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 purposeful than a compact sedan. “Try putting 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 with regards to precise cargo quantity with the seats in place, I’ve discovered that hatchbacks have much less house 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 relatively 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 consequence of visibility and security, but additionally, I’ve discovered that the house “up there” between the again seat and tailgate just isn’t particularly helpful for storing baggage. Principally, 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 relatively 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 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 never baggage examined that, and though I would be shocked if it did not maintain greater than the Golf, I am going to nonetheless be conserving my comparisons to different hatchbacks. Admittedly, the one one that basically issues is the Civic Hatchback, because it supplies the premise for the Civic Kind R. The Si is sedan-only. In the meantime, a 2024 Mazdaspeed3 would not exist and Subaru would not promote some form 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, nevertheless it 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 go.
Not that that is stunning, however there isn’t any underfloor storage within the Golf R. There isn’t any 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 stunning is that the Golf has the form of inflexible cargo cowl anticipated of a hatchback. Nicely, 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 means, it is there, so I want 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 should be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 extensive, 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 embrace my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D). Additionally, consider since I am evaluating the Golf with previous autos, that the inexperienced bag equals the previous small blue bag.
My larger baggage match length-wise, however they’re too tall to suit on their facet below the quilt. Additionally, nothing can match on prime of them when sitting on their bellies. As such, that is the perfect I may do, which is not unhealthy. The flamboyant bag is principally serving as an analog for a fourth medium-sized roll-aboard.
Principally, 4 roll-aboard suitcases slot in a automobile best-suited to seat 4 folks. I am guessing that is probably not a coincidence.
OK, now let’s chuck the quilt.
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 may be the 4 greatest baggage with house leftover for one thing smaller than the flowery bag or any of my duffel baggage within the storage. The house up excessive actually is kind of constricting.
You possibly can see above simply how a lot the luggage are protruding and simply how shut this got here to not working.
OK, let’s examine how this compares to different compact hatchbacks.
That is the Honda Civic Hatchback, which once more, is similar because the Civic Kind R. Above proper, you’ll be able to see that the 4 greatest baggage match below its side-to-side roll-out cargo cowl, which by the way in which, would not should be faraway from the automobile. Once I loaded above the quilt line, I may match all the luggage. So yeah, massive 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 you understand, it could possibly’t in a sedan. You possibly can see the complete Civic Hatchback baggage check right here.
That is the Mazda3 hatchback. It might probably maintain the 4 greatest baggage below its cargo cowl, however curiously, eradicating the cargo cowl did not make a distinction. There’s even much less triangle house in it. The flamboyant bag was squashed after I tried to place it within the center there. Nonetheless, benefit Mazda right here, too.
In fact, there isn’t a Mazdaspeed3, so finally, benefit Volkswagen.
Another factor. The Mazda3 baggage check 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 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 might probably match the 2 greatest 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 might probably carry all six baggage with the quilt eliminated. That places it in second place behind the Honda with the quilt in place and in first with the quilt eliminated.
Golf nonetheless final. So yeah, you’ll be able to see why the Golf wagon nonetheless exists in Europe.