Hatchback cars do not feature an enclosed trunk space. Instead, storage is just behind the rear seating and is hidden from view by a panel cover. This area is accessed from the rear of the car when the hatch is opened. The panel lies flat and is usually made of plastic. The plastic is sometimes covered with carpet. Panels are attached to the sides or the interior roofing by cords or springs, and the front portion is attached to clips on the backs of rear seats or on the sides of the interior body. Panel removal on most models is straightforward and readily accessible.
Open the rear hatchback door. Hatchbacks have top-hinged doors that when opened will lift upwards. Some hatchback models have long doors that fit flush to the floorboard and provide easy access to the cargo area. Others have a top-hinged window that opens from an approximate waist-high level. To access the panel parts, you might have to lean into the cargo area.
Check to see if the car has a lever on one side of cargo area that secures the panel in its position. Pull the lever to its widest open position to provide enough slack so you can commence removal of the panel.
Hold onto the flat panel and notice how it is attached to the vehicle. Look along both sides of the rear interior to locate hooked cords, springs on hooks, or metal-enclosed spring wires. Gently move the panel up and down and test the resistance to get a feel for how tightly the panel is attached.
Lift strings and cords that are attached onto hooks over the hooks to remove them. Do one side and then the other. Use both hands if they are very taut. Rest the cords on the panel top.
Look for clips that indicate where the panel is attached on the front side. Check behind the rear seat and over to the right and left of interior upholstery. The front panel has a thin rod that attaches to the clips. Notice that the clips will have a small lip that the rod sits in.
Hold onto the rod and gently rock it from side to side until both sides are loosened from the clips. Pull the panel out. You can also remove clips using a screwdriver.
