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Comment by iainmerrick | Hacker News Reader

Tangential question: why do people prefer sedans over hatchbacks?

Hatchbacks seem a lot more practical than sedans with no obvious downside. I can see people preferring the looks of one or the other, but neither is objectively prettier.

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Sedans are a bit easier to cool/warm due to less air volume. The trunk also feels more secure for storage of valuables than leaving them exposed in a glass hatchback’s rear. Style and price also play into it I think but even cheap hatchbacks like the Ford Fiesta don’t sell that well in the US.

In general people looking for a practical car in the US are often buying a crossover, SUV, or pickup truck.

Hmm, those are interesting points, although it seems like both can be addressed with a simple cover over the trunk.

I think you’re right that SUVs and crossovers are taking over, from both sedans and traditional hatchbacks.

It must just be fashion, as SUVs don’t have any real advantage -- most people never do any off-roading or haul large sports equipment, and most “SUVs” wouldn’t be up to the job anyway.

SUVs sit up higher. This makes them easier to get into and out of.

SUVs are basically hatchbacks. I currently own a hatchback (GTI) and our old SUV was easier to get into and out of. The GTI is more fun to drive though.

On the rational side (in addition to aesthetics, preference, etc.). There's also aesthetics and probably a general feel that a sedan is a more serious adult car.)

Some people prefer a separate locked trunk.

In addition, small hatchbacks often tend to be designed as 2-seaters with a vestigal back seat as a way to maximize the use of the hatchback for cargo. As you get bigger you get something more like an Outback wagon or (increasingly) a crossover of some sort.

Sedans are aerodynamic. Hatchbacks can fit more luggage.

A hatchback is the responsible choice for for a family car, and therefore boring by association.

The Volkswagen GTI and Golf R would like a word with you.

Just sold my R 2 weeks ago and picked up a 3. :) Both fantastic cars in their own right.

Is a "3" a Tesla Model 3, or something else? I recently saw someone refer to this vehicle as an "M3", which was pretty confusing given the BMW vehicle that goes by this name.

I realize this thread is about Teslas, but still folks are referring to non-Teslas here as well.

Yes, sorry, it's the Tesla version. I was trying to be more clear, not less clear. I have owned an actual M3 and I hate people calling Mazdas and Teslas "M3"s. I was tossing around the idea of making "T3" a thing, though, as I don't think it'll confuse others in the car world.

or "TM3"? There could conceivably be other Tesla models with 3 in the name, like versions of the Roadster or X (though we'll be in real naming trouble if Tesla releases an "X3"!)

I like T3! What acronym would you give their new roadster?

Weird, usually I hear "M" denoting a bmw M3. If I heard 3, and it's a bmw car enthusiast then I'm thinking 335i.

Maybe 3 will (hopefully) become associated with Tesla in the future and not BMW 3 series cause they are a dime a dozen in major metro areas.

Perhaps hatchback is seen as teenager's or poor person's car

No but true hatchbacks like Honda’s tend to be fairly small and the general image they’re going for is young, active people.

Hatchbacks cost more

I was going to say you’re wrong, but apparently in the US you’re right! Very strange.

I think that is a US-specific thing.

For some reason US customers prefer sedans (maybe some of the reasons given by other commenters) and that has probably skewed the market a bit (e.g. hatchbacks are only sold at higher trim levels since they’re marketed as a niche product).

Edit to add: and maybe there’s a feedback effect too? Hatchbacks are more expensive because they’re less popular, so then they’re less popular because they’re more expensive.

I think you're right about the feedback effect. Imagine the tooling needed to make all the parts, and then spreading that tooling cost across either 10x vehicles or 30x vehicles. Lower-volume vehicles are more expensive, all things equal.

> I was going to say you’re wrong, but apparently in the US you’re right! Very strange.

Depends on brand. Kia charges the same either way.

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