Okay, so I've heard this from several sources over the years but never challenged anyone on it. What I've always been told is that Americans don't like hatch backs. We Canadians seem to love them. I would be willing to bet the distribution of Mazda 3s are sold in Canada are 50% hatchbacks as they are 50% sedans.
The claim American's don't like hatchbacks also stands to reason b.c BMW released their 1-series in America as coupe only (in Europe there's a 3 and 5-door hatchback), and Ford canned their Focus hatchback, not before making it a fastback too (3 and 5-door hatchbacks in Europe too). It is also why -I was told- the Chevrolet Nomad Concept was never put into production.
So picture this - a young 17 or 18yr old kid is working at a GM dealership when the Pontiac Solstice is released. He likes the 4-cyl engine, RWD layout because he's into driving, but he needs to cary around more than his school bag. On that same Kappa platform, GM also releases the Saturn Sky Concept and Chevrolet Nomad. What do they make? Two convertibles - Sky & Solstice, and no Nomad. Why? Hatchback.
In the event you haven't figured out already, that kid was me.
This is/was the Nomad Concept, and I still like it. But what is it people? Do Americans truly not like hatchbacks?
The claim American's don't like hatchbacks also stands to reason b.c BMW released their 1-series in America as coupe only (in Europe there's a 3 and 5-door hatchback), and Ford canned their Focus hatchback, not before making it a fastback too (3 and 5-door hatchbacks in Europe too). It is also why -I was told- the Chevrolet Nomad Concept was never put into production.
So picture this - a young 17 or 18yr old kid is working at a GM dealership when the Pontiac Solstice is released. He likes the 4-cyl engine, RWD layout because he's into driving, but he needs to cary around more than his school bag. On that same Kappa platform, GM also releases the Saturn Sky Concept and Chevrolet Nomad. What do they make? Two convertibles - Sky & Solstice, and no Nomad. Why? Hatchback.
In the event you haven't figured out already, that kid was me.
This is/was the Nomad Concept, and I still like it. But what is it people? Do Americans truly not like hatchbacks?
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