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Looks like a Mazda 3 hatch, just not as nice... Posted by Ari [Email] (#2847) [Profile/Gallery] (more from Ari) on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 04:27:36 In Reply to: Bringing back the hatchback..., JDP, Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:51:45 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
At least according to the car mags, the perception of hatchbacks is that they are low-end cars. And in the US, that's true - there are plenty out there like this - the Mazda 3 wagon, and the host of Honda Fit / Nissan Versa micro cars. Micro in the US; small to medium in the rest of the world.
Since the 80's, Saabs haven't been entry level cars. A '86 900 turbo listed at $19.5 when new - that wasn't entry level in 1986 by a long shot. Corporate management decided that upmarket cars aren't hatches - that's why the 9-5 came in a sedan and wagon.
In Europe there are a lot of upper-end hatchbacks. That's because they're not about to by a Tahoe or a big van to haul stuff - fewer cars per household, and smaller cars. But they're not into hair shirts, so there are some pretty nice cars with four doors and a real hatch. Just not in the US.
The Saturn Astra is based on a European Opel chassis. But since it's aimed at the lower end of the market, decisions about engine, interior, suspension, all get adjusted down.
A few years back folks were heralding the Chevy Malibu as a new 9000 - it was a not tiny hatchback. I drove one - I know 9000, and Malibu, you ain't no 9000.
I realize there are problems, but I'd love to see a Citroen C4 or C5, some of the Peugeot models, and the host of others available in the US. A friend of mine in France has a few year old Citroen - it has a very 9000 feel. Big hatch, nice dashboard and materials, and a skyroof.
I'm not hoping for higher gas prices, but when they come, I hope that US manufacturers realize that people want sporty, stylish cars that can haul and aren't wagons. Then maybe they'll start bringing over/badge-engineering/outright copying the upmarket hatches out there.
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