I don't think I could drive a sedan again

Yup pretty handy indeed. So how long does it take for the defroster to clear the rear windows from the hot sweaty bag?

 

Yep hatchbacks or wagons beat the pants off sedans. Some sedans, like the last gen mazda 6, look like a sedan but in fact are more like a hatch back because the trunk and rear-window are combined as one unit.

 

I don't know what to say about you having a backpack hockey bag.........

 

Indeed the hatch part is appealing. So is the hatch Panamera

 

I had a Subaru Legacy Sedan and it was awful. The rear seats did not fold down. It's lasted 10 months and I got rid of it.....lost my @$$ on it but it was worth it.

My Trans Am is a hatch and it's wonderful. I keep a few rags in it so if need be I can get some 2x4's or other long item's in it without having to swap cars.

Hatchbacks are the most useful vehicles ever created...IMHO! I will NEVER own another sedan and I have said that since my 3rd car which was a Ford Escort hatch back. I was in my early 20's at the time.

When I had my Subaru I bought a large network printer locally. I had to go home and get my Trans Am because it wouldn't fit in the Suby. Boxless it fit in the Trans Am just fine.

People think I'm stupid for always REQUIRING a hatch back on any car I buy. I think not.

 

Word is the US is just the opposite or Europe in buying hatchbacks over sedans. Gas is so expensive over there, they need smaller cars with cargo room. Over here, most get SUV's or crossovers for hauling capacity.

Here's a quiz for you -

try finding a 4-door hatchback, seating for 5, averages 25 MPG or better, has room for 3 average sized suitcases in cargo area, and starts under $25k and here's the kicker ... has true or nearly true midsize driver's seating (not compact!).

Only ones I know of are - 3rd Gen Prius, Jetta Sportwagen, Subaru Outback

Mazda3, Matrix, Scion xB, Fit, Golf, Rav4, CR-V, .... don't meet criteria IMO.

 

Hatchbacks for the win, they are awesome. last car i had was a vauxhall vectra hatch, it got bastardised stateside to the saturn aura, which was only available as a saloon i think - but otherwise totally meets your criteria.

I like saloon styled hatchbacks, always have. hopefully the american public can get over themselves (i clearly remember Frasier and Desperate Housewives really taking the piss out of hatchbacks) and realise they allow greater utility in a smaller vehicle.

 

Pets and kids suck.

 

Agreed. Owned hatches all my driving life. I do not know why it's such a stigma--a good one can even look a bit like a sedan.

If Mazda offered the 2.0 instead of the 2.4 in the Mazda3 hatch, it would meet at least the mileage criterion, probably not the rear seating space though.

It's amazing how much you can stuff in to the back of a Prius; I cross-shopped the HCH and FFH, and the lack of being able to fold the seats was a deal-breaker. Those cars are great for hauling people and a few bags of groceries. But with the Prius, fold the seats back up and for all intents and purposes it *is* a sedan, for the passengers, with plenty of room in back.

Marketing, marketing, marketing. Wait until gas goes up again...

 

Hater!

 

My favorite vehicles have been the hatchbacks...Ford Mustang...Mazda RX7...Subaru Outback...Mazda MPV (though technically a minivan). and Nissan Murano. My cars were never as useful or as comfortable BMW 3, Acura TL, Ford Taurus, Nissan Altima. As you can see

I've looked at cars from both sides now...from trunk to hatch and still somehow...Its the hatch's utility I recall...I really don't like trunks at all...

 

I wonder how the Acura TSX Sportwagon will do as it really has a wagony look with low profile tires and $35k price tag.

 

3rd Gen Prius is poised and ready for takeoff. There is nothing else like it on the market (Insight not close).

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As Tideland mentioned, Canada gets the 2010/11 Mazda3 five door GX w/ 2.0L

 

I don't know.....no manual being offered and I believe just the base engine as well....................................

You could pick up a TDI wagon for about 10K less.

 

I wish we had the European Civic 5 door...that vehicle is HOT and hits all my buttons.

 

Why don't we Yanks have this!...Really should have been the design of the Insight IMO this is much nicer.