Trendspotting: Are Hot Hatches The Next Big Thing In The US?

Just like any other industry, the automotive industry is plagued by cycles.  And now with the sport-utility craze coming to a close, what will begin to take hold? After speaking with 001, it appears that hot hatches are making their way to the forefront.  Keep in mind that gas prices are remaining flat and people are still demanding utility out of their vehicles.

Let me make this clear, not economy hatchbacks but premium, entry-level hatches. THINK: Audi A3, BMW 1-Series.

With rumors circulating that Buick is looking to revamp its image and build Opel-inspired luxo compacts and Lexus touting its new LF-CH, I wonder how the Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai and Acura boardrooms are looking.  Image-conscious buyers want to continue impressing the Joneses but with money tight, have been stepping down from their premium brands.

What makes this difficult is that for the longest time, American buyers have avoided getting behind the wheel of hatchbacks for ages, especially premium branded ones.  Remember the ever so unpopular and awkward Mercedes C-Class hatch?  How about BMW's 318Ti?

But who thought we would be seeing four-door fastback/hatch-like vehicles hitting the market a la Audi Sportback and BMW's 5-Series GT...

2010 Porsche Panamera Launch Gallery

2009 Frankfurt Auto Show Photo Gallery

There are photos and then there are AutoSpies.com photos!

AutoSpies.com is ranked number one on Google search for auto shows

Brembo - 10/10/2009 9:23:57 AM

+5 Boost

I hope so! I want more selections.

tango - 10/10/2009 11:57:47 AM

+1 Boost

Contrary to popular belief "hot hatches" have always been popular in the US. The problem s a) admitting that it is a hatchback, and b) getting enough of them on the streets. VW Golf, Acura Integra, Honda Civic Si, Honda CRX, were and in at least one case still is, VERY popular and rightly so. The case for hot hatches at present is not just about the cost of fuel. It is also about the cost of the car itself. The prices are going up every day and many people who still have jobs have resorted to taking pay cuts. That means less disposable income. This in turn means buying vehicles that cost less. For the buyer that is on a budget and still wants utility, but at low cost and with some degree of sportiness, the hot hatch is the answer. If the manufacturers would see it that way. Oh...and if a representative of a manufacturer is reading this, please, for the love of God...you CANNOT have a hot hatch with drum brakes in the rear! Discs only!

LUXCAR32 - 10/10/2009 7:59:52 PM

0 Boost

"Let me make this clear, not economy hatchbacks but premium, entry-level hatches."

But that aside. I would have to say the only car I agree with in your statement is the golf, seeing as every other car you mentioned is no longer in production.

theoptimisticpessimist - 10/10/2009 1:28:25 PM

-1 Boost

No!

Premium hatchback have always failed in America. IMHO, Americans see hatchback as cheap and the realm of economy cars (remember the Frasier episode where Niles desparages them) BMW redesign the 1er with a trunk because they were afraid of the fate to the 318ti. A premium hatchback in America is a waste of time, dollars, and marketing.

Ask BMW
Ask Mercedes
Ask Audi

They fail in the USA.

rxh8me9000 - 10/10/2009 2:16:00 PM

0 Boost

They fail coming from these companies because BMW,Merc and Audi made hatches that were so much cheaper than the rest of their cars it was unbelievable. The 318ti was a disgrace in every way shape and form. The C sport or whatever it was called from Merc was hideous. These companies need to build hatches with the same interiors,exteriors and quality that their other models have and not just throw a bunch of cheap parts togeather.

rxh8me9000 - 10/10/2009 2:11:19 PM

+3 Boost

Bring back the Civic and CRX hatchbacks!

LUXCAR32 - 10/10/2009 7:57:30 PM

+1 Boost

Out of all the cars mentioned, only two are coming to/already in the US, the Audi A3 and The BMW 5 GT. And the 5GT isn't even in the same class as what the articles talking about, so i'm not exactly sure why it was brought up. all the other cars: 1-series (hatchback), Audi Sportback, and lexus LF-Ch are all either in production for europe only, or are being studied for european release. Lexus has not said the that LF is coming to the states, that's why it was unveiled at Frankfurt. The only company with a luxury compact hatch in the US is Audi and it has always been a slow seller, that's why they are working on more body styles for the next generation. The Luxury brands know that the US still isn't looking for hatchbacks from them. I wouldn't expect a huge trend unless one of them can pull of something iconic enough to rival the mini.

truckman - 10/11/2009 4:49:15 AM

+3 Boost

Station wagons are more utilitarian, that is what I would want.

WorldofLuxury - 10/11/2009 8:00:34 AM

+4 Boost

I still want my SUV.

thstone - 10/13/2009 4:37:54 PM

+1 Boost

If hatches will replace the trend for HUGE giant bass mouth sized front fascia air ducts, then I am all for them.