What's the difference between a hatchback and an estate?

What is the basic difference between a hatchback and an estate car, other than the size of the boot? And why are estate cars more expensive?

Asked on 6 January 2014 by Antony Chapman

Answered by Honest John

The basic difference is the construction. There should be no lip to lift things over when the hatch is raised, and the design should be 'squarer at the back to take taller loads in the load compartment. But, as you have observed, not all 'estates' or 'tourers' or 'station wagons' comply.

Tags: estates buying a new car hatchbacks

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