynamics of a hatchback. That is, the liftback has a fifth door with glass (trunk), but the body shape is streamlined.
What is a liftback? Terminology and body description
The word is of English origin (liftback) and literally translates as "rising back". Visually, the liftback looks more like a five-door two-volume car, in which the luggage compartment is structurally integrated with the passenger compartment and weakly stands out as a third volume.
The first liftback in the world can be safely considered the Moskvich Kombi, released by AvtoVAZ in 1973. Famous to this day, the IZH-2125 model remained the only hatchback in the domestic and world markets for 9 years. But in those years, the word "liftback" was alien to the Russian ear, so the history of this type of body does not begin with the "Moskvich Kombi". The term itself is considered relatively young and began to be used as a definition of a separate group of cars not so long ago.
liftback from other body types
In terms of body structure, it is clear what a liftback is. It will not be difficult to distinguish it from other varieties if you carefully look at the back of the car. Unlike the sedan, it has a full-fledged fifth door, not a trunk lid. It differs from the hatchback in a more streamlined body shape, that is, the rear part is not “chopped off”. It will be impossible to confuse a liftback with a minivan due to the larger size of the latter. It differs from the wagon in length - in the liftback, the rear overhang is much shorter due to the smaller size of the luggage compartment.
Advantages and disadvantages of a liftback car
The similarities and differences between a liftback and a hatchback and a sedan make cars of this body type the most popular and attractive. They are chosen by car owners from all over the world. From the sedan, the liftback adopted a presentable appearance, as well as a streamlined body shape, which make it ideal for moving in a metropolis, as the aerodynamic capabilities of the car are significantly increased. From the hatchback, he got a spacious luggage compartment, which gives him the ability to carry bulky items. The liftback is great for those who like to go on picnics and travel around the cities, because the trunk will fit everything you need on the road.
The main disadvantage of this type of body, as in a hatchback, is the penetration of foreign odors from the luggage compartment and a longer warm-up of the cabin. The elongated body, like the sedan, causes worse maneuverability. Nevertheless, many owners claim that the liftback body is a unique variety and the best that auto designers could come up with.
The best representatives of the liftback in the global automotive market, pricing policy
The price of liftbacks varies depending on the manufacturer, configuration and technical characteristics of the car. For example, let's compare two models from Skoda - Superb and Rapid. The updated "Rapid" costs about 600-850 thousand rubles. And the minimum price for the "Superb" in 2017 is 1,300,000.
Popularity is also gaining our native Lada Granta. If earlier it was produced as a sedan and station wagon, today you can see a liftback that has quite decent technical specifications. The price for the "Grant" starts at 400,000 rubles and can reach 700,000. Many believe that such a liftback is much more aesthetically and technically better than a sedan and station wagon of the same model.
Other prominent representatives of the liftback:
- Skoda Octavia;
- Hyundai Elantra;
- Renault Laguna;
- Audi A7;
- Mazda 6;
- Audi A5;
- Opel Insignia;
- Ford Mondeo.
The liftback, like its "father" hatchback, has recently been gaining popularity, becoming one of the most sought-after body types in the automotive market. And this is not surprising, because cars are great for driving around the city, and for traveling outside of it. Now, knowing what a liftback is, it is much easier to understand why the choice is made in his favor. This is perfect option for those who value not only aesthetic appeal, but also the possibility of transporting oversized cargo.
In recent years automotive market expanded significantly, introducing cars whose body is difficult to attribute to a particular type. Of course, for a specialist this will not be a problem, but it is difficult for the ignorant to draw the right conclusions.
Hatchback in the city
Modern conditions are forcing to purchase cars that are distinguished by excellent maneuverability, but not deprived of comfort. In modern urban conditions, sedans ruling in the past century have lost their practicality. Due to their length, maneuverability and parking are much more complicated.
By radically changing the body, manufacturers have found a solution to this problem:
- the trunk is connected to the passenger compartment;
- the car was significantly shortened at the rear;
- the engine is located transversely;
- front wheel drive installed.
Such a radical change influenced the emergence of a new body model - a hatchback, which in English means "back hatch". It was access to the trunk through the open rear door in the cabin that influenced the name. Both 5-door and 3-door versions have received fairly rapid distribution and demand, since, thanks to the dimensions, the car can be clearly controlled.
Liftback - what is it
When translated from English, the word liftback literally sounds “lifting the butt”. This is what the body of a new car looks like, located in the middle between a hatchback and a sedan. Somewhat modified, the liftback differs from the hatchback familiar to everyone. The main difference is the interior of the car, which smoothly passes into the luggage compartment, clearly protruding behind the car. New body the length of the car differs little from the sedan.
Looking at the liftback from behind, you can see the roof smoothly entering rear glass, which is the main component of the luggage compartment lid. The gentle and smooth slope of the glass significantly distinguishes the model from the sedan.
Since this body type is difficult to attribute to a separate class, many manufacturers do not distinguish it in any way. Most see them as sedans. Compared to the European car market, the North American liftback is the most sought after. The Eurasian continent prefers sedans.
The main differences between the bodies
Both modifications are characterized as passenger cars with running performance and technical characteristics of a sedan of the corresponding model range. However, the liftback differs from the hatchback in the following ways:
- the rear overhang is shaped like a sedan;
- the liftback has two ways to open the doors;
- different from the two-volume hatchback, the liftback is three-volume, more similar to a sedan.
Some manufacturers, not limited to this list of differences, carry out enhanced modernization of the series.
On the example of the Lada Granta liftback, you can see that along with the new forms in the car, the chassis and brake system. Without tying such a change to the body, the domestic auto giant is going to apply innovations to the rest of the series. For Russian consumers these body modifications are of considerable interest, due to design solutions and dimensions.
By the way, this type of body is not a novelty of automakers. It belongs to the well-forgotten old developments, one of which was the favorite of Soviet motorists IZH-Combi. Subsequently, the automakers of the indestructible invented and released the gloriously famous Slavuta, which won the hearts of many motorists. This suggests that the liftback is just a revival of previous developments loved by the people.
Most motorists are accustomed to the fact that there are sedans and station wagons. Later, a hatchback becomes a common body option - the first domestic hatchbacks were the Nines and Eights of the VAZ. The body of the Moskvich Izh Kombi car would be more correctly called a liftback, and the VAZ in the body of this type has recently begun to produce Lada Grants. Maybe the "Granta Liftback" got its name due to the fact that hatchbacks in model range enterprises are already represented in other families (Kalina, Priora). We will look at exactly how a liftback differs from a hatchback, as well as from a fastback, which is actually a sedan.
What is a liftback
The most interesting thing is that the liftback is a kind of hatchback: the trunk lid is combined with the rear window and is called the “fifth door”. But if you look at the liftback from the side, the car can be confused with a sedan - the rear ledge resembles a luggage compartment covered with a narrow metal strip (VAZ-21099). Actually, Skoda Fabia is a hatchback, while Skoda Rapid offered to the buyer in the back of a liftback. From the image in the photo you can understand what exactly is the main difference. And until recently, the domestic auto industry did not use the term "liftback", although cars in such a body were previously produced (Izh-2125 Kombi).
There are three body types that are two-volume: hatchback, liftback and station wagon. All of them differ only subjectively. ledge on tailgate can be reduced, and we will get a hatchback from a liftback. And to get a station wagon, you need to lengthen the rear overhang. In station wagons off-road a semi-frame body structure can be used, but this does not change the essence - there are always two isolated volumes, as well as a rear “odd” door. Other two-volume bodies, except for the three listed, cannot exist (a curious exception is the Start minibus).
Sedan Variations
Four doors, one luggage and one engine compartment- it would seem that this scheme is the most rational. This is how you can characterize the body of cars, which was called "sedan". In fact, sedans are both four-door and two-door. The last of these options differs from the coupe body in this way: in a sedan rear seats from the front ones they are at a considerable distance, not like inside the compartment. The coupe roof is usually sloping at the rear, and the sofa has to be placed very close to the front seats. Typical examples of a two-door sedan: BMW 3-series, "Zaporozhets" ZAZ-968.
By itself, the body class "sedan" in any case is three-volume. Let's say the side silhouette of such a body resembles a hatchback, as shown in the figure. Then, we see in front of us nothing but a fastback. In total, it turns out that a fastback is a sedan in which the rear window and trunk lid do not form an angle (they are on the same plane). A typical fastback sedan is the GAZ M-20 Pobeda.
In the 70s, two-door fastback sedans became classics of the American automobile industry. Such a body can be made stronger than a similar four-door sedan, so the so-called muscle cars are mostly assembled in a two-door body. Such cars are often referred to as the word "coupe", which is completely wrong from a formal point of view. Erroneous names (for example, "Ford Granada Coupe") have taken root perfectly in reality.
Mercedes, unlike the American auto industry, has never produced two-door sedans or fastbacks. Here the gradation of models looks like this: four-door sedans, then coupes and roadsters. Actually, even the B-class appeared in the arsenal of Mercedes not so long ago, and in its own way driving performance these cars are inferior to A-class cars. Probably, a two-door fastback sedan, released under the Mercedes or BMW brand, would look interesting. But a sports car in the view of a European is a coupe car, and a family car, in turn, should be endowed with four doors.
Two-door sedan originally from the USSR
There are technologies using which it is not easy to make B-pillars. In such cases, preference is given to the following options: coupe, two-door sedan, three-door hatchback or liftback. In order for the structure to be strong, the body must be three-volume (sedan, coupe). If we are talking about a mass car, a sedan with two doors remains a suitable option.
The project of the Zarya car, which appeared in 1966, was developed by specialists from the Severodonetsk auto repair base. The body of this machine, made of fiberglass, was mounted on a metal frame. Unfortunately, it was not possible to implement the project to the end, that is, to reach significant output volumes. The production technology of fiberglass parts turned out to be too time-consuming. But the car shown in the photo, and other "plastic cars" developed in the USSR at different times, were just two-door sedans. Which is 100% consistent with the ideology discussed above.
Buying a car can be a very tedious process, especially if it's your first time. The future owner wants to satisfy all his needs. The choice depends on the cost of the car, the number of family members (for family people), the type of fuel, the age of the car (new or used). Also, when buying a used car, special attention is paid to the number of owners, mileage and technical condition. However, today we will consider, in my opinion, the most important criterion for choosing a car, which determines its functionality. As you might have guessed, we are talking about body type.
Comparison of liftback and hatchback
As soon as the production of cars began to be of a larger scale than a couple of copies a year, then the different types cars, which were guided by certain needs. There were comfortable sedans, sports coupes, luxury convertibles and much, much more. Today, due to design achievements and technological progress, many types of car bodies are combined in one, so crossovers, four-door coupes and others were born. But we shall designate, perhaps, the most popular and clearly demarcated body types:
- Sedan;
- Hatchback;
- Wagon;
- minivan;
- Coupe;
- Cabriolet;
- SUV.
However, this list can be continued, and the differences between types can be quite small. But we will study in detail and determine the differences between a hatchback and a liftback. Despite the fact that the liftback, in fact, is a subspecies of the hatchback, they still have tangible features.
Hatchback or city animal
Skoda Fabia hatchback
Let's start with the hatchback body type and determine what it is. The hatchback is one of the most common body types. The type of car with a hatchback body has long been fighting for supremacy in the market with a sedan. What does "hatchback" mean?
The word "hatchback" comes from in English and consists of two words: so, “hatch” means a hatch, and back means a rear, which literally means a rear hatch, or a door at the back.
The first hatchback cars began to be produced under Citroen brand in the 40s of the last century, and then other automakers picked up this idea and we got the VW Golf, BMW 1-series, Mazda 3 and many other wonderful hatches. Hatchbacks come in both 3 and 5-door versions, have two rows of seats, less often one, and the rear overhang is short.
A key feature of the hatchback is the presence of a rear door.
Structurally, the length of the hatchback is less than that of the sedan, which gives it a number of advantages in the city. As a rule, a hatchback has a gentle slope of the roof, which goes into the trunk lid. This body it also happens in a three-volume version, but still its rear overhang is shortened.
Advantages and disadvantages of a hatchback body
Compact urban hatchback
To the main hatchback advantages refer to its dimensions. Having a short rear overhang and an overall short length, he more than others claims to be a city dweller. Also, this option, like no other, is suitable for novice drivers, who, with the size of a hatchback, will find it easier to get used to the dimensions of the car. The next advantage worth noting is the trunk, the opening of which is wider than that of a sedan. This allows you to load larger items up to washing machine or something similar.
A to shortcomings of the hatchback body It should be attributed the absence of a partition between the cabin and luggage compartment which negatively affects the performance of the vehicle. extraneous sounds from things rolling in the trunk and the smell from them can also cause considerable discomfort. Due to the absence of a partition, the volume of air in the cabin increases, which leads to a longer warm-up of the car in winter. And in the event of an accident, loose luggage can injure passengers.
However, in comparison with the main opponent in the market, i.e. sedan, hatchback looks less solid and representative and this is not their only difference. And even more importantly, the luggage compartment in the sedan will not disturb passengers in any way while driving.
But if we compare the hatchback with the familiar station wagon, then our “small” body has a couple of significant “FOR”, such as lower cost (again, due to size) and more harmonious appearance.
If you compare this type of car with a coupe, it becomes obvious that the hatchback has more luggage space and space in the cabin for rear passengers. Therefore, in comparison with any type of body, it has both pluses and minuses. But further on we will take a closer look at the hatchback, or rather at its descendant.
Liftback, or the illegitimate son of a sedan.
Body type Liftback
The liftback is one of the variations of the hatchback.
The word "liftback" is derived from the English. "lift" - to raise, "back" - the back, and the word "liftback" itself means "rising back"
Unlike the hatchback, the liftback has a longer rear overhang, and the trunk lid is flatter or stepped, somewhat reminiscent of a sedan. It also suggests that the liftback is less convenient for transporting goods. Prominent representatives of this type of car are: BMW 5-series GT, Seat Toledo, Skoda superb, Skoda Oktavia, Lada Granta Liftback other.
A distinctive feature of some liftbacks is two possible options opening the trunk lid: both with glass and without it (only the metal part of the lid). So, for example, the trunk opens at Skoda Superb. This type of trunk is called twindor(from the English. Twindoor- “double doors”).
If you visually compare the hatchback and liftback, it is striking that the back of the hatchback has no protrusions and is almost perpendicular to the ground. However, the appearance of the hatchback and its size are not to everyone's liking, and therefore there is a demand for liftbacks. By the way, many of us have long been familiar with the liftback body type. So, in the Soviet Union it was produced IZH-Combi- the first Soviet liftback. The downside of a liftback, like a hatchback, is that the interior-trunk space is the same.
Izh Kombi - the first Soviet liftback
Having considered the main advantages and disadvantages of the liftback and hatchback and having studied their features, we can conclude that they play in different leagues.
Liftback and hatchback are designed for different tasks, and even more so for different consumers.
So, if you are not burdened with a family, but you need a small car for the city, then a hatchback will come in handy. But if you need a spacious car for the family, and the sedan does not fit the size of the trunk, then you should turn your eyes towards progressively developing liftbacks.
Thus, when buying a car and choosing its body type, you should proceed from the tasks that you and your car will face.
Over the past decade, the domestic market has been filled with a huge number of cars that are not always amenable to confident classification. Understanding the products of the modern automotive industry can be difficult for a non-specialist. Therefore, we have prepared for our readers an article-review of two popular types of car bodies: liftback and hatchback.
So, what is the difference between a liftback and a hatchback and what are their advantages over the usual sedans? For what purposes were these bodies developed? We answer the most frequently asked questions in this post.
In conditions of dense urban traffic, increased requirements are placed on the car - it must combine comfort and maneuverability.
Sedans, which in the 20th century almost reigned supreme on the roads of megacities, do not always meet the needs of modern drivers. In particular, because of their length, it can be inconvenient to park along the road and move in heavy traffic from lane to lane.
The solution was found due to a radical change in the configuration of the car:
- the luggage section was merged with the cabin;
- the rear overhang is significantly shortened;
- system has become the standard front wheel drive with a transverse engine.
New cars acquired the name hatchback ( English hatch = hatch) thanks to an innovative design with a rear door through which the luggage compartment was accessed. Today, cars of this type are produced both in 5-door and 3-door configurations, and are popular among Russian motorists.
Separately, it is worth noting that such models are much better suited to novice drivers than a sedan, since it is easier to get used to the dimensions on them. If you choose your first car, then this is your choice.
Unfortunately, hatchbacks have some disadvantages that owners need to take into account - in an accident, the contents of the trunk can “fly” into the passenger compartment and injure passengers sitting in the rear seats. A special mesh covering the cargo compartment will help prevent an accident. Also, keep in mind that unpleasant odors from luggage can also lead to serious discomfort during a long ride.
Liftback - car-"transformer"
Liftback (literal translation from English - “rising ass”) is a passenger car that resembles a sedan in shape and is a cross between a hatchback and a sedan.
The rear overhang in this version is not vertical, but is a sloping slope, smoothly turning into a protruding trunk. In many liftbacks, two options for opening the tailgate are implemented - entirely or only the protruding part.
Such cars are most popular in the American market - it is for him that the giants of the automotive industry most often produce liftback variations. famous sedans, which, in case of commercial success, “migrate” to European and Russian retail centers.
The main differences between a liftback and a hatchback
Both classes described above are modifications passenger car, similar in performance and driving performance to sedans from the same model range.
The differences between a liftback and a hatchback are as follows:
- The shape of the rear overhang, which makes the liftback look like a sedan;
- Door opening mechanism - liftbacks can be provided with 2 alternative ways access;
- The liftback can be either two- or three-volume (which makes it even more similar to a sedan), while hatchbacks are only two-volume.
It is worth noting that some manufacturers are not limited to this list, and regard the transition from a hatchback to a liftback as an opportunity for a comprehensive modernization of the series.
As an example, consider Lada Granta liftback- along with a new body shape, the passenger car received an upgraded brake system and undercarriage. These changes are not strictly tied to the body, and over time, the domestic giant promises to transfer innovations to other representatives of the series.
For the domestic consumer, both hatchbacks and liftbacks are of interest as vehicles for urban conditions, which are much more convenient than a sedan due to their dimensions and design solutions.