Executive Hatchbacks

Soldato
Joined
25 Oct 2004
Posts
5,242
Location
Cambridge
Why don’t they make more executive hatchbacks? I’ve only owned one saloon in the past and although the drive was nice and I liked the looks it was really impractical due to the size of the boot opening. Being 28 without kids I don’t really feel I’m ready for an estate but would like a car I can get stuff in easily. The 5 Series GT or A5 sportback seem like good options but other than that it’s very limited.

They’re been making Mondeo hatchbacks for years, why’s it taken so long for other manufacturer to take note? Or am I the only one to see any value in this? Or should I know my place and look for an A3/Golf/something else dull?
 
Saloons tend to be quieter inside than hatchbacks.

I'm only assuming but I figure this is why "executive" cars tend to be saloons...
 
Partly sound deadening, but mostly the lack of 'premiumness' associated with hatches means lower demand. Citroen have been doing it for years though, as did Saab and Rover, it isn't new just new to German brands.

(Writing this post just made me realise I use too many commas, it's like I'm transcribing William Shatner)
 
IMHO there isn't a need for them.

Either get a saloon, or if you need loads of space get a luxury SUV such as a Range Rover. We are doing exactly that, swapping a 7-Series BMW for a Range Rover. Seems a logical step if you want to maintain luxury, but gain space.

Job done?
 
In the olden days (80's and 90's when I were a lad) Mondeo hatchback was your typical sales rep's car so needs the extra space in the boot for the freebie samples. Once you moved up to being an "executive", you only needed to be able to fit a briefcase or your golf clubs in.

I don't think that sentiment has changed much, but there's now the SUV type executive cars such as the Q5, X5 and XC70 as an option.
 
Executive hatchback... really? Good to see this place hasn't changed since I was last around.

There probably isn't much calling for them tbh. Need space, buy an estate. Need hatch access, buy a hatchback. The mondeo is an odd one :p

I can name at least one more large saloo...hatchback.
 
The Lexus CT200 is a nice looking car. More like a proper hatchback, not too large, and with a luxury feel. There is also a hybrid version !

There is only a hybrid version. It's also not 'like a proper hatchback' it IS a proper hatchback - it sits on the Auris platform.
 
IMHO there isn't a need for them.

Either get a saloon, or if you need loads of space get a luxury SUV such as a Range Rover. We are doing exactly that, swapping a 7-Series BMW for a Range Rover. Seems a logical step if you want to maintain luxury, but gain space.

Job done?
The higher running costs are the reason buyers choose a 3 or 5 GT (or similar) over a Range Rover. Also, unless you're a famer do you really need 4WD in this country?
 
The higher running costs are the reason buyers choose a 3 or 5 GT (or similar) over a Range Rover.

I would imagine approximately nil 3 or 5 Series GT buyers would instead have bought a Range Rover were it not for running costs.

I think the fact it's a completely different sort of car and, in the case of the 3GT, about twice the price anyway, has more of an effect.
 
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