Peugeot 307 / Civic Hatch

[WhipLash]

http://www.eforecourt.com/images/honda-civic-1.jpg http://www.eforecourt.com/images/peugeot_307.jpg

Has anyone noticed that the shape of the new Pug 307 is very similar to the new Civic hatch? Surely designers have a mind of their own?

So can we now safely say that this profile is the hatchback look for the next decade?

(BTW, the 307 gets reviewed on Top Gear tonight)

[Anders]

I don't think they are hatches in the traditional sense, they are cross-over mini-MPVs. That appears to be the trend in this market segment, i.e. substitute dynamics with headroom. I suppose if people want to use these types of vehicles as family cars, then the marketing folks are bang on.

[WhipLash]

Exactly Anders. A crossover MPV with maximum headroom and cab-forward design appears to be the way forward now for these ‘traditional’ family hatches. But rather than a new type of model such as a mini-MPV, isn’t it simply just the traditional hatch design that is evolving? Maybe in a few years time this design will then be the de-facto traditional hatch look?

[BeCos]

Why ??

I mean why is an additional 18" of useless headroom so appealing ??

[Anders]

Objectively I think the reasons are:

- Buyers get a perception of greater interior space.
- You can put the rear bench in a more upright position to generate more leg room or boot space.
- You can fit in more stuff in the car. I have noticed this with the RAV4, it's actually quite handy and probably a reason my family unit will always have an SUV-like vehicle from now on. I took out the rear seats and drove the RAV to Sweden and picked up a couple of designer Swedish armchairs (not flat packed IKEA crap), lots of boxes, and the thing had easily another foot worth of vertical space left so no problems with rear visibility. That versatility with all-weather and most-terrain ability has made me look upon SUVs in another light. Sure it's not the most inspiring vehicle to drive but it's not offensive (like most of the proper 4x4s) and there are other cars in the driveway that has that aspect covered.

But overall I don't like this hatchback trend. Isn't it enough to have a Scenic type car without making every small car in the range have a high roof?