Car buyer trends: Europeans prefer hatchbacks, Americans and Indians prefer
When car lovers travel to Europe they always notice the abundance of hatchbacks. When they travel to the USA, they notice that saloons (otherwise known as sedans) tend to outnumber hatchbacks by a large margin. This same trend is noticeable in India as well. Putting aside the reigning supremacy of SUVs in all countries, , I wanted to try and understand this trend. What is it that makes hatchbacks so much more popular in Europe and why is it saloons that have a larger market share in the USA and India.
One of the few cars sold in all of these body types. From top clockwise: Audi A3 hatchback, A3 Sedan, A3 Cabriolet & A3 Sportback (estate). (Image source: Audi press site)
Europe
One of the main reasons people in Europe tend towards hatches is the practical aspect of these types of cars. Looking at a car that is sold in both body styles like the Audi A3, the Honda Civic, Volkswagen Golf/Jetta or the Ford Mondeo, it seems like a lower price, better fuel efficiency, ease of loading, interior space, and handling are the factors that makes Europeans choose their respective hatchback forms.
The hatchbacks weigh less (helping fuel economy figures and handling), can be loaded with luggage vertically (which makes it easier to load and unload the boot), have rear-folding seats that provide much more room than saloons, and have a less significant rear-overhang (again aiding handling). Another practical aspect of hatchbacks is that they are usually slightly smaller than their saloon counterparts, a boon on Europe’s narrow roads, and making parking a bit easier. Rear headroom is also a factor as hatchbacks do not need the swooping roof that saloons possess, liberating a few vital inches for rear seat passengers.
The Honda Civic is sold as a hatchback (above) and as a sedan (below) in different markets. (Image source: Honda press sites)
An additional point is that it’s much less common in Europe for a family to have more than one car hence they need a multi-tasker. The European needs his/her car for everyday driving, for lugging loads, and carrying people while still being fuel efficient. Good public transport and the comparatively high price of fuel also do their bit to push European buyers towards the hatchback rather than a saloon.
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