Hatchbacks Are Back!

What would the future of cars look like? Think long. Wait. Actually, you need not exert too much effort. Look around. The present will give you a hint about the future…

The AIADA newsletter reported that the next shape in cars comes close to how most people might like to chisel their own bodies - broad shoulders and a shapely rear end. That’s right, the five-door hatchback is back. And hot hatches are here to stay…

USA Today also reported that Nissan’s Infiniti EX35 luxury crossover, a small hatchback that blurs the differences between SUV and sedan, is emblematic of the style. The EX35 stands tall and confident from the front just like an SUV. But the roofline arcs to a slope over the back seat and the cargo area. The five-door vehicle is aimed at attracting more female buyers to Infiniti, the report added.

Modern-day hatchbacks include Volvo’s C30, BMW’s X6, and Hyundai’s Elantra Touring. Sales of five-door vehicles doubled from 2001 to 2006, says Brandon Ramirez, Hyundai’s product planning chief. And from 2008 through 2010, there will be eight new or redesigned crossovers entering the market among all makers.