Americans by and large prefer a coupe or sedan body style to a hatchback. Though the latter are more practical (easier to load and more capacity) and popular in less image-concerned Europe, our dear citizens equate hatchback with "cheap, entry-level car". Even prestige brands can be dissed -- remember the BMW 318ti and the Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor "Sport Coupe"?
Yet to provide the best of both worlds, hatchback functionality with more upscale coupe or sedan styling, a few car makers have disguised hatches quite well. The 2008 Mazda 6 five-door hatchback is a good example.
As I recently struggled a bit to squeeze my laundry basket through the Focus' small trunk opening, it struck me that Ford could've made the Focus coupe a more user-friendly hatchback without changing the body style. In fairness, however, the Focus coupe does provide a split/folding rear seat which increases cargo capacity considerably.
Rumor has it that the next generation of the Focus (2010 or 2011) will largely be the same as the much more respected Euro-version, as the company switches to a global platform for this car. That means hatchback body styles as well as a more entertaining drive. There's also supposed to be a turbocharged ("Ecoboost") engine offering.
John DiPietro, Automotive Editor @ 14,457 miles.
m_thrizzle says:
03:00 PM, 12/ 1/08
If you recall, the last gen Focus had a hatchback option (including an SVT version, in both 3- and 5-door). Apparently nobody bought it, because Ford stopped making them.
joefrompa says:
03:05 PM, 12/ 1/08
That trunk is ridiculous. It's about 40% smaller than my 06 Civic SI (which is a coupe).
felonious says:
03:23 PM, 12/ 1/08
... if Ford survives. We should have had the Euro Focus years ago.
Don't get me started.
P.S. - my wife has an 02 SVT Focus and loves it (purchased new on my recommendation). :)
johnnyturbo says:
04:11 PM, 12/ 1/08
m_thrizzle,
Yes, I remember the first Focus with the hatchback body styles. We had a long-term 2000 Focus ZX3 -- a lot of fun. Let's hope the next generation gets that back.
joefrompa,
Actually, the Focus' trunk is larger, at 13.8 cubic feet versus the Civic's 11.5. Our Focus has the optional subwoofer which eats up a couple of cubes, plus the small trunk opening makes the trunk itself look smaller.
hondacura4 says:
06:50 PM, 12/ 1/08
The SVT versions of the hatch (especially the 5 door) were different yet VERY attractive. It seems like when Ford has a good base for a product they discontinue it (SVT Focus/Lincoln LS).
tra2883 says:
07:10 PM, 12/ 1/08
While we're talking about well-disguised hatches, let's not forget easily the sexiest example: the Dodge Shadow/Plymouth Sundance! No? Oh.
tmanz says:
07:15 PM, 12/ 1/08
what is that taking up most of the trunk on the left side?
I used to see the Focus hatchbacks everywhere around here.
I wish the hatchback phobia wasn't so strong in this country. I'd love a 1 series hatch.
firstwagon says:
07:16 PM, 12/ 1/08
"Apparently nobody bought it, because Ford stopped making them."
Never understood American dislike of hatchbacks (and wagons). Here in Canada, the Focus hatch and wagon versions easily outsold the sedan.
Sales of the new version are way down over the old one when it was new.
Sedan versions seem to be bought by people who have no interest in cars, they just want something generic to get around with.
citronc says:
07:59 PM, 12/ 1/08
I love hatchbacks, my first two cars were Sundances, 1st was totalled and the second was a hand me down. I currently have a C230 Kompressor Sport Coupe, actually two as my wife also owns one, manual for me auto for her. They are great little cars that drive, they handle well, get decent mileage, and can haul small furniture with no problem. One of the most impressive hatches I have seen was a Mazda 6, helped someone fill it with bags of mulch, it held almost as much as a small pickup or midsize SUV. Only vehicles I have had without hatches were a Miata and my old SRT-4, the other 5 all were hatches (I'm counting the hatch that my Escape had).
citronc says:
08:00 PM, 12/ 1/08
I meant to say "drive and handle well", sorry.
ahightower says:
06:05 AM, 12/ 2/08
My favorite hatchback is the Corvette!
And the new Panamera, maybe? Can't quite tell whether it is a hatch, and whether I like it or not.
ahightower says:
06:13 AM, 12/ 2/08
Anyone remember that episode of Frasier where Niles' divorce drains him financially and he has to live in a bachelor pad at the Shangri-la and drive a horrid little car called a "hatch back"?
It's not fair, but that pretty much sums up the American attitude toward these things. Hatches are for Yugos and Hyundais. I do hope we collectively get over it for all the reasons posted above.
ahightower says:
06:16 AM, 12/ 2/08
Niles: Dad, I need your help.
Martin: Oh my God! What is it?
Niles: I need you to get out and pretend this is your car.
- Frasier queries how Niles has hurt his shoulder:
Niles: I've been parallel parking all week without power steering.
dougtheeng says:
07:58 AM, 12/ 2/08
Hatchbacks > sedans, enough said. I'll never understand why someone would choose a sedan over a hatch.
huisj says:
10:37 AM, 12/ 2/08
I drive an '01 Zx3. Great practical little car. If I replace it sometime, it will not be with a Focus unless they make a hatch again.
If I recall, when Ford re-did the Focus for '08 with the ugly restyle, they said they didn't do the hatchback because it would be too expensive to re-engineer the body structure to fit the new styling theme. Lazy. I still see a million of the old hatches around where I live.
m_thrizzle says:
11:45 AM, 12/ 2/08
ahightower, the new Panamera is more of a hunchback than a hatchback. The bulbous rear window and it's ungainly rump is disgusting, IMO. For the money, I'd take the Fisker Karma or Maserati Quattroporte, or Aston Rapide if that is produced.
jerrywimer says:
10:09 AM, 12/ 3/08
This is exactly the same comment I've made about my 08 Malibu. Keep the styling, but give it a hatch, so the opening is way more accessible. There's already enough space (over 15 cu. ft.).