So many members here and nobody to see the positive points? Ah! Come on!
Thru out the world and different car manufacturers, there was always this practise of making one platform and different bodystyles. No! I don't just mean the normal platform sharing like how it happens between Alto/wagon R/Estilo. I mean one car with different variants. Sometimes the hatchback would be launched first, then a sedan and a station wagon/estate.
There's absolutely nothing strange or unwanted in this practise. It gives customers more choices/options to choose from and the manufacturer also gains a lot of benefit by reducing component costs/single assembly line etc.. and many more.
I don't understand why it should harm a hatchback if a sedan of it is launched. Hatchback lovers can always stick to their choice and the others can stick to their's. How does it collide with each other except in the reduction of supply (if the plant of assembly is not that capable of producing sufficient numbers). There's also a possibility of that certain platform becoming very popular and very much profitable for the manufacturer that they can introduce special and limited hot versions in hatchback versions etc.. I will provide some examples I have seen in this short life of 20-25 years.
Beauty! It's in the eye of the beholder, or so! Ain't it? I would like a certain object due to it's share while the same factor would be the reason of hate for many. I've seen many people liking the new Sumo grande while some really thrashed it and called it eunuch shaped than the old muscular one. I don't like Logan's shape, but some love it. I hated the first looks of Toyota Venture (known as the Qualis here), but then I fell in love with the design so much that I still own one. I hate the way Pamela Anderson looks, but many make a mess of their pants when she makes an appearance. I love Keira knightley while many have the doubts of she being a female or not due to her flat and skinny looks! See.. It goes on and on.
Sometimes! If I remember correctly, many of these (so called) ugly ducklings have been a big success commercially and it has also won many enthusiasts' hearts. The Josh machine of India, Ikon was launched as a hatchback in SA. Some friends of mine, while they came to India made a whole lot of fun saying their Fiesta (as the ikon was called there) was pregnant from the backside while I used to tell them that their Fiestas doesn't have any butt to squeeze upon. LOL!
Ford escort, one of the first prestigious sedans to be launched in India was originally a hatch/notch in many other countries. And in some places, all the 4 variants were sold together.
Palio! which is a heartbeat for many of us, also has a butt fitted brother and a lengthened one as an estate. It was all sold in our country from one showroom, together.
Astra! Another enthusiasts' fav, is also sold in hatchback and estate version. The hatch of the indian version was really HOT! :finger burnt smilie:
Corolla! The car which has conquered the hearts of millions around the world is also sold in various styles. Some with different names too.
Civic! Is one of the hottest hatches in the world while we are discussing this. The sedan version too is loved and considered hot by many.
Golf! Loved by many for many generations, has a 3 box version called Fox and even an open top cabriolet.
Honda city (NHC) is the boot fitted Jazz. And even the next generation is going to be based on the same platform.
And don't think this is something that started very lately. It's been going around the industry from atleast 20 years or so! VW has been doing this with the Fox and Golf from the 80s (I was just born then). Toyota has been doing this from the time they were thinking whether to name it with a D or a T (ok, a bit exaggerated for sure). Maybe there are more examples, I don't want to go searching online etc.. by which Maruti will definitely start putting their pens on the Alto.
Huh! Didn't we discuss this already on some other thread before. Hatchbacks or any design for that matter, will look good if it is the initial model to be launched. The later ones will take a bit time to get used to.
Come on! Now, shall somebody support me on this? :Running with ears closed smilie: