Hatchback Advice

[Split98]

We got a Focus last year and love it. It's a bit slow to me, but my fiance loves it. So much so we'll be considering buying it off-lease considering Ford has pulled the plug. Can't imagine that's great for re-sale...

I had a Mazda3 before that, which had a 5-speed so was actually pretty fun to drive. I adored that car, and never had any issue with room. Rainy camping days were funny, as I'd fold the seats down, blow up the mattress inside and have a great sleep while everyone else got soaked. I think the 3s are still pretty slick looking too, so I'd suggest giving that a drive before pulling the trigger anywhere.

Never been impressed with Honda's, they just look silly and I'm undecided on Toyota's myself. I've never really been able to get excited about them, but a new dealership opened up along my route so I see them all the time now.

I know it kinda looks silly itself, but there's something I dig about the C-HR (if that's a qualified entry here...):

[brocoli]

Yeah, I spend a fair amount of time in my vehicle so I want something that won't bore me but also won't break the bank. I loved my Sonata, but was never a fan of driving the Elantra GT for the look and the feel. I'll look into the Mazda 3. How is the Civic Sport to drive?

[Ashasx]

Originally Posted by blankall

I have no complaints about the looks. But from someone who has driven one for 8-9 years, they are definitely boring.

My car looks and feels almost new though. It's never needed any kind of major repair (the biggest being battery replacement). The stylings on these vehicles have been great in that they are classic enough to stay in fashion for many years.

I've seen quite a few positive reviews on this new one though, particularly the 6MT. Low to the ground, fair power. I think if you didn't want to spend the money on something like a GTI, it's a good choice.

[Matata]

Originally Posted by blankall

I also have a Matrix. The Corolla hatchbacks go by different names now.

Probably one of the most dependable vehicles on the market. Fuel economy and storage are both fantastic. They are great in snow too.

The downside is that they are zero fun to drive. Since they'll last you about 20 years, you'll probably end up driving a boring car for a long time (or at least I have).

A super reliable, well designed car that I don't really have to give a fart about is pretty much my ideal vehicle. I can do minor repairs at home and not have to sweat ruining a beautiful vehicle. I've heard the engine on my year (2007) is damn near indestructible and capable of hitting 1,000,000 km, I plan on taking it the distance.



I consider driving to be inherently un-fun, so I don't feel much remorse of how lame it is to drive a matrix. The only practical benefit to a 300 hp car with racing suspension is you can pass people easier on the highways, I can think of a million other things I'd rather invest $50k into.

[J epworth]

Love my Hyundai Veloster Turbo, and the new updated 2019 Veloster looks very sleek, from all the reviews I've read has really improved itself into a more "hot hatch" that Veloster didn't quite get in its first go around. Trunk space has been great for me, going from a Jeep Cherokee to Veloster didn't end up being that big of a deal for space, never felt like I couldn't fit something if I put the back seats down.

Plus as I'm sure you are probably familiar with Hyundai with your Sonata, my Veloster has been insanely reliable and have had zero maintenance concerns ever.

[J epworth]

Also was able to get my Veloster over the Rogers pass in a blizzard with skis and snowboard in the back so my buddy and I could get 30cm of fresh powder in Revelstoke last winter, so I was pretty impressed by that.

[BeltlineFan]

Originally Posted by Split98

I know it kinda looks silly itself, but there's something I dig about the C-HR (if that's a qualified entry here...):

My wife and I just bought a C-HR as her primary car. It was one of the only cars we could both agree on for looks and is pretty fun to drive. But it has a very small trunk, not much bigger than a small sedan.

[calgarygeologist]

I like pretty much all hatchs. Golf is a solid choice. If you want something a bit bigger get a used Golf wagon or the new Golf wagon SUV thing. Focus hatch is great as well. Maybe check out the Subaru Crosstrek. Elantra hatch is a great value vehicle.

[Split98]

Originally Posted by BeltlineFan

My wife and I just bought a C-HR as her primary car. It was one of the only cars we could both agree on for looks and is pretty fun to drive. But it has a very small trunk, not much bigger than a small sedan.

I'll bet with that roofline. Backseat room any good?

[BeltlineFan]

Originally Posted by Split98

I'll bet with that roofline. Backseat room any good?

Nope.

[Huntingwhale]

My Mazda 6 Sport is a hatchback. You wouldn't think it by looking at it. It has a massive trunk that fits just about anything. Almost everyone is shocked when I open the back and they see it's actually a hatchback and not a sedan. I have more trunk space them many smaller sized SUV. There isn't anything I haven't been able to fit when I put down the back seats. BBQs, tables, etc.



However mine is an '08 and they redesigned it the following year so I don't believe they do the hatchback model anymore for the 6.

[burn_this_city]

The Golf is the best all-around.

[cam_wmh]

My anecdotal, more amazing, better adventure hatchback model is the one for you.

[Fozzie_DeBear]

The Kia Stinger is almost a hatch

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Huntingwhale

My Mazda 6 Sport is a hatchback. You wouldn't think it by looking at it. It has a massive trunk that fits just about anything. Almost everyone is shocked when I open the back and they see it's actually a hatchback and not a sedan. I have more trunk space them many smaller sized SUV. There isn't anything I haven't been able to fit when I put down the back seats. BBQs, tables, etc.



However mine is an '08 and they redesigned it the following year so I don't believe they do the hatchback model anymore for the 6.

How long did it take to photoshop out the rust?

[Galakanokis]

I have a Versa. It was cheap and has lots of room. Really the only reasons I bought it. I like the hatchbacks and I am leaning towards the Imprezza or mazda 3 for the next one but I am in no rush.

[CorsiHockeyLeague]

Originally Posted by Fozzie_DeBear

The Kia Stinger is almost a hatch

It is, really, from a practicality standpoint:



The Stinger has 660 L of cargo space with the rear seats up, and 1,158 L of cargo space with rear seats folded down. Compare that to the Golf (380-litre with seats up, 1,270 litres when you fold the rear seats) and Ford Focus (318 and 1,101 litres). The STI hatch is 538 litres / 1257 litres.

[core_upt]

I have a 2015 Mazda3 Sport with the 2L engine.
It's great in the city and on the highway; cruising and passing are never an issue with the 6 speed manual.


Great interior space with the seats flat. Even with the back seats up, I can easily fit a hockey bag or a couple sets of golf clubs.


Gas mileage is great. 45L tank and 550+km in the city, fairly aggressive driving.


Reliability is great too.


Used ones are pretty cheap too....

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

It is, really, from a practicality standpoint:



The Stinger has 660 L of cargo space with the rear seats up, and 1,158 L of cargo space with rear seats folded down. Compare that to the Golf (380-litre with seats up, 1,270 litres when you fold the rear seats) and Ford Focus (318 and 1,101 litres). The STI hatch is 538 litres / 1257 litres.

Yeah but who would fill their car with water?

[calumniate]

Originally Posted by CorsiHockeyLeague

It is, really, from a practicality standpoint:



The Stinger has 660 L of cargo space with the rear seats up, and 1,158 L of cargo space with rear seats folded down. Compare that to the Golf (380-litre with seats up, 1,270 litres when you fold the rear seats) and Ford Focus (318 and 1,101 litres). The STI hatch is 538 litres / 1257 litres.

Great post. Your sig however is dumb and tiresome