The return of the hatch is cause for celebration. When a brand like BMW dares to give us a hatchback luxury model, the 5 Series GT to be precise, and promises to bring it to North America (even to the U.S., I swear!), you know that the hatch is back!
Like the wagon, the hatchback sedan was regarded with disdain in the not-so-distant past. Too noisy, too rusticated, too utility-oriented, not cool enough, not distinguished enough… whatever the excuse, they were all used to discredit this eminently functional type of vehicle. Emotions often win out over logic.
Ah, but now that car designers are increasingly dreaming up products with short, cramped, inconvenient trunks, the hatch has suddenly become all the rage. True, a Lancer sedan does boasts all the necessary features to make it desirable – if you don’t count its trunk, whose short, narrow opening uselessly complicates the process of loading cumbersome objects, be they stroller, bike, 40-inch plasma tv, golf bag or bulky suitcase.
However, with a Lancer Sportback the size of the object is virtually irrelevant. The hatch uncovers a huge opening that makes loading gear a snap. That’s the beauty of it.
A recent addition
Mitsubishi has put two variants forward, the GTS and Ralliart. Two very different cars, the first being a family-oriented, front-wheel drive number and the second a full-size affair with a resolutely sporty demeanour.
Mitsubishi’s American subsidiary has just announced the introduction of the model to its 2010 Lancer lineup, though it’s been available here in Canada for a few months already.
It takes on the likes of the popular five-door Impreza and the Mazda3 Sport. And it’s not the last compact hatchback we’ll be seeing. Kia has already announced the launch of a hatch version of the Forte in 2010.
The secret’s in the trunk!
Whatever the Sportback variant, it’s the flexible nature of its cabin that makes it more appealing than a conventional sedan. After all, you simply need to fold down the 60/40 split rear seats to triple the size of the cargo area and bring it up 1,320 litres.
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| The Lancer Sportback GTS is a versatile compact car that’s fun to drive. |
Like the wagon, the hatchback sedan was regarded with disdain in the not-so-distant past. Too noisy, too rusticated, too utility-oriented, not cool enough, not distinguished enough… whatever the excuse, they were all used to discredit this eminently functional type of vehicle. Emotions often win out over logic.
Ah, but now that car designers are increasingly dreaming up products with short, cramped, inconvenient trunks, the hatch has suddenly become all the rage. True, a Lancer sedan does boasts all the necessary features to make it desirable – if you don’t count its trunk, whose short, narrow opening uselessly complicates the process of loading cumbersome objects, be they stroller, bike, 40-inch plasma tv, golf bag or bulky suitcase.
However, with a Lancer Sportback the size of the object is virtually irrelevant. The hatch uncovers a huge opening that makes loading gear a snap. That’s the beauty of it.
A recent addition
Mitsubishi has put two variants forward, the GTS and Ralliart. Two very different cars, the first being a family-oriented, front-wheel drive number and the second a full-size affair with a resolutely sporty demeanour.
Mitsubishi’s American subsidiary has just announced the introduction of the model to its 2010 Lancer lineup, though it’s been available here in Canada for a few months already.
It takes on the likes of the popular five-door Impreza and the Mazda3 Sport. And it’s not the last compact hatchback we’ll be seeing. Kia has already announced the launch of a hatch version of the Forte in 2010.
The secret’s in the trunk!
Whatever the Sportback variant, it’s the flexible nature of its cabin that makes it more appealing than a conventional sedan. After all, you simply need to fold down the 60/40 split rear seats to triple the size of the cargo area and bring it up 1,320 litres.
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| A spacious, adjustable cargo area distinguishes this version from the standard Lancer sedan. |