Consider a compact hatchback. If it is not a Volkswagen Golf, you most likely 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 useful than a compact sedan. “Strive placing that in a Jetta,” you’ll be able to think about somebody saying after stuffing a TV into the again of a Golf.
However I am not speaking about TVs right here, and in the case of 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 reasonably completely different sort of hatchback. Why? Hatchback cargo volumes are measured to the roof. That is virtually all the time a no-go right here at Baggage Take a look at HQ as a result of visibility and security, but in addition, I’ve discovered that the area “up there” between the again seat and tailgate shouldn’t be particularly helpful for storing luggage. Mainly, it is the form of a Toblerone, which isn’t what many individuals take with them on airplanes.
So yeah, similar scenario with the Golf, or reasonably the Volkswagen GTI and Golf R because the plain-old Golf is not bought right here any extra. Neither is the wagon for that matter, however that is one other subject. 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 never baggage examined that, and though I might be shocked if it did not maintain greater than the Golf, I am going to nonetheless be maintaining my comparisons to different hatchbacks. Admittedly, the one one that basically issues is the Civic Hatchback, because it gives 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 kind of bitchin’ WRX-powered Crosstrek.
On this image you’ll be able to see what I imply in regards to 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, but it surely was raining, I may 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 cross.
Not that that is shocking, however there isn’t any underfloor storage within the Golf R. There is not any spare tire, both, however you do get a giant spherical subwoofer. To see it, Volkswagen makes it super-easy due to 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 kind of inflexible cargo cowl anticipated of a hatchback. Effectively, 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 not like these present in sure SUVs. So, I suppose the sort 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 Take a look at, I take advantage of two midsize curler suitcases that may have to be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 broad, 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, be mindful since I am evaluating the Golf with previous autos, that the inexperienced bag equals the outdated small blue bag.
My greater luggage match length-wise, however they’re too tall to suit on their facet below the duvet. Additionally, nothing can match on high of them when sitting on their bellies. As such, that is the perfect I may do, which is not dangerous. The flamboyant bag is principally 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 might not be a coincidence.
OK, now let’s chuck the duvet.
Actually, not a lot of a distinction. Regardless of my finest efforts, this mess was the perfect I may do, after which simply barely. This might be the 4 greatest luggage with area leftover for one thing smaller than the flowery bag or any of my duffel luggage within the storage. The area up excessive actually is kind of constricting.
You possibly can see above simply how a lot the baggage 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’ll be able to see that the 4 greatest luggage match below its side-to-side roll-out cargo cowl, which by the way in which, does not have to be faraway from the automobile. After I loaded above the duvet line, I may match all the baggage. So yeah, massive win right here for Honda. Now, those self same luggage match higher within the sedan, with the flowery bag most clearly not perched atop the pile, as a result of you recognize, it could possibly’t in a sedan. You possibly can see the complete Civic Hatchback baggage take a look at right here.
That is the Mazda3 hatchback. It might probably maintain the 4 greatest luggage below 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 after I tried to place it within the center there. Nonetheless, benefit Mazda right here, too.
After all, there isn’t a Mazdaspeed3, so finally, benefit Volkswagen.
Yet another factor. The Mazda3 baggage take a look at consists of each the hatchback and sedan. In it, you’ll be able to see that the sedan’s trunk has significantly extra size, which is just about why it could possibly maintain extra luggage. As the three hatchback and Golf appear to have comparable cargo space lengths, this is able to be how I do know a sedan can be higher for baggage carrying.
And eventually the Subaru Impreza/Crosstrek. It might probably match the 2 greatest luggage, one of many medium luggage and the smaller blue/inexperienced bag with out eradicating its roll-out cargo cowl. That is higher than the Golf. It might probably carry all six luggage 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’ll be able to see why the Golf wagon nonetheless exists in Europe.