USA Today Says Hatchbacks are Back

Washington DC August 28, 2008; The AIADA newsletter reported that the next shape in cars comes close to how most people might like to chisel their own bodies — broad shoulders and a shapely rear end. That's right, the hatchback is back.

USA Today reports that Nissan's Infiniti EX35 luxury crossover, a small hatchback that blurs the differences between SUV and sedan, is emblematic of the style.

The EX35 stands tall and confident from the front like an SUV. But the roofline arcs to a slope over the back seat and cargo area. The five-door vehicle is aimed at attracting more female buyers to Infiniti, Nissan's luxury division.

Click here for a listing of models with the highest percentage of female buyers last year. Other hatchbacks making the news include Volvo's stylish C30, BMW's X6, and Hyundai's slope-backed crossover, the Elantra Touring. Sales of five-door vehicles doubled from 2001 to 2006, says Brandon Ramirez, Hyundai's product planning chief. And from 2008 through 2010, there will be eight new or redesigned crossovers entering the market among all makers.