Liftback cargo capacity?

[FillsOnWheels]

Hi,
I'm looking to buy a new car in the sub-compact to compact hatchback class that has room to carry a drumset. To give a relative size comparison, my drumset once broken down fits perfectly into my '96 Chevy Cavalier sedan but without any leftover room for a passenger. I need this same amount of space in whatever car I end up buying, plus room for one passenger and perhaps a guitar amp or two.

The Yaris liftback is my top pick so far, but none of the dealers within 200 miles have one in their inventory so I can see it in person. The pictures over at Edmunds look spacious enough with seats folded completely down, but another picture at a different website makes it seem that the liftback is actually shorter and less spacious than the sedan version.

How do you guys feel about the Yaris liftback's seats-flat capacity? And which other vehicle has the most similar type of storage arrangement so that I can go check it out in person for comparison? The cubic-foot measurements on the website don't really offer much of an idea when considering the shape of the vehicle and of the objects placed inside.

The other vehicles I'm considering are the Scion xA, the Toyota Matrix, Nissan Versa, and Chrysler's PT Cruiser. Looks are nice, but I'm concerned with lugging the gear around and gas mileage first and foremost.

Any advice is very much appreciated!

[stuts]

Originally Posted by FillsOnWheels

Hi,
I'm looking to buy a new car in the sub-compact to compact hatchback class that has room to carry a drumset. To give a relative size comparison, my drumset once broken down fits perfectly into my '96 Chevy Cavalier sedan but without any leftover room for a passenger. I need this same amount of space in whatever car I end up buying, plus room for one passenger and perhaps a guitar amp or two.

The Yaris liftback is my top pick so far, but none of the dealers within 200 miles have one in their inventory so I can see it in person. The pictures over at Edmunds look spacious enough with seats folded completely down, but another picture at a different website makes it seem that the liftback is actually shorter and less spacious than the sedan version.

How do you guys feel about the Yaris liftback's seats-flat capacity? And which other vehicle has the most similar type of storage arrangement so that I can go check it out in person for comparison? The cubic-foot measurements on the website don't really offer much of an idea when considering the shape of the vehicle and of the objects placed inside.

The other vehicles I'm considering are the Scion xA, the Toyota Matrix, Nissan Versa, and Chrysler's PT Cruiser. Looks are nice, but I'm concerned with lugging the gear around and gas mileage first and foremost.

Any advice is very much appreciated!

acouple articles for you at the bottom about the Yaris well I guess you are from the U.S. eh unfortunately stupid U.S. Toyota is not offering a five door hatch only a three door for you guys and if you would like four doors for more convenience I hate to say it but the next best choice to the Yaris is is is the stupid ugly Honda Fit/fugly check it out both have their pros and cons but Fuglys cargo space is its big draw to the car I would still go with the Yaris better car all around I think interior and exterior


http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/06yaris

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/jc/06yaris.htm

http://bcautocentral.com/article?id=2367

[Tideland Prius]

Well if he/she doesn't need to carry passengers, a 3 door might work just fine. The Versa is a bit more powerful and less fuel efficient (more compact, than subcompact in fuel efficiency) but it's larger. Otherwise, give the xA a shot.

[ECHOKnight2000]

Along what others said the Yaris is a good choice, cause its a hatch, so that translates to more interior volume than a sedan...and yes the Sedan varient is longer and bigger as far as outside demisions of the hatch but don't let that fool you! Anyway as Tideland Prius suggested, the xA is another good choice...I think the stuff you are carring around is more suited for a hatch/wagon type just cause they are good for carring drum sets and what not, and a trunk limits you as far as interior volume and space, if that makes sense. And from what read and heard hatches are going to be hard to get as you found out...Toyota is making more sedans than hatches but maybe in the future that will level out as hatches are selling like hot cakes. Good luck, keep us posted!!

[FillsOnWheels]

Thanks for the advice so far. That first article in particular was extra useful.

I don't mind the 3-door version. Honestly, I'll probably keep the rear seats flat at all times anyways since I'll be hauling equipment more often than people... and if I am hauling people, it's rarely more than one person. As long as the 3-door and 5-door have similar cargo room, it should be fine.

I'm just looking for a vehicle with similar cargo dimensions so I can bring my soft cases for my drums (takes up the same amount of space) to the local dealers and try loading up. If it fits that car, then I can go over to the Toyota dealership and have them order a Yaris for me.