American motorists are often described as fixed in their ways and unwilling to try new things, yet there are signs that this might not hold true anymore. There are signs car buyers are open to alternative body designs that can enhance both form and functionality, especially as more and more motorists downsize to reduce fuel costs.
In some cases, that mean old ideas are making a comeback – the hatchback, for example.
Take Audi's A7.
After years as an also-ran in the global luxury car market, Audi has been steadily gaining ground on its leading challengers, Germany’s Mercedes-Benz and BMW, as well as Japan’s Lexus – and its reputation for striking design is a major reason.
The A7 is Audi’s latest hit. It’s a coupe-like sedan or, more accurately, a coupe-like hatchback. Five-door designs are wildly popular in Europe and many other parts of the world but have long
Ford Fiesta
While some carmakers are still reluctant to bring hatchback designs to the U.S. market, Ford is betting big on 5-door models like the Fiesta subcompact, shown here, and the new Focus compact.
Demand for hatchbacks in the U.S. small car segment has surged from 15.5 percent in 2003 to 41.8 percent last year. Overall hatchback sales, meanwhile, shot up 63 percent between 2006 and 2010, to 475,048.
Chevrolet Corvette
The Bard’s words might as well be applied to products like the Chevrolet Corvette. Sure, most motorists are likely to call it a sports car, but take a closer look and you’ll realize the ‘Vette has traditionally gone for a hatchback design – as have many of the most popular classic sports cars.
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