Unlike the lame sequel T3: Rise of the Machines (Claire Danes notwithstanding) hatchbacks are back for a good sequel (although maybe it's a trifecta... who makes up this terminology?). Long the bastard stepchildren of the automotive world and shunned by consumers who thought of hatchbacks as bloated sedans, the versatile hatch is making a comeback thanks to several different manufacturers who've taken the design to higher levels.
Even a casual stroll of the 2004 NY Auto Show revealed many, many hatchbacks. A quick rundown shows that everyone's involved -- Germans, Swedes, Brits, Japanese and even the humble Americans:
Chevrolet Malibu Maxx
Mazda6 5-door
Saab 9-2x
Mercedes Kompressor Sport Coupe
Mini Cooper
Toyota Prius
Chevrolet Aveo
Ford Focus
Honda Civic Si
VW Golf
The most interesting of the group (to our staff) is the Malibu Maxx and Mazda6 because they are entering territory held fastidiously by Honda and Toyota. The Accord and Camry are near the best family sedans but if you don't want a coupe and need more versatility than a sedan can offer... you are out of luck. Neither the Accord or Camry come in hatchback or wagon form any longer.
So, is it a case of both Chevy and Mazda making a mistake? Or are they ahead of the curve? We'll let you know once the machines have been on sale for a couple of quarters. We certainly wouldn't mind getting our mitts on a (preferably red) Mazda6 5-door. Did you hear us, Mazda?
2004 Ford Focus
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