No hatch release inside the vehicle?

[goldfishu]

Originally Posted by azgringo

OP here...Let me clarify, as I think there's some confusion? I'm not looking for a an alternative exit....nor am I looking for an "EMERGENCY Release Handle." I'm talking about a button that the driver can push to "pop the hatch" so that a passenger who is standing back there (and is not sure how to open the hatch themselves) can easily gain access to their belongings without the driver having to exit the vehicle to assist the passenger.

For example....I took my friend to the airport. We were in the curb lane, with the lane next to us very busy. His luggage was in back. He's not familiar with this car. Instead of watching him fumble around trying to figure out how to open the hatch, I wish there were a button that I could push to "pop the hatch" for him to make it easier. Instead, I have to exit the vehicle to assist him. This is just one of countless scenarios where a hatch release would come in handy.

Sorry for the confusion!

Sure, trying to get out of your vehicle with cars whizzing by can be dangerous, but it's not impossible if you're cautious. I've been in the same situation driving much bigger vehicles than a Prius. A hatch release button/lever would be convenient, but why not get out of the Prius, assist your passenger and part with a hand shake or a hug? Not having the hatch release isn't a big deal to me.

[cpatch]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

A locked glove box just means you get to buy a window AND a glove box when your car get's broken into. If locking the car didn't stop them, the plastic glove box sure won't

Apparently you never use valets and don't have teenagers.

[RickFlashman]

My Mercedes-Benz C230 Sportscoupe (a hatchback) had a button in the remote to pop the hatch. Very convenient when carrying groceries.

[qbee42]

Originally Posted by RickFlashman

My Mercedes-Benz C230 Sportscoupe (a hatchback) had a button in the remote to pop the hatch. Very convenient when carrying groceries.

It's easier for me to simply pull the handle on the Prius hatch than to dig for a remote control. That's part of the beauty of the Smart Key System: I never dig for my keys.

Tom

[cvflowe]

Ok I agree the glove box lock, yes if someone wanted to get in there it would be no problem with a "25 cent lock". I still say the hatch release and the auto headlights are design flaws and should be corrected. They can cut that stupid beep beep beep to pay for it. Try pulling curbside at lax to drop someone off or pick them up you would get my drift.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by cpatch

Apparently you never use valets and don't have teenagers.

Your correct, I never use valets

[patsparks]

Originally Posted by Dillona

I would have appreciated a hatch release lever on the floor next to the fuel door release.

Had one in my Tercel wagon back in the 80s.
Popped the tailgate while trying to open the fuel flap.
Didn't notice until the tailgate sprung open going over a bump while I was on the highway at 50 miles per hour after I pulled out of the petrol station. Had over 1000 eggs stacked in the back of the car for a food cooperative I was a member of. Thankfully no eggs were harmed in the making of this story but it scares the crap out of me!

I don't mind that there is no internal release. I tell people to just lift the hatch by the handle and don't close it with the spoiler. Hasn't failed yet.

[cpatch]

Originally Posted by azgringo

For example....I took my friend to the airport. We were in the curb lane, with the lane next to us very busy. His luggage was in back. He's not familiar with this car. Instead of watching him fumble around trying to figure out how to open the hatch, I wish there were a button that I could push to "pop the hatch" for him to make it easier. Instead, I have to exit the vehicle to assist him. This is just one of countless scenarios where a hatch release would come in handy.

"Hey, to open the hatch just grab it above the middle of the license plate and push the rubber button under the lip. Oh, and don't use the spoiler when you close it."

Personally there's no way I'm going to let someone open and close the hatch who isn't familiar with the car for fear they'll close it by the spoiler anyway.