6 ms·
That is only relevant if you expect most Model Ys to be sold as seven seaters. The point of the analysis piece was that CUVs are more popular than traditional s
by mprev 8y ago
That is only relevant if you expect most Model Ys to be sold as seven seaters. The point of the analysis piece was that CUVs are more popular than traditional sedans.
Their popularity, at least here in Europe, has nothing to do with their similarities to true SUVs. Instead, people buy them because they want something that looks like an SUV (or true off-roader) but they can't afford the purchase or running costs. The Nissan Qashqai, Citroen C-Crosser, VW T-Roq etc sell well not because they have seven seat options, or whatever, but because they look sturdier/safer than their traditional rivals.
That's the point of the Monday Note piece: the market has shown that there's strong demand for crossover cars and, in the author's opinion, buyers might wait for their prefered format of car rather than settle for the sedan today.
- varjag 8y agoHatchback is simply more practical than sedan if you want to fit a large stroller, bring a few items from Ikea or even a smaller kitchen appliance.
- dagw 8y agoHatchback is simply more practical than sedan That depends very much on the particular models. Some, especially smaller, hatchback models have tiny boots compared to similarly sized sedans.
- mcv 8y agoAre there sedans the size of the smallest hatchbacks? It seems to me there are basically two kind of hatchbacks: the ones that are basically a sedan with the boot cut off (very visible with the original VW Golf and Jetta): they have a smaller boot than a comparable sedan because they are shorter; and the hatchback that's a sedan where the cabin is extended to the end of the boot: these are longer hatchbacks, same size as sedans, but with more space. A more aerodynamic estate, basically.
- benj111 8y ago"smallest hatchbacks" What like VW up sized? The Ford Focus has a saloon variant. That's probably the smallest current size in western Europe? I'm fairly sure the Vauxhall Nova had a saloon variant back in the day. There are probably smaller saloons available in eastern Europe. Probably not for the smallest city cars though. "A more aerodynamic estate, basically" That is an estate. Brands may add branding, such as sports back or fast back. Still an estate. Advantage of a hatchback is you get more room to put things in. In a saloon your posting and sliding things in, a hatchback gives you room to work, folding seats down more than offsets any loss of cargo capacity.
- mcv 8y agoIsn't the Ford Focus a mid-sized car? It's not huge, but certainly not that small either. When I think small, I think Chevrolet Matiz or Smart. Those are hatchbacks that have almost no boot, and they're among the smallest cars in existence (though I'm not entire sure the Smart counts as hatchback; I think the rear door opens sideways rather than up). The Up is probably also in that range. My wife once managed to get a 2.4 meter long couch into a Matiz. That was some impressive magic. A hatchback is simply a car that has a hatch in the back. I suppose an estate is also technically a hatchback, though I've never seen it called that. Estates are bigger ad give you more room to put things in, but hatchbacks, at least the larger variety, is still more practical than a sedan.
- benj111 8y agoNot knowing where you're based, I'm not sure what you'd class as a 'small' car. Matiz, Smart (is a hatchback, I havent seen one open sideways?) don't have sedan variants no. But the whole point of them is to be small. I would guess the reason theres room there at all is for a crumple zone. Hatchback/estate is basically branding yes. You do generally get a longer boot (normally using the sedan base), and tend to get a squarer flatter loading area. I'd go for a hatchback every time too, as you say, more practical. Well done to your wife btw.... Where were you though :P
- 8y ago
- benj111 8y agoCrossover/suv doesn't really imply hatchback though, at least not in Europe, 4 door cars aren't as popular, so the primary reason to buy an suv, isn't to get a hatchback.
- varjag 8y agoLots of these are SUVs in name only (small, underpowered, often 2WD and no towing hitch) and are really good old hatchbacks with facelift.
- benj111 8y agoAgreed. I read your previous comment as suggesting the reason why people bought SUVs was because they were hatchbacks. Did I misunderstand?
- varjag 8y agoI called them hatchbacks because most of them are same type car and bought for same reasons. Very few people get to actually tow boats or drive to ski resorts with them.
- benj111 8y agoMy point was its like saying people are buying SUVs because they have 4 wheels. Nearly all cars have 4 wheels, so the presence of 4 wheels isn't a reason to buy an SUV. Your original parent was talking about SUVs and crossovers specifically. Not all hatchbacks are SUVs / crossovers, so it gets confusing when you start mixing the 2
- taneq 8y agoHere the ones with AWD (as opposed to 4WD) are generally referred to as "soft-roaders".