Features of liftback and hatchback cars, the difference in their design

Two-door sedan originally from the USSR

There are technologies that make it difficult to manufacture 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 durable, the body must be three-volume (sedan, coupe). If we are talking about a mass-produced car, a sedan with two doors remains a suitable option.

The Zarya car project, which appeared in 1966, was developed by specialists from the Severodonetsk auto repair base. The body of this car, 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 production volumes. The technology for producing fiberglass parts turned out to be too labor-intensive. 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.

Over the past decades, the domestic market has been filled with a huge number of cars that cannot always be confidently classified. Understanding the products of the modern automobile industry can be difficult for non-specialists. Therefore, we have prepared for our readers an article-review of two popular types of passenger car bodies: liftback and hatchback.

So, what is the difference between a liftback and a hatchback and what are their advantages over conventional sedans? For what purposes were these bodies developed? We answer the most frequently asked questions in this post.

In conditions of dense city traffic, increased demands are placed on the car - it must combine comfort and maneuverability.

Sedans, which practically reigned supreme on the roads of big cities in the 20th century, do not always meet the needs of modern drivers. In particular, due to their length, it can be inconvenient to park along the road and move in heavy traffic from lane to lane.

The solution was found by radically changing the car configuration:

• the luggage section was combined with the cabin;
• the rear overhang has been significantly shortened;
• A front-wheel drive system with a transversely mounted engine became standard.

New cars acquired the name hatchback ( eng.

hatch = hatch) thanks to an innovative design with a rear door through which access to the luggage compartment was provided. Today, cars of this type are produced in both 5-door and 3-door configurations, and are popular among Russian motorists.

Separately, it is worth noting that such models are much better than a sedan for novice drivers, since they are easier to get used to the dimensions. If you are choosing your first car, then this is your choice.

Unfortunately, hatchbacks have some disadvantages that owners need to take into account - in the event of an accident, the contents of the trunk can “fly” into the cabin and injure passengers sitting in the rear seats. A special mesh covering the cargo compartment will help prevent accidents. In addition, keep in mind that unpleasant odors from luggage can also lead to serious discomfort during long rides.

Hatchback or city animal

Skoda Fabia hatchback

Let's first look at the hatchback body type and determine what it is. Hatchback is one of the most common body types. The hatchback type of car has long been fighting for supremacy in the market with the sedan. What does “hatchback” mean?

The word “hatchback” comes from the English language and consists of two words: for example, “hatch” means hatch, and “back” means behind, which literally means behind the hatch, or door at the back.

The first hatchback cars began to be produced under the 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 hatchbacks. Hatchbacks come in both 3- and 5-door versions, have two rows of seats, less often one, and a short rear overhang. The key feature of the hatchback is the presence of a rear door. Structurally, the length of the hatchback is shorter than that of the sedan, which gives it a number of advantages in the city. As a rule, a hatchback has a gently sloping roof that goes into the trunk lid. This body also comes in a three-volume design, but still its rear overhang is shortened.

About configurations

In the most budget configuration, “Standard”, the car is equipped with a 1.6 liter, 87-horsepower engine, manual transmission, ISOFIX fastening system, central locking, driver airbag, child lock.

The “Norma” version of the Lada Granta liftback offers two engine options: the first – with a volume of 1.6 liters and a power of 87 hp, the second – with a volume of 1.6 liters, but with a power of 106 hp. Also included in the package are ABS and BAS systems (brake assist), an on-board computer, electric power steering, electric windows on the front doors and a multimedia system.

The Lada Granta hatchback, despite the original “low cost” concept of the car, was able to acquire a “Lux” package with interesting characteristics. A 98 hp engine is available in the luxury package, and most importantly, it can be combined with an automatic transmission. In addition, a stability control system, fog lights, an airbag for passengers, heated front seats and a climate system become available. See also the Grants liftback equipment table.

Read more: How to check the steering rack on a Solaris

How is a liftback different from a hatchback?

The wheelbase is 2200.00 mm, the rear track is 1416.00 mm, and the front track is 1401.00 mm. Ground clearance (clearance) - 160.00 mm. The unladen curb weight is 824 kg. Under the hood of the Honda Ballade Sports CR-X 1.5i Automatic there is a 1488 cc naturally aspirated engine. see Type of gas distribution mechanism - SOHC (single camshaft in the cylinder head). The number of cylinders is 4, the number of valves per cylinder is 3. The cylinders are arranged in-line. The engine orientation is transverse, and its location is forward. The cylinder diameter is 74.00 mm, the piston stroke is 86.50 mm. Compression - 8.70:1. Engine power reaches 81 kW / 111 hp. at 5800 rpm, maximum torque 134 Nm at 4500 rpm. Fuel system - programmable fuel injection. The car has a frontal surface area of ​​1.7000 m2, a drag coefficient of 0.33, and a drag area of ​​0.5610 m2. The gearbox is automatic, provides 3 gear stages. The final gear ratio is 0.91:1. The final drive ratio is 3.59:1. The filling capacity of the fuel tank is 41.00 l. The steering is rack and pinion. Front tires size: 165/70 SR 13. Rear tires: 165/70 SR 13. Front brakes: drums, power steering. Rear brakes - drums, servo booster.

Honda Ballade Sports CR-X 1.5i Automatic E-AF (1983) - Maximum Power - Other Models

Maximum engine power of Honda Ballade Sports CR-X 1.5i Automatic E-AF (1983). Data on other Honda models with engines with similar or equal power.

Comparison of Lada Granta liftback and sedan

We decided to find the differences between the two Granta bodies and started with safety. The creators carefully approached the issue of revising the body design. Since the hatchback is inferior to the sedan in terms of resistance to lateral loads, it was decided to strengthen the roof, arches and wings, and increase the overall thickness of the floor sheet. If you compare the Lada Granta with the Samara, which the liftback replaced in the AvtoVAZ model range, the body has become twice as rigid, and accordingly, the model has become safer.

Together with Renault-Nissan specialists, the luxury car has a modernized suspension with gas-filled shock absorbers, thicker stabilizers and stiffer springs. Other trim levels come with the standard sedan suspension.

One of the main distinguishing features of the Lada Granta is the spacious trunk for both a liftback and a hatchback. And although at first glance it is smaller than that of the sedan - 480 versus 440 liters, when folding the rear seats its volume increases by more than one and a half times (760 liters). These figures significantly exceed those of the Lada Kalina, the trunk limit of which stops at 670 liters.

The interior of the Lada Granta has remained virtually unchanged compared to its sedan predecessor. The same console, instrument panel, the same seats. There is enough space in the back seat for three passengers to feel quite comfortable. The only question is the space above your head. If your height is 190 cm or less, you will be comfortable, but taller passengers will find the car uncomfortable.

When conducting test drives of the Lada Granta liftback, many drivers noted that the combination of a powerful engine and relatively low weight (1070 kg) provides decent dynamics for an inexpensive car. The main thing is not to accelerate the car above 150 km/h, since handling and directional stability at top speeds are not at all impressive. With a quiet ride, thanks to the elastic suspension, which is optimal for our roads, the Lada Granta leaves the most pleasant impression.

The brakes can also be praised with flattering words, both during emergency and normal braking. But the advertised sound insulation raises complaints: when driving dynamically, the cabin is noisy, and you have to speak much louder to have a conversation. Installing additional sound insulation will solve the problem.

Average fuel consumption in the city with a manual transmission is 7.9 liters per hundred kilometers, while on the highway it is one liter less. “Automatic”, of course, is more voracious: on average 9.6 liters per hundred kilometers in the city and 8.5 on the highway. However, these are quite modest figures.

To summarize, we can say that, despite certain shortcomings, the Lada Granta liftback fully justifies its price and has every chance of becoming a bestseller among economy class models. Finally, video review of the Lada Granta hatchback:

By the way, do you know that in our Club you will find many instructions on how to modify, repair or tune the Grant Hatchback.

Photo source:

Website kolesa.ru

Design changes and liftback auxiliary options

The new look of the LADA Granta Liftback gives it an undeniable brightness, but the sedan against its background looks a little dull and boring. For many, this is already an indicator of what to choose.

• A distinctive feature in comparison with the sedan is the color of the bumpers in body color.
• Minor changes affected the front bumper, where modified recesses appeared. This helped give the exterior a certain modernity. Otherwise, the appearance of the front end is identical to the sedan. Built-in niches for fog optics, which have a distinctive design, added a little charm.
• The contours of the exterior mirrors have acquired their own style and originality, which in turn adds an aerodynamic flair. Turn signal repeaters are also integrated into their housings.
• Moving the license plate to the lower edge of the rear door allowed the developers to place a fog light in the niche vacated on the bumper.
• The angle of inclination of the pillars and glass of the stern contributed to improved aerodynamic properties. The sloping shape allows the glass to not need to be cleaned for a long time, which eliminates the need for a rear wiper. This concept was first implemented in AZLK models.
• The shape of the rear headlights has become narrow, but in general terms it repeats the optics of the rear of the sedan.

If we compare, the design of the front door panels of the LADA Granta Liftback contains limiters that allow the effect of closers to be achieved at the moment of closing. The manufacturer also added an innovative seal. This solution led to the elimination of the creaking effect when unlocking the door and the elimination of glass rattling that occurred in the sedan.

Liftback or sedan?

The most visible differences between the Lada Granta liftback and sedan, described above, enable the potential owner to make a more precise choice. The main difference between the two cars is the external design. Compared to the Grant liftback, the sedan looks boring and dull. Despite the fact that in our country sedans are treated much warmer than hatchbacks and other body styles, most owners of the four-door Granta shrug their hands dejectedly: if they had known that the hatchback would turn out to be so successful, they would have delayed the purchase.

But the list does not end with those changes that are visible to the average buyer. In addition to the fifth door, updated design and equipment, the Granta liftback received many technological innovations. Firstly, AvtoVAZ designers tried to correct as much as possible the flaws that plagued the Granta sedan (the automaker’s employees learned about the main complaints from the relevant forums on the Internet). So, the fastening screws were replaced, which in the four-door Grant simply crumbled from corrosion.

Secondly, the use of a new seal and door stop with a closer effect made it possible to solve the problem of creaking when opening and rattling of glass on the rear doors. Significant work has been carried out on noise insulation, which can be especially felt by machine owners. In this regard, the liftback is much quieter. The liftback's braking system has also been optimized. The vacuum brake booster received by Granta liftback made the brake pedal more responsive and precise. Braking is no longer as harsh as on a sedan; pedal travel is reduced.

The problem with body rigidity has been resolved. Due to the design features of five-door cars, this issue was quite relevant when developing a liftback. The fact is that hatchbacks, unlike sedans, do not have a reinforcing rear bulkhead. This problem was eliminated by strengthening the liftback roof and the floor in the middle of the cabin; The way the vehicle's middle spar structure is reinforced has also changed.

The most significant improvements affected the chassis of the Granta liftback. Moreover, the changes affected not only the top-end configuration, but also the “standard” and “norm”. In the minimum and medium configurations, the cars received an improved suspension with liquid shock absorbers, and the springs were borrowed from the Granta sedan. The suspension settings for the liftback have been changed. This suspension is not so precise in control, but it is easier for it to work off-road, and passengers do not shake so much on potholes and bumps.

The Grant liftback “luxury” version has a fundamentally new suspension, which appeared at the beginning of 2014. It uses much more powerful anti-roll bars, both front and rear, compared to the sedan: stiffer springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. In general, it turns out that the liftback’s suspension is intentionally stiff.

The designers decided to sacrifice passenger comfort in order to improve handling. A rigid suspension allows you to increase the stability of the car during sharp turns, reduce roll and sway. Basically, the new suspension is designed for a younger audience, for whom it is much more important to get high handling from the car than comfort.

In conclusion, it should be said that all the technological innovations that distinguish the Granta liftback so favorably will soon be transferred to the sedan of the same name. The only exception will be a rigid suspension; it will not be on the sedan. According to data from AvtoVAZ, restyling of the entire Grant family is planned for 2016, and time will tell how liftbacks and sedans will differ.

Every driver has an idea of ​​what a hatchback, sedan or station wagon looks like. This is not news, because these body types are considered the most popular. However, even the smartest car enthusiasts sometimes do not know the exact definition of a Liftback body. Liftback: what is it? Let us explain the main differences, advantages and disadvantages.

A liftback is a specific type of body that is several times more practical than a sedan, has a spacious trunk and folding rear seats, which makes it possible to load larger items. It has a streamlined shape, which has a positive effect on aerodynamics.

Variations on the sedan theme

Four doors, one luggage compartment and one engine compartment - it would seem that this scheme is the most rational.
This is how one can characterize the body of a car, which is called a “sedan”. In fact, sedans come in both four-door and two-door versions. The last of these options differs from a coupe body in this way: in a sedan, the rear seats are located at a considerable distance from the front ones, not like inside a coupe. The roof of a coupe 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. The sedan class body itself is in any case 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 more than 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, which is why the so-called muscle cars are mostly assembled in a two-door body. Such cars are often referred to as “coupe”, which is completely incorrect from a formal point of view. Erroneous names (for example, “Ford Granada Coupe”) have taken root well 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 Mercedes arsenal not so long ago, and in terms of driving performance these cars are inferior to A-class cars. Probably, a two-door fastback sedan produced under the Mercedes or BMW brand would look interesting. But in the European mind, a sports car is a coupe, and a family car, in turn, should have four doors.

Four reasons to buy a sedan instead of a liftback and one not to do it

If anyone has forgotten, a liftback is a kind of hybrid of a sedan and a hatchback. That is, the car looks like a four-door car, but has a trunk door, like a hatch, that opens along with the glass.

Will it fit or not?

By the way, the presence of a fifth door is the main advantage of a liftback over a classic sedan: it opens wide access to the luggage compartment. So you can also load large luggage there. Of course, it should not exceed the available space in size.

But let’s not include in the column of undeniable advantages of a liftback over a sedan such an item as the ability to fold the backs of the rear seats in order to increase the volume for luggage. Even four-door cars can do this, although not all of them can. Therefore, the long ones will fit quite well in the sedans that our brother has loved since Soviet times.

Body rigidity

If we talk about body rigidity, the sedan clearly has an advantage here; it is added by a cross member between the rear pillars, located under the lower edge of the glass. Due to the presence of a fifth door, so convenient for loading luggage, the liftback lost this element. Which, accordingly, negatively affects the behavior of the car while driving on a not very smooth road.

Cold and dust

Another plus of the sedan is the trunk, separated from the passenger compartment, which does not contain unpleasant odors, as well as dust from the cargo being transported. Of course, this problem is specific: not everyone and does not always carry something foul-smelling with them. But this can also happen.

The cold in winter is of the same order: in a liftback it easily penetrates into the cabin if you open the trunk for loading or unloading. This question is especially relevant for those who travel with small children. For caring parents, this factor is often the deciding factor when choosing a car. The main thing is not to give your baby a cold.

Advantages and disadvantages of the hatchback body

Compact city hatchback

The main advantages of a hatchback include its size. Having a short rear overhang and overall short length, it lays claim to being a city dweller more than others. 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 the sedan. This allows you to load larger items, up to a washing machine or something similar.

And the disadvantages of the hatchback body include the absence of a partition between the passenger compartment and the luggage compartment, which negatively affects the operation of the car. Extraneous sounds from things rolling around in the trunk and the smell from them can 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 items can injure passengers.

However, in comparison with the main opponent in the market, i.e. sedan, the hatchback looks less solid and representative, and this is not their only difference. And even more important, 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 the size) and a 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 pros and cons. But then we will take an even more detailed look at the hatchback, or rather at its descendant.

Liftback

When describing cars, we mainly use vocabulary that came to us from the English language: hatchback, injector, bumper, accelerator, parking, and so on. Quite often in the characteristics of certain cars you can find the name of the body - liftback. What it is? — Let’s try to sort this issue out.

A liftback is a type of hatchback, but unlike it, the car's profile resembles that of a sedan with a rear overhang, while the trunk door opens like a hatchback. It may not seem very convenient, but the standard liftback is superior in space to both a sedan and hatchback of the same size, but inferior to a station wagon.

Other names often used:

Thus, the liftback is a transitional link between a hatchback and a sedan, that is, the rear silhouette has a sloping, stepped shape. As you can see, the difference is small, but due to the fact that the rear door tilts up, it is easier to place bulky cargo in the trunk. The rear sofa folds down, which triples the volume of the luggage compartment. If you frequently transport various cargo, consider purchasing a liftback vehicle.

It is worth noting that even in the Soviet Union similar cars were produced. The very first domestic liftback was IZH-2125, known as “Kombi”.

Examples

Czech Skoda produces many models with this body type:

• Skoda Rapid;
• Skoda Octavia (A5, A7, Tour);
• Skoda Superb.

Czech cars are famous for their reliability and excellent performance. The Skoda Octavia is a great car for both work and family trips. Thanks to the presence of a liftback body, it can be filled almost to capacity with payload. Well, the Skoda Superb is a D-class executive car.

In 2022, German Volkswagen presented the Arteon fastback to the public. This is a full-size five-door car from the Gran Turismo series, which looks very impressive. The car belongs to the E-class, that is, it is intended for businessmen who have to spend a lot of time on the road.

It is worth noting that a fastback is a type of liftback. The roof can go into the trunk either sloping or with a slight overhang. As a rule, Premium class cars are equipped with a fastback body. So, the brightest representatives of fastbacks:

• Audi A7 Sportback;
• BMW 6 Gran Turismo;
• BMW 4 Gran Coupe;
• Porsche Panamera, including a hybrid version of the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid.

We recently wrote on our portal Vodi.su about electric cars, and in 2009 the Tesla S Model liftback was presented to the public. This car looks very elegant and at the same time aggressive. It is not officially sold in Russia, but in Germany it will cost approximately 57-90 thousand euros, the price depends on the capacity of the batteries and the power of the power units. Characteristics deserve a separate discussion (for Tesla S Model P100D):

• 613 kilometers of range on a full charge;
• the power of both engines - rear and front - is 759 hp;
• speed 250 km/h (limited by the chip, in fact exceeds 300 km/h);
• it accelerates to hundreds in 3.3 seconds, and to 250 km/h in about 6-8 seconds.

Other more affordable liftbacks include the following models: Chery Jaggi, Chery A13 and Chery Amulet, Opel Insignia Grand Sport, Opel Ampere, Ford Mondeo Hatchback, Opel Vectra C Hatchback, Mazda 6 Hatchback, Seat Toledo, Renault Laguna Hatchback, Renault Vel Satis etc. The model line is constantly expanding.

Domestic liftbacks

In 2014, production of the domestic liftback Lada Granta began. Buyers were attracted not only by the silhouette of the rear of this car, but also by the modified shapes of the front bumper and rear doors. Even today, it is actively sold in the showrooms of official dealers at prices ranging from 414 to 517 thousand rubles.

• five-door body, interior seats five people;
• front-wheel drive, ground clearance 160 mm;
• 1.6 liter petrol engine with 87, 98 or 106 hp;
• in the city it consumes an average of 9 liters of A-95, in the country about 6.

Well, and of course, it is impossible to pass by such a famous liftback, even if not made in Russia, like the ZAZ-Slavuta. The car was produced from 1999 to 2006 and became one of the most affordable in the budget segment. It was equipped with a 1.2 liter engine with 43, 62 or 66 hp. For a small business it was an ideal car. Another liftback is being produced in Ukraine - ZAZ Forza, which is a modernized version of the Chinese Chery A13.

Source of the article: https://vodi.su/liftbek/

Passport details

Main differences between bodies

Both modifications are characterized as passenger cars with the driving performance and technical characteristics of a sedan of the corresponding model range. However, a liftback differs from a hatchback in the following ways:

• the rear overhang is shaped like a sedan;
• the liftback has two ways to open the doors;
• Unlike a two-volume hatchback, a liftback can be three-volume, more similar to a sedan.

Some manufacturers, not limiting themselves to this list of differences, are carrying out enhanced modernization of the series.

Using the example of the Lada Granta liftback, you can see that along with the new forms, the chassis and braking systems in the car were modernized. Without tying such a change to the body, the domestic auto giant is going to apply the innovations to the rest of the series. For Russian consumers, these body modifications are of considerable interest due to their design solutions and dimensions.

By the way, this type of body is not a new product for automakers. It belongs to the well-forgotten old developments, one of which was the favorite of Soviet motorists IZH-Kombi. Subsequently, automakers of the indestructible invented and released the famous “Slavuta”, which won the hearts of many motorists. This suggests that the liftback is just a revival of previous designs that were loved by the people.

The main thing that catches your eye when looking at the car from the front is the new front bumper, which is also painted in the color of the body. Actually, nothing else has changed in the “face” of the car, but the new air intake and areas for fog lights literally transformed the good old Granta. And only for the better. And by the way, there will be no black bumpers on the new liftback at all, even in the cheapest “Standard” configuration.

And in profile, the liftback looks much more harmonious than the sedan. First of all, due to the sloping roof line and original rear doors: the designers raised the window sill line and lowered the top line slightly. As a result, the silhouette of the sedan against the backdrop of the liftback began to look so unsightly that the owners of 4-door Grants, keenly interested in the new product, shook their heads dejectedly. Like, if they had known that the five-door would be so interesting, they would have held off on buying a sedan.

And this, we note, despite the fact that sedans have historically enjoyed greater respect among Russians than all other bodies. In addition, the liftback received original exterior mirrors. Turn signal repeaters are now built into them, and the mirror lenses (as well as the side windows) become less dirty.

At the rear, the new product is decorated with more compact lights and a fog light built into the bumper. It is curious that the basic configuration of the car does not have a wiper. And that's why.

Hatchback in the city

What is the difference between a liftback and a hatchback, what is the difference? We begin to answer the question by considering the first body type, namely the hatchback. Today in a large city you need to have a car that provides maximum comfort and at the same time has excellent maneuverability. It can be noted that the last century was 100% the reign of sedans on the roads, but with today's boom in cars, they are no longer so welcome in urban environments.

For example, you can often hear that due to the length of the sedan, it is not always convenient to maneuver from lane to lane, and parking is not worth explaining.

How to solve the problem associated with the length of the car? Automakers found a solution by radically changing the car body, namely:

• The trunk compartment was connected to the passenger compartment;
• the rear of the car was greatly shortened;
• They placed the engine transversely and made it front-wheel drive.

Such a radical change in the sedan body led to the birth of a new body – the hatchback. It can be translated from English as: “hatch back.” The combination of the trunk and the interior is bad only in one case

: When a car is involved in an accident, the contents of the luggage compartment are thrown into the cabin.

Technological innovations Lada Granta liftback

In addition to the improved design and Grant's fifth door, the liftback can offer potential buyers a number of technological innovations

Leading specialists from the manufacturing plant took into account the main complaints about the sedan, based on feedback from car owners, and tried to eliminate the shortcomings when developing the new model:

For example, fastening screws were replaced, which had insufficient anti-corrosion properties and were easily susceptible to the destructive effects of moisture. Experts consider the use of a different sealant to be one of the most useful innovations. Along with the use of a car door stop with a closer effect, this made it possible to get rid of squeaking when opening and vibration of the windows. Significant improvements have also been made in the sound insulation system: while driving, the driver and passengers do not have to guess about the origin of extraneous sounds and knocks. Optimization of the brake system involves the introduction of a vacuum brake booster. Thanks to this innovation, the brake pedal is especially comfortable to use: when pressing it does not require any effort.

At the same time, smoother braking is noted than on a sedan. When developing the liftback, close attention was paid to the problem of body rigidity, since this issue is especially relevant for cars with five doors. Classic hatchbacks do not have a reinforcing bulkhead at the rear, so the problem of achieving the required degree of rigidity was solved by strengthening the floor, roof and certain changes in the structure of the middle beam.

No need for dirt

The angle of the rear part of the body was carefully worked out from an aerodynamic point of view. At the same time, VAZ designers assure that the sloping rear window in rainy weather is perfectly cleaned by air flows. That is why the basic “Standard” configuration does not have a rear windshield wiper. However, it is installed on cars in the “Norma” and “Lux” versions. Perhaps just to justify their higher cost?

However, this is nothing more than an “engineering and marketing” incident. Much more important is how the issue of body rigidity is resolved. Since cars in 5-door modifications, unlike sedans, do not have a reinforcing “bulkhead” in the rear, designers have to pay special attention to the rigidity of the liftback body.

Why is the manufacturer positioning Grant with a fifth door as a liftback? Yes, it’s very simple - the “niche” of hatchbacks is already occupied, very similar in design to Granta.

Description of the hardtop body

Typically, a Hardtop body is defined as an independent type of body; based on the number of doors, Hardtops are divided into two and four door Hardtops. There are also subtypes: hatchback-hardtops, sedans-hardtops, coupe-hardtops.

The first representatives of hardtops had a frame chassis, and there were also models with a monocoque body. In design, hardtop cars are similar to convertible cars - they have an identical side frame power circuit and the same side window lifting mechanisms. The types of window closing mechanisms on hardtops are very diverse; there is an option in which, in the uppermost position, the windows close through a seal on the rear window or the rear row windows rotate around an axis, but this type of rear window cleaning mechanism has practically fallen out of use. An even rarer type of mechanism, in which the rear windows moved back in a horizontal plane, was retracted into the rear roof pillar.

The advantages of hardtops include an attractive appearance, especially if all the windows are rolled down, the interior looks more spacious. Due to the absence of pillars, visibility improves, and in addition to lowered windows, the car turns out to be very suitable for hot climates. The absence of a rack allows you to transport larger loads.

The disadvantages include a reduced level of safety due to the threat of increased deformation due to the lack of a central pillar. Cars with a hardtop body are more difficult to produce. During operation, hartops have problems with the tightness of the glass joint. The noise level in such cars is noticeably higher, which is caused by increased deformation of the body due to the lack of a central pillar.

What is a liftback? What it looks like and how it differs from a hatchback.

A liftback (sometimes you can find it spelled with the letter “E” - liftback, which is not entirely correct) is a type of hatchback in which the rear door (and the word hatchback can be translated as “rear door”) has a small protrusion and, when closed, looks more like a liftback classic sedan. This is what distinguishes a liftback from a hatchback

Here, for example, is what the Seat Toledo liftback looks like with the rear door closed. Is it really easy to mistake it for a sedan?

And this is what the same car looks like with the back door open:

On some liftbacks, the trunk opens in two ways - either together with the rear window, or only with a protruding metal part.

This is what it looks like in a Skoda Superb car - the photo shows a car with a closed trunk and two options for an open trunk:

Well, here is a typical Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback:

As you can see, his back door runs almost perpendicular to the ground and has no protrusions. Despite all the advantages of hatchbacks (they can carry oversized cargo, especially if you fold the back seat), not everyone likes this appearance, which is why liftbacks are gaining more and more popularity. This body type is especially often used by the Skoda brand, now owned by the Volkswagen concern.

By the way, in the USSR they also produced a car with a liftback body - this is the IZH-Combi

Literally from English liftback can be translated as “rising butt.”

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Updated Lada Granta: first photos and videos of the liftback

Let us remind you that AVTOVAZ intends to restyle the Lada Granta and Lada Kalina models, after which they will be combined into one family. Thus, the Kalina name will be removed from the manufacturer’s line, and the Granta model will be available in five body types: sedan, liftback, five-door hatchback, station wagon and cross-station wagon.

The updated Lada Granta sedan, the appearance of which was redesigned in accordance with the X-style that debuted on the Vesta and Xray models, was presented by AVTOVAZ earlier. After restyling, the four-door received an updated front end with new headlights, radiator grille, bumper, hood and fenders.

Now on the community page “Lada Granta FL Club” on the social network “VKontakte” photos and videos of the restyled Lada Granta liftback have been published. The car was filmed during advertising filming, so there is no camouflage on its body. You can notice that the front part of the liftback is completely identical in design to the sedan presented earlier, but the rear, apparently, has not changed.

The manufacturer has not yet published pictures of the interior of the restyled Granta, but the above-mentioned community posted a picture of the front panel of the new product, which is built on the basis of the Kalina panel and is practically no different from it.

The public premiere of the updated Lada Granta will probably take place at the International Moscow Motor Show at the end of August, where the Lada Granta Sport sedan will presumably also be presented.

It should be noted that earlier the Kolesa.ru portal published live photos of the Lada Granta hatchback, previously sold under the name Kalina.

Car body types

Comparison of liftback and hatchback

As soon as car production began to be more large-scale than a couple of copies per year, then different types of cars began to appear, which were oriented towards certain needs. Comfortable sedans, sports coupes, luxurious convertibles and much, much more appeared. Today, due to design achievements and technological progress, many types of car bodies are combined in one, which is how crossovers, four-door coupes and others were born. But we will outline, perhaps, the most popular and clearly differentiated body types :

1. Sedan;
2. Hatchback;
3. Station wagon;
4. Minivan;
5. Coupe;
6. Cabriolet;
7. SUV.

Transformations affecting the chassis and body components

The manufacturer made every effort to eradicate the flaws inherent in the sedan.

The Lada Granta configurations in the “Standard” and “Norma” versions have acquired new settings in the suspension, where a special role is given to modified shock absorbers. The springs were carried over from the sedan. The suspension has become more suitable for country roads. Here passengers perceive bumps and potholes more comfortably.

The luxury equipment will delight you with a new suspension design, where a powerful stabilizer and rigid spring elements are located as a separate link. This solution is aimed at increasing stability and reducing amplitude during rolls.

Also, you should not ignore the gas-filled shock absorbers, which were previously equipped exclusively with LADA sports cars. The brake unit has increased responsiveness and information content due to the use of an updated vacuum booster.

The ground clearance has increased by 15mm, which will be especially gratifying for those who like to conquer off-road terrain.

If we compare, the design of the liftback does not imply the presence of a body-strengthening bulkhead located in the stern. The rigidity of the body frame was increased by strengthening the underbody and roof panel, as well as making adjustments to the design of the middle spar.

Price

The minimum equipment level of the liftback is rated higher than the “Standard” version found in the sedan. More specifically, you will have to pay 314.8 thousand rubles for the liftback. Whether it is rational to overpay for the improvements indicated here is up to the buyer to decide.

The manufacturer plans to equip the sedan with the options present in the liftback in the near future. The restyling process for the LADA Granta is expected to be carried out this year. Today, the liftback has a number of undeniable advantages over the sedan regarding the exterior and driving parameters, but still, which is better, everyone chooses for themselves. When choosing a suitable modification, you should first study the full list of features. It is also not recommended to neglect your own priorities and preferences. Consider the difference between modifications not only in characteristics and equipment, but also in a financial sense. If you are willing to pay more for a presentable design, interior improvements and slightly increased performance, then the liftback is your option. But in fairness, we note that today the liftback is brighter and more balanced in comparison with the sedan, and this allows us to mark it as the leader of our review.

Lada Sedan, after its “loud” entry into the market back in 2011 and an equally noisy PR campaign, managed to win love throughout Russia. From approximately 2011 to 2013, every second passenger car purchased was a Sedan from the Lada Granta. Orders grew... And it was their growing number that forced AvtoVAZ to optimize production and introduce some new items into the updated model.

In 2014, Lada Granta returned to the market with an updated Liftback body. The updates didn’t end there: the design and some structural elements also underwent changes. When something new comes out, people generally buy it “new”, but is the “new” always better? Or is this “new” actually a modified “old”?

Created in 2011, so distant for us, the Lada Sedan was distinguished by the variety of choices of its configurations, suitable for different requirements, from the appearance of the interior to the “filling”.

It is clear that from “Standard” to “Luxury” there are completely different price categories, but still there is a lot in common between them, namely: cheap design (one look at the side mirrors and low-quality plastic on the dashboard can tell a lot about the integrity of the designers AvtoVAZ), but at the same time, the interior was very spacious (a person 1.95 m tall can comfortably sit in a car), and the trunk was very, very pleasing with its volume - as much as 520 liters, and this despite the fact that for this you do not need to move anything away, remove or etc.

Considering the relative cheapness of the car (the average price of a new Lada is 420 thousand rubles), one can understand that the maintenance of the car will be appropriate. Starting in 2012, a modification was added: a four-speed automatic transmission from the Japanese manufacturer Jatco. But the surprises didn’t end there; however, they started getting unpleasant: tens of thousands of cars were recalled in 2013 due to problems with airbags.

Which is better: “new” or “old”? Who is it suitable for?

In terms of characteristics, the changes in the Liftback are not as significant as the changes and increases in price compared to its “ancestor”. But if you look purely at them, then this model is suitable for people who care about their position in society or for those people who need a spacious trunk. However, if you look at convenience, then Lada

The sedan is suitable for families with children - in this car it will be easy to keep track of everyone, and there will be a place for everyone. In case of any breakdown, it will be much easier to find spare parts for this particular model. Therefore, when choosing a car from those presented, you need to look at what exactly is expected from the vehicle: appearance or price.