Being the auto-obsessive types that you are, we're sure you can recount endless conversations with potential car buyers about the variety of body styles on the market, and how several of the CUVs and wagons currently available are, at times, far superior to their overblown SUV counterparts. The reasons behind the current boom in hatchbacks and crossovers are obvious: better fuel economy, more car-like handling and ride, all with many of the same attributes of an SUV.
USA Today ran a piece that details some of the offerings that are either making a splash in the marketplace already, or that are pegged to be winners as the movement away from big 'utes continues. Much of the discussion centers on some of the new high-end crossovers that are currently in the works, specifically the BMW X6 and Infiniti EX35, which offer a bit more luxury over outright utilitarianism.The real crux of the article is that American consumers have put to rest the moribund offerings of the 70s, like the Ford Pinto and Chevy Vega, and are finally warming up to the sloping rooflines of modern five-door designs.
[Source: USA Today via Winding Road]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Doogs @ Aug 29th 2007 10:17AM
"The real crux of the article is that American consumers have put to rest the moribund offerings of the 70s, like the Ford Pinto and Chevy Vega, and are finally warming up to the sloping rooflines of modern five-door designs."
It baffles me that the industry as a whole is still stuck in this mindset that consumer preferences are dictated by the cars of THIRTY YEARS AGO. It's ludicrous. Someone who turned 16 in 1977 is 46 today.
A lot has changed in three decades. Hell, look at the minivan segment. Or the mainstreaming of SUVs and pickups.
Regarding hatchbacks in particular, I think SUVs (yes, SUVs) are in large part responsible for the resurgence. The SUV got people used to the rear door/liftgate, and now that SUVs are waning and gas prices and such are driving people back to cars, they're looking for vehicles that can still offer something of that SUV utility. Thus hatchbacks and 5-doors (Mazda3, anyone?).
It probably helps that manufacturers are offering sexier hatchbacks with every new model year. The Mini, GTI, C30, etc, are far cries from the Pinto and Vega of yesteryear.
Mike @ Aug 29th 2007 10:25AM
"Regarding hatchbacks in particular, I think SUVs (yes, SUVs) are in large part responsible for the resurgence. The SUV got people used to the rear door/liftgate, and now that SUVs are waning and gas prices and such are driving people back to cars, they're looking for vehicles that can still offer something of that SUV utility."
Couldn't have said it better. The crossover segment will get lighter and more fuel efficient and hatches will grow in popularity again for the reasons you list above. I think the A3, the four-door GTI, the Mini Clubman, etc. are going to wind up being the direction things go in ultimately.
That One Person @ Aug 29th 2007 4:47PM
I am sure if you went out and asked people who own Japanese vehicles "Why did you buy a Honda?", I am sure there will be a few people who will say "Oh, I owned a late 70s/early 80s GM product".
Some people are stubborn and don't want to realize things have changed.
As for hatches coming back, I will have to wait and see. I know this doesn't represent the whole market, but I do not see a ton of hatches around. I may see a Mazda3 hatch every once in a great while. And the majority of Aveos I see are sedans. Take a look at Focus ZX3/5 sales. It's no wonder they are dropping those models. The only hatch I see on a constant basis is the Vibe. And even those are becoming less popular around here.
Doogs @ Aug 29th 2007 5:12PM
That One Person - it probably depends where you live. We still have more than our share of SUVs and pickups here in Austin, but I see more and more Minis, GTIs, Rabbits, Fits, Mazda3s, and similar hatchbacks and 5-doors every day.
And don't forget that one of the biggest success stories in the industry over the last few years is a hatchback - the Prius.
Justin @ Aug 29th 2007 10:19AM
I know alot of people will disagree with me, but I hardly think of those as hatches...
When I think hatchback, I think of something more akin to a car, like a short stationwagon-style.
Besides, since when does USA Today know anything?
Maestro1 @ Aug 29th 2007 10:30AM
No that's an estate car (station wagon as its known in the US), which is essentially a car with an extended trunk in herse-like fashion. Hatchbacks have their own distinct styles and the lines which extend from the hood through to the back indicate this.
JC3 @ Aug 29th 2007 10:30AM
As cars get taller and SUV's turn into CUV's the need for a trunk is so much less because there's so much (vertical) cargo capacity behind the rear seat.Naturually a hatch is the best way to capitalize on this interior volume.
Aetius @ Aug 29th 2007 10:35AM
Here in Canada, the Protege5 was very popular but the Mazda3 Sport (the hatchback) really took hatchbacks mainstream. This car proved that hatchbacks can be hotter than sedans!
Kevin @ Aug 29th 2007 10:43AM
I drive a Pontiac Vibe and I love the hatchback and the fuel mileage is awesome. I would like to see more of these. I would say though some of the ones that are out lately are not being designed as hatchbacks just existing cars that they added them to like Mazda 3 or the Kia version. I know the Vibe is essentially a Carolla but they lok different enough and designed differently.
Gary Combs @ Aug 29th 2007 10:57AM
I too drive a Pontiac Vibe. I'm actually on my second one because I totalled the '03 I had. I basically got this car because I wanted an "SUV" without the high gas prices. I absolutely love my "toyota" and now that I got my 2nd one. I have no problem with them being built off of an existing car platform, in fact, I think it would be better that way. I just wish that GM would do some more Pontiac Vibe advertising, though who knows, next year it may be the G3. I'm a huge advocate for the "Sport Utility Wagon"
Snark @ Aug 29th 2007 11:32AM
I'm fond of my Vibe too. It can haul 4 people and their backpacking gear a thousand miles and/or down a dirt road, it gets 30mpg driven sensibly, it handles decently, and it's impressive in the snow and ice. Easy to get in and out of, easy on the eyes, more cargo room than it has any right to have. The only thing that'd make me happier with it is a diesel.
Firley @ Aug 29th 2007 1:40PM
My girlfriend also has a vibe. They're actually pretty big up close. At first I was intimidated, but now that I know she isn't going to replace me with it - I'm cool. I'm thinking of getting her another one, but not sure if I'm ready to give it a go myself.
Owain Ozymandias Buck @ Aug 29th 2007 10:51AM
"hearse-like fashion"
Ouch. Well, okay--wagons do look hearse-like! But dang they're handy. We've got two focus wagons in my household--I know, we're the dorky couple--and one will be due for replacement next year. what the heck is out there that's comparable in capability/value to the focus wagon?
Help me out--what would you get that's comparable?
Please no dork jokes! ;)
Richard @ Aug 29th 2007 11:16AM
Impreza or Impreza Outback:
Handles better - and the Focus isn't bad
Built better - lots better and very dependable
Higher Crash rating
Subaru dealers I'll wager are more inclined to pay attention to Impreza buyers than Ford dealers will to Focus buyers based on relative volume of the two lines.
I don't work for Subaru, I just drive them.
HAWC1506 @ Aug 29th 2007 11:29AM
I will be looking into a Ford Mondeo wagon when it arrives in the U.S.
Owain Ozymandias Buck @ Aug 29th 2007 3:57PM
Thanks for the input guys. That's not the first time I've been told to consider a Subaru. That's the way my wife is leaning.
I don't even want to torture myself with the thought of a Mondeo wagon--I have a bad feeling we won't ever see one in the states. I would want mine with the diesel. -whimper--sniffle--
bob cobb @ Aug 29th 2007 11:04AM
so many americans drive hatchbacks and wagons, called SUVs. God forbid they drive something ACTUALLY called a hatcback or a wagon though
akatsuki @ Aug 29th 2007 11:12AM
I think it is the offering of quality hatchbacks that makes the difference. There is no way I will ever buy a sedan ever again, after all, what is the point? I would rather have a hatch or wagon. Maybe a coupe or 2-seater if you are being sporty, but a sedan?
The GTI is just ridiculously good looking.
Harold Kerrick @ Aug 29th 2007 11:12AM
I agree that the number of potential car buyers who equate hatchbacks to Vegas and Pintos is nearly non-existent. I would imagine that as long as car manufacturers continue build high-end hatchback like cars/CUVs and entry level cars are more often 4 door sedans, the image of the hatchback will continue to improve.
I've owned a Pinto and Fiesta, both hatchbacks, and for what they were (practical, somewhat stylish economy cars), I would seriously consider another small hatchback. Apparently Ford is of the same mind as they are considering re-introducing a small hatchback vehicle that may or may not be called the Fiesta.
YouFaceTheTick @ Aug 29th 2007 11:25AM
Hatches never left - minivans and then SUVs are WAGONS with hatchbacks (some rare exceptions like the Rav4) but it;s still a wagon).