Who doesn't prefer a hatchback boot?

Jonathan_Powell

Forgive me if I got my terminology wrong here. My understanding of a hatchback is a car where the rear window also opens with the boot where as a typical saloon just has the boot door open. Either way you'll get what I'm trying to say. 

So, news came in that BMW dropped the new 6 Series from the UK market. In personally love this car but can understand why people won't buy it (high tax, price etc.). I also love the Grand Coupe 4 series but the car is hard to fit in to. 
It got me thinking, why isn't the 3 series or 5 series a hatchback car? Do people actually prefer the small boot opening? 

daveyjp

3 and 5 are available as hatchbacks.  Known as the GT.  Both were poor sellers.

Scrapit

daveyjp said:

3 and 5 are available as hatchbacks.  Known as the GT.  Both were poor sellers.

And as ugly as sin.

452

Was the 6 series a hatchback?

MX5huggy

452 said:

Was the 6 series a hatchback?

No, the GT was.
Back to the OP some people don’t need a boot some want a more secure boot. The 3 series is loved by reps all they want is hook for their jacket and the blue and white badge.

There’s loads of BMWs with hatches. All the X versions, Tourings (estates) GT’s, 1 series, even i3. If a few want saloons than let them have them, plus generally they are quieter than hatch backs.

motorguy

Jonathan_Powell said:

Forgive me if I got my terminology wrong here. My understanding of a hatchback is a car where the rear window also opens with the boot where as a typical saloon just has the boot door open. Either way you'll get what I'm trying to say. 

So, news came in that BMW dropped the new 6 Series from the UK market. In personally love this car but can understand why people won't buy it (high tax, price etc.). I also love the Grand Coupe 4 series but the car is hard to fit in to. 
It got me thinking, why isn't the 3 series or 5 series a hatchback car? Do people actually prefer the small boot opening? 

Large hatchbacks dont really work - once you get past say Focus sized they look ungainly.  As we all found out with the 3 Series GT and the 5 Series GT, and the 6 Series GT for that matter.

If someone wants something with a hatch that size they'll go for an estate car, or more commonly now an SUV style.

And for clarity its not the 6 series they've dropped its the 6 series GT which always looked like the 6 series ugly big sister anyway.

jimbo6977

Saloons are still popular in some countries, especially "developing" markets where they are viewed as having a degree prestige. Several manufacturers offer saloons elsewhere that are not available in UK (or in Northern Europe generally. 

Eg FIAT Tipo is hatch or estate in UK but saloon available elsewhere.
Renault Fluence was saloon only and built specifically for developing markets. 

avoidtheupsidedownbottles

I suppose, in theory at least, a 3-box should be more rigid than a hatchback without a yawning big aperture at the back.

Jonathan_Powell

I was more leaning towards something like the 4 Series Grand Coupe. Side profile just looks like a better looking 3 series. Curious why the 3 series doesn't have the same boots which looks better, more practical and has no big impact on the cars design.

Ditzy_Mitzy

I've owned saloons in the past, an Orion and an early Ford Focus three box.  Both were in noticeably better condition than the equivalently priced hatchback models, making them something of a bargain second hand.  There was nothing wrong with either.  I used them for trips away and so on and had no difficulty carrying luggage.  I think it would have been a different story if I was in the habit of carrying large, bulky  or inconveniently shaped items or owned a dog!  If you don't need to use the car as a load or pet carrier then it doesn't really make a lot of difference.  I've got a hatchback now but wouldn't have any qualms about buying another saloon, if I was looking to replace my car.  It's just fairly low down on my priorities when looking - colour, condition, interior etc. matter more personally. 

452

Jonathan_Powell said:

I was more leaning towards something like the 4 Series Grand Coupe. Side profile just looks like a better looking 3 series. Curious why the 3 series doesn't have the same boots which looks better, more practical and has no big impact on the cars design.

I'm not sure someone on universal credit could afford a new one.