Why do car makers think consumers want a riced out hatchback?
 

The speed3 and the new STI. What is the deal with that?

i hate 4 door hatchbacks. they look like really fast grocery getters

I would say that small cars in "in" right now because people have been tricked into think a small car = better mileage. So many companies are building smaller cars. Fit, Cube, Yaris, 206, Versa, 3, 2, 1 series etc.....

I guess you haven't been to a suburban mall lately? For that matter, though, I really don't think either of those are "riced out".

I cant look at the new STI without being disgusted. It looks like the offspring of a GTO and a hatchback civic.

The rear end looks like the ass of a fat woman..

^The new impreza line does make me sad

The STi went from "I'm going to kick the s#it out of you" (awesome) to "Hey be my friend" (everyday)

**Looks Wise**

I love the MazdaSpeed 3. I applaud Mazda for going with it.

New STI not so much. My buddy has an 03 STI, and I totally dig that body style. Best looking one ever.

I think the STI looks great compared to the out-going model. The best body was the 2.5 RS's though. 2 door FTW

Both the Speed3 and STi are not rice. Do you even know the definition of a rice rocket? :uhh:

The MS3 and new STi hatch are great performing cars with amazing utility. What's not to like? In a perfect world we'd all have 2 door sports cars but people have kids, and pets, and all the other stuff. True story.

The STI changed their body style for rally purposes. They needed to do something that gave them more control through the twistys.

Please don't go camparing a "Rice Rocket" to the STI or MS3.

On a side note, I agree with SleepeR, 2.5RS is the best model and from what I have driven the most fun to drive too. Acutally the 2.5RS with a 22b body is FTW

The deal is, you have a faster car then the RX-8. 4 Doors, alot of cargo room, and to top it off decent fuel economy.


Whats the deal with Mazda not giving us, a new RX-8! Its been 4 years now, and the power output hasn't changed!

So true! I must admit, even as an Evo owner, I absolutely love the fact that the desire for continued success in WRC is actually driving Subaru STi development. This video is the reason (err two reasons really) that Subaru is running a hatch in WRC going forward...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pymZt...eature=related

With Atkinson, the whiny Swede and a nice hatch Subaru should be poised to compete with Ford for the manufacturer's title going forward.

Because they actually do.

I love hatchbacks, lots of room.

i wish i could afford the ms3 as a second car (i wouldn't mind it as my main car, i just can't part with the 8!!) - speed, handling, plus all that room?! call it a grocery getter if you want, but i'd love to be able to fold the back seats down, throw a bunch of stuff in the back (without piecing it in there like a puzzle) and still pass most cars on the on-ramp. great package overall.

:eek:

I actually like hatch backs. They are very practical.

Hatch = fun + utility
 

I agree with many posts above. I have a 02 P5 the whole family has loved the car. Lots of space, great gas milage, 150,000+ miles with NO problems. IMO it looks great and delivers tons of value. I have owned the P5 since new (ordered before it was even in the states), and I have 0 complaints. With all that said, I test drove a speed3 this summer. It is a great car! Fast in a strait line, minimal torque steer, nice ride. The only reason I didn't buy one is I already have the P5 and I had my eye on an 8. Just my two cents.

The sales figures could be their guiding light? no?

Did you know 35% of new car sales are hatch backs?

SUV's are hatchbacks except those that have verticle hinges. then its a 5 door.

imo the ms3 looks too "staionwagony" as does the new sti........i dont mind the 04-06 subys though, almost bought one........hatches should be 2 doors

Do you have any idea how may bodies you can throw into a station wagon? My parents use to own a 940 Volvo station wagon, and you could fit anything in that car. Put all the seats down and it was like having a truck. But by far the coolest thing was the back hatch had flip up rear seat that faced backwards. That would keep you entertained for hours.

^^yeah but imo staionwagons shouldnt go fast or "try" to look sporty/cool

but when they do it pleases all parties (me with speed/fun, girlfriend with practicality, better mileage (than the 8), space). i'm still working on her to get it, but she can't get past the "station-wagony" look. whoever said it up there, "5-doors" are just lowered suv's! some look better/worse than others, but i like the ms3 look.

This is a good quick read on the MS3 from the guys at autoblog. Great car, can't say enough good things about it.