Seats of disc-content

What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Seats of disc-content

It seems that some smaller cars are made with an adjustable back seat that allows either 4 comfortable passengers with a reduced luggage space or 2 comfortable passengers, minimal back seat space but a larger luggage area. What makes/models are these? What other cars are there in the VW Golf size that offer good back seat space?

Asked on 24 April 2010 by W.H., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John

All hatchbacks have folding rear seats. Most have fold-flat rear seats. The exceptions (those with folding rear seatbacks but not fully folding rear seats) include FIAT Panda, FIAT 500, Mazda2 and current Ford Fiesta. Some have folding and sliding rear seats that allow four to travel with increased luggage capacity. These include Nissan Note, KIA Venga and (much smaller) high-end versions of the Renault Twingo in which the back seat slides back and forth by about a foot. On the Nissan Note and KIA Venga the rear seatbacks recline slightly for a more comfortable ride.

Tags: buying new cars back problems small cars

Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:

Similar questions

I own a 2007 MINI Cooper D ... but what should I buy next?

I drive a Mini Cooper D (57-plate) and suffer from lower back pain (badly). Please recommend something with the the same handling/economy/fun to include all estates/mpvs. My budget is up to £20,000 new/used.

What small car is suitable for my ageing back?

I need to replace my Ford Fusion to help my ageing back. I am 6ft2 and have a long back. My budget may stretch to £5k, but like all pensioners, I want something that will be economical on fuel and road...

What's the best small car for someone with back problems?

I've got back problems and need a car seat that doesn't tilt backwards, needs to be automatic and have cruise control with a budget of up to £7k. Big ask for that price but any suggestions? What about...

Related models

Fiat 500 (2008 on)

Stylish and full of character. Really affordable to buy. Low running costs.

Fiat Panda (2004 - 2012)

Space, comfort and practicality in an engaging, affordable package.

Ford Fiesta (2008 - 2013)

Well built with an upmarket interior. Enjoyable and involving to drive. Cheap to run 1.6TDCI ECOnetic. Exceptional reliability record. Very few problems reported despite more than 500,000 sold.

Kia Venga (2010 - 2019)

Spacious back seats and wide-opening doors. Easy to drive and park. Good visibility. Decent boot capacity.

Mazda 2 (2007 - 2015)

Enjoyable and fun to drive with economical engines. Feels well built. Ride quality was improved for 2011.

Nissan Note (2006 - 2013)

Easy to drive and manouevre into small spaces, roomy cabin with plenty of headroom in the back, some clever and practical features inside, economical dCi diesels, well built.