Hatchbacks pack features into an affordable bundle
The Volkswagen Rabbit topped Consumer Reports’ latest test group of small, affordable, four-door hatchbacks and is now CR’s highest-rated car in the category, surpassing the Mazda3.
The car is the successor to the Golf.
Hatchbacks, once a popular body style, nearly disappeared from the American automotive landscape a number of years back, according to Consumer Reports. Some of the first hatchbacks sold here in the 1970s and 1980s were spartan, mostly two-door economy models that looked and felt cheap. And thanks to relatively inexpensive gas after shortages in the 1970s, Americans shifted to SUVs, further softening demand for the hatchback’s practical body style.
But Europeans, accustomed to high fuel prices, have long appreciated the fuel economy, practicality and versatility of the design. The United States is only just catching up, and the body style is now in a revival here.
Thanks to folding rear seatbacks and large tailgate openings, hatchbacks can be used like miniature SUVs. In that respect they’re more sensible than similar-sized sedans because they’re able to gobble up large packages that wouldn’t fit in a sedan’s trunk or back seat. And window-shade-like covers conceal the contents in the back, keeping luggage and packages from prying eyes.
CR recently tested six hatchbacks: the Volkswagen Rabbit, Subaru Impreza Outback Sport, Toyota Matrix, Saturn Astra, Mini Cooper Clubman and Scion xD. Prices ranged from $16,620 for the xD to $24,700 for the Clubman.
Of these six vehicles, only the Rabbit and Outback Sport are recommended. CR has no reliability data yet for the Toyota, Saturn, Mini and Scion because they are new or redesigned models for 2008.
CR’S FINDINGS
‘ Volkswagen Rabbit. The Rabbit is well equipped and competitively priced, and CR found it practical and enjoyable to drive. Aside from the powertrain, it doesn’t feel much different from the sporty GTI, which costs much more. The Rabbit is now CR’s top-rated affordable hatchback. It has commendable fit and finish, a versatile interior and agile handling. Crash-test results are good, and reliability has been above average.
‘ Subaru Impreza Outback Sport. The Outback Sport is a better-appointed Impreza wagon. Subaru’s standard all-wheel-drive improves snow traction but results in mediocre fuel economy and affects acceleration. The comfortable ride is impressive. Standard electronic stability control and impressive crash-test scores are also big pluses.
‘ Toyota Matrix. A tall hatchback based on the Toyota Corolla sedan, the Matrix has added height that gives it more passenger and cargo space than most competitors and eases entry and exit. The Matrix also gets impressive fuel economy for its size and has good power. But CR’s experts say that it isn’t as polished as some competitors, with an unsettled ride, a boomy engine and an interior that feels cheap.
‘ Saturn Astra. Nearly identical to the Opel Astra built and sold in Europe, the Saturn Astra has a composed, fairly quiet ride, agile handling and relatively good fit and finish. But a lackluster engine, middling fuel economy, complex controls and a tight back seat weigh against it.
‘ Mini Cooper Clubman. The Clubman is a longer version of the Mini Cooper, with a larger back seat and more cargo space. A small rear-hinged door on the right side helps rear access. While the Clubman is just as fun to drive as the standard Mini, with impressive steering, handling and braking, the improvement in utility is modest. The rear delivery-van-style doors hinder cargo access and rear vision. According to CR, it also has the same frustrating controls and choppy ride as the standard Mini.
‘ Scion xD. The Scion xD is smaller and less expensive than the other vehicles in this group. It is a boxier version of the Toyota Yaris with impressive interior space and a roomy rear seat for such a small car. There is optional stability control and a lot of standard features for its low price. Fuel economy is excellent. The xD makes a fine urban runabout, but its awkward driving position, choppy ride and high noise levels detract from long drives.
Visit the Consumer Reports Web site at www.consumerreports.org.