Consider a compact hatchback. If it is not a Volkswagen Golf, you in all probability used to personal a Mazda3. Maybe it is extra ubiquitous in Europe, however the Golf has lengthy stood because the prime instance of a compact hatchback supposedly being extra practical than a compact sedan. “Attempt placing that in a Jetta,” you may think about somebody saying after stuffing a TV into the again of a Golf.
However I am not speaking about TVs right here, and with regards to precise cargo quantity with the seats in place, I’ve discovered that hatchbacks have much less area than their sedan counterparts regardless of having bigger on-paper cargo volumes. That is the case with the Mazda3 and the Honda Civic, which is admittedly a fairly completely different kind of hatchback. Why? Hatchback cargo volumes are measured to the roof. That is virtually at all times a no-go right here at Baggage Check HQ as a consequence of visibility and security, but in addition, I’ve discovered that the area “up there” between the again seat and tailgate is just not particularly helpful for storing baggage. Mainly, it is the form of a Toblerone, which isn’t what many individuals take with them on airplanes.
So yeah, identical scenario with the Golf, or fairly the Volkswagen GTI and Golf R for the reason that plain-old Golf is not offered right here any extra. Neither is the wagon for that matter, however that is one other matter. Each the GTI and Golf R are listed as having 19.9 cubic-feet. The Jetta has 14.1, together with the GLI. I have not baggage examined that, and though I might be shocked if it did not maintain greater than the Golf, I will nonetheless be preserving my comparisons to different hatchbacks. Admittedly, the one one that basically issues is the Civic Hatchback, because it offers the idea for the Civic Kind R. The Si is sedan-only. In the meantime, a 2024 Mazdaspeed3 does not exist and Subaru does not promote some form of bitchin’ WRX-powered Crosstrek.
On this image you may see what I imply concerning the “up there” portion being triangular. There’s additionally not that a lot depth right here, particularly in comparison with a compact sedan. You will see why I do know that in a sec.
And sure, I used a flash for many of those, which is often a no-no in automobile journalism pictures circles, nevertheless it was raining, I might again 20% of the Golf R into my storage, and I did sufficient of those suckers in Portland rain over time that I am giving myself a go.
Not that that is shocking, however there is no underfloor storage within the Golf R. There is no spare tire, both, however you do get an enormous spherical subwoofer. To see it, Volkswagen makes it super-easy because of this little, button-like tab (above left) that props the ground open. You then simply pull down just a little more durable to undergo the detent the tab makes use of to maintain the ground in place. Intelligent engineering, finally pointless right here, although.
Additionally not shocking is that the Golf has the form of inflexible cargo cowl anticipated of a hatchback. Properly, besides the Impreza/Crosstrek has an SUV-like roll-out cowl, the Civic has a weirdo side-to-side roll-out cowl, and the Mazda3 has a double-articulated inflexible cowl not in contrast to these present in sure SUVs. So, I suppose this kind of cowl should not be anticipated anymore.
Both approach, it is there, so I would like to check with and with out it.
As with each Baggage Check, I take advantage of two midsize curler suitcases that might should be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 large, 11 deep), two black roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller inexperienced roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embody my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D). Additionally, bear in mind since I am evaluating the Golf with previous autos, that the inexperienced bag equals the previous small blue bag.
My greater baggage match length-wise, however they’re too tall to suit on their aspect underneath the duvet. Additionally, nothing can match on high of them when sitting on their bellies. As such, that is the very best I might do, which is not dangerous. The flamboyant bag is mainly serving as an analog for a fourth medium-sized roll-aboard.
Mainly, 4 roll-aboard suitcases slot in a automobile best-suited to seat 4 individuals. I am guessing that will not be a coincidence.
OK, now let’s chuck the duvet.
Truthfully, not a lot of a distinction. Regardless of my finest efforts, this mess was the very best I might do, after which simply barely. This could be the 4 largest baggage with area leftover for one thing smaller than the flowery bag or any of my duffel baggage within the storage. The area up excessive actually is kind of constricting.
You’ll be able to see above simply how a lot the luggage are protruding and simply how shut this got here to not working.
OK, let’s have a look at how this compares to different compact hatchbacks.
That is the Honda Civic Hatchback, which once more, is identical because the Civic Kind R. Above proper, you may see that the 4 largest baggage match underneath its side-to-side roll-out cargo cowl, which by the best way, does not should be faraway from the automobile. Once I loaded above the duvet line, I might match all the luggage. So yeah, huge win right here for Honda. Now, those self same baggage match higher within the sedan, with the flowery bag most clearly not perched atop the pile, as a result of , it may well’t in a sedan. You’ll be able to see the total Civic Hatchback baggage check right here.
That is the Mazda3 hatchback. It may well maintain the 4 largest baggage underneath its cargo cowl, however apparently, eradicating the cargo cowl did not make a distinction. There’s even much less triangle area in it. The flamboyant bag was squashed once I tried to place it within the center there. Nonetheless, benefit Mazda right here, too.
After all, there is no such thing as a Mazdaspeed3, so finally, benefit Volkswagen.
Another factor. The Mazda3 baggage check contains each the hatchback and sedan. In it, you may see that the sedan’s trunk has significantly extra size, which is just about why it may well maintain extra baggage. As the three hatchback and Golf appear to have comparable cargo space lengths, this might be how I do know a sedan could be higher for baggage carrying.
And eventually the Subaru Impreza/Crosstrek. It may well match the 2 largest baggage, one of many medium baggage and the smaller blue/inexperienced bag with out eradicating its roll-out cargo cowl. That is higher than the Golf. It may well carry all six baggage with the duvet eliminated. That places it in second place behind the Honda with the duvet in place and in first with the duvet eliminated.
Golf nonetheless final. So yeah, you may see why the Golf wagon nonetheless exists in Europe.
