Who doesn't prefer a hatchback boot?

AdrianC

Simply, in BMW's current model terms...
1 = hatch
2 = coupe, conv
(yes, yes, 2AT = bloatyminisprogbus)
3 = saloon, estate
4 = coupe, hatch, conv
5 = saloon, estate
6 = coupe, hatch, conv

Car_54

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.

Maybe because you're in a minority in thinking it looks better?

motorguy

Its really going to be down to personal preference and requirements.  Our main car is a 5 door hatchback - an M140i and that does the day to day duties of commuting, shopping runs, dump runs, etc (in normal times!) and then we've a 330i as a second car. 

If we had to have one car, it would have needed to be a 5 door hatchback but thats just because of our current needs.  

Biggus_Dickus

jimbo6977 said:

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. 

Although the ‘hatchback’ has been around since the 1930’s  the concept  really took off because people wanted a car that had (almost!) the practicalities  of an estate car, in as much as  the amount of kit it could carry,  but also a car that looked  (to a degree)  like an exec saloon.

Perfect for the ‘aspirational’ salespeople (et al) of the 80’s/90’s.  

The ‘staff’ drove hatchbacks (roomy enough to carry large amounts of kit), the manager drove an exec saloon (roomy enough to carry a set of golf clubs),,....and the owner drove a Porsche 911 (just roomy enough to carry a large wallet). 

 

almillar

Whilst the German manufacturers are busy filling every niche they possibly can, we've found someone who thinks there aren't enough models! The 3, 5 and 7 series have always been saloons as core models. They've played around with them of course. The rest of the world traditionally likes saloons/sedans better than us. If you want a 3 series, and not a saloon, you buy a Touring. Or a 4 Series Gran Coupe (AKA hatchback!) or find a 3 series GT (AKA hatchback!).

The product you want did exist, it's just nobody else wanted it.

AdrianC

...and, of course, Joe Public is busy buying softroaders by the truckload instead...

Mistral001

My last three cars were hatchbacks and I intended to buy one again when I changed my car last year, but I ended up with a saloon mainly because they were cheaper than the hatchbacks. I could get a saloon that was two years newer than the equivalent hatchback at the same price. 

I am also a bit of a saloon convert since getting my Toyota Corolla saloon.   It looks good and it passed the MOT without having to do much to it.  The only difference between the saloon and the hatchback regarding carrying capacity is that it cannot carry items which are high as well as long, so fridges and armchairs are out, but with the fold-down seats,  the saloon can handle long items such as planks of wood just as easily as the hatchback can. 

noclaf

I generally prefer the saloon shape to hatchbacks, think it looks classier overall however I've never owned a saloon as always gone for hatchback due to practicality. Ive limited my next car purchase to a hatch for.the same reason but curious to know from those who had young kids/babies, can a saloon still work ok from a practicality standpoint if it's your only vehicle i.e: 1 car family?

almillar

AdrianC said:

...and, of course, Joe Public is busy buying softroaders by the truckload instead...

Indeed. So that leaves you with, deep breath, the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6 or X7!

Hatchbacks are more practical, saloons generally look better. Take your pick.

[Deleted User]

Skoda octavia looks like a saloon but is a hatchback so that could be an option for those who like the classic look but need practical.