Encyclopedia Hoonatica: "We should add a hatchback version!"

EH-hatchback-added
An old friend of mine once recalled his father car shopping at the local American Motors dealer in the fall of 1972. He was torn between the utility of the Gremlin and the styling of the Hornet coupe — both of which had been out for two years — until the salesman took him around the back of the building to see the very first Hornet hatchback they’d received, still un-prepped. His dad bought it immediately.
Hatchbacks have not been around nearly as long as coupes and sedans, generally speaking. In fact, the Hornet was the first American-built hatchback model. (The Gremlin was considered a compact wagon at the time.) More to my point, the Hornet hatchback has not been around as long as the rest of the Hornet line-up, and that is the subject of our trivia contest quest for encyclopedic knowledge today. I want you to name all the car models that had a hatchback version added later, after the car was first introduced. Now, “car model” is a somewhat nebulous term. So, just to be clear, I’m looking for hatchbacks that were added to an existing platform mid-cycle, not as part of a new generation across the model range.
The Caveats (there are always caveats):

  • Production cars only, obviously. If it wasn’t in meaningful serial production, it doesn’t fit this category.
  • 3-doors and 5-doors are both good, as are so-called “liftbacks.”
  • “Later” means LATER. As in, introduced after the car was shipping — preferably by at least half a model year or so. So DON’T mention that hatchback that was announced alongside the other body styles and just didn’t ship quite as quickly. (Yeah, THAT one.)
  • Non-identical cousins based on a common platform are likely to get a pass today. You can still nominate a “hatchback-come-lately”™, despite an earlier hatchback version, as long as it was only offered in a different wheelbase or in a different market. You might also be able to argue that an earlier hatchback version sold under a different brand name shouldn’t disqualify your nomination, as long as it wasn’t a blatant case of badge engineering.
  • Motorcycles? Airplanes? Boats? Sure, if you can come up with one, why not. Lots’a luck with those.

Difficulty: This one’s somewhat odd; the vast majority of the fruit is neither low-hanging nor truly obscure.
How This Works: Read the comments first and don’t post duplicates! Bonus points for adding photos.
Image Sources: Ate Up With Motor’s Flickr Stream, the Pedia that is Wiki, and manufacturer press photos.

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  1. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    The Ford Pinto hatchback followed the base car by a matter of several months.

    1. tonyola Avatar
      tonyola

      Or did I just fall into the THAT one trap?

      1. Tanshanomi Avatar

        BOOM!

      2. Papa Van Twee Avatar
        Papa Van Twee

        I thought the trap was the Malibu Maxx. I don’t remember a Pinto that wasn’t a hatch, tho.

        1. CraigSu Avatar
          CraigSu

          If Wikipedia is to be believed, “The 1971 two-door sedan was followed by hatchback and wagon models for MY 1972.” Also, I can’t help posting this:
          http://www.svensworldofwheels.com/pintobeans_funnycar/pintob6.jpg

          1. Papa Van Twee Avatar
            Papa Van Twee

            I think you are right. This is the “notchback.” It actually has a trunk. Interesting.

  2. Gee Nick Avatar
    Gee Nick

    1983 Mazda 626

    1. outback_ute Avatar
      outback_ute

      I never would have guessed these were launched without the hatchback in the line-up!

  3. ptschett Avatar
    ptschett

    C3 Corvette – IIRC the very last year had an option for an opening rear window for ‘trunk’ access.

    1. P161911 Avatar
      P161911

      Only the 1982 Collectors Editions.

  4. Alff Avatar
    Alff

    .

  5. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    Alfasud – introduced for 1971 but no hatch until 1981

  6. Citric Avatar
    Citric

    Might as well include the car that sits in my driveway.
    https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5573/14901109687_ddb381944f_z.jpg

  7. tonyola Avatar
    tonyola

    The second generation Datsun 510 grew a five door hatchback for 1980 after a couple of years.

  8. Citric Avatar
    Citric

    Of Corsica, this came a couple years after the sedan, and also left before the sedan.
    http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/thumb_chevrolet_corsica_1987_images_1_1024.jpg

    1. BigRedCaveTroll Avatar
      BigRedCaveTroll

      I’m just waiting for those hatch struts to give out. That’ll turn all those smiles upside down.

    2. dukeisduke Avatar
      dukeisduke

      Mom to Bobby: “Trust me, son, it’ll be a couple of years before the torque converter lockup goes south, causing the car to stall inexplicably when coming to a stop.”

    3. Alff Avatar
      Alff

      I’ll bet that hatch did wonders for chassis dynamics.

      1. ptschett Avatar
        ptschett

        It had chassis dynamics before? 🙂

    4. Tiberiuswise Avatar

      I baretta you’ve-a been a-waiting a long-a time-a to use-a that Corsica pun.

  9. Gee Nick Avatar
    Gee Nick

    1972 Subaru Leone 5-door wagon, Japan, not in US until ’74 as a ’75 model.

    1. Tanshanomi Avatar

      I’m pretty sure that debuted in 1975 along with the other fourth generation bodystyles. However, if you had mentioned the Toyota-based 5th gen…

      1. 0A5599 Avatar
        0A5599

        New styling, yes, but mostly the same ancient platform.

      2. dukeisduke Avatar
        dukeisduke

        Actually, it predated the ’75 reskin; the hatchback debuted for ’73, on the ’68 redesign.
        http://www.desertclassics.com/image20/Chev73NovaHatchGold3.jpg

        1. dukeisduke Avatar
          dukeisduke

          And those are the old spring/friction struts, more reliable than the gas/oil ones.

          1. dukeisduke Avatar
            dukeisduke

            Awwwwww. No worries. We’ve all done it before.

  10. 0A5599 Avatar
    0A5599

    Yukon/Tahoe/Suburban used to be commonplace with barn doors or a tailgate before they switched to rear hatches.
    http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/data/attachments/20/20217-0dc076ee56fd8d22d5bcc6c18df8756f.jpg

    1. Ross Ballot Avatar
      Ross Ballot

      I had an ’04 Tahoe Z71 with barn doors. Loved that truck, but it was horribly problematic.

  11. karonetwentyc Avatar
    karonetwentyc

    This may be stretching a bit, but the 1981-1983 AMC Eagle Kammback is an alternative 4WD hatchback to the hatchback that was the Gremlin. Frankly, I’ve always preferred its looks to the Gremlin – going to the forward-rake C-pillar and Eagle grille helped with the flow of the overall shape to my eyes.

    1. Tanshanomi Avatar

      That was really just a gremlin body with a larger rear window. However, the Spirit/Eagle liftback version was, indeed, a hatchback roofline that was added later…
      https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/1979_AMC_Spirit_GT_V8_Russet_SL.jpg/640px-1979_AMC_Spirit_GT_V8_Russet_SL.jpg

      1. karonetwentyc Avatar
        karonetwentyc

        Stretching the point like a 300,000-mile 258cid-six timing chain: I’ll admit that it was a Gremlin body, but with significant-enough changes that it’s not really a Gremlin anymore despite the underpinnings. IIRC, the hatches won’t swap between the two, but it’s been a very long time since I was in the AMC world. Which I only did once. And never again.

        1. Tanshanomi Avatar

          You’re not stretching the point any further than AMC stretched the definition of “sedan.”
          http://40.media.tumblr.com/18a90a75cf6f0dafa879586740c5bbeb/tumblr_mfhfxr2ii51qzut9po1_1280.jpg

          1. karonetwentyc Avatar
            karonetwentyc

            I blame the lure and wiles of the Kammback for causing me to completely forget about these. Well, that and my predilection for liking most of AMC’s products of this time much better when they’ve got four inches of lift and 4WD under them.

    1. karonetwentyc Avatar
      karonetwentyc

      Having owned a 1983 Ford Capri, I should have caught this one. Good choice.

  12. karonetwentyc Avatar
    karonetwentyc

    Another stab at stretching the rules: the Lynx Eventer. The post-facelift cars were particularly nice.

  13. karonetwentyc Avatar
    karonetwentyc

    One more: the 1987 Honda Accord Aerodeck, which followed the Accord by a year. Quite a good-looking car for the time that never really took off in the marketplace.

  14. karonetwentyc Avatar
    karonetwentyc

    The Citroën GS and GSA. GSes had no hatch, GSAs did. Only took Citroën nine years to get around to open the back up all the way.

    1. Rover 1 Avatar
      Rover 1

      And they never did on the CX, but some were available as (expensive) conversions from Caruna or Beutler for people that didn’t want the estate. (also:The GSA also brought the five speed box as well as the hatch.)
      http://www.citroenet.org.uk/passenger-cars/psa/cx/images/beutler1.jpg

    1. Ted Fort Avatar
      Ted Fort

      1800E*

      1. karonetwentyc Avatar
        karonetwentyc

        Also P1800S…

        1. Ted Fort Avatar
          Ted Fort

          No such thing. 1800S’s were after P1800’s.

          1. karonetwentyc Avatar
            karonetwentyc

            Agreed – though I’m not clear as to which part of your earlier comment I may have misconstrued.

          2. Ted Fort Avatar
            Ted Fort

            Sorry; I thought you were implying Volvo made a model called the “P1800S”, which they didn’t. They started with the P1800, then 1800S, then 1800E, then 1800ES.

          3. karonetwentyc Avatar
            karonetwentyc

            Nope – we’re on the same page.

          4. Ted Fort Avatar
            Ted Fort

            I am not fun at parties.

          5. karonetwentyc Avatar
            karonetwentyc

            It’s OK. I am, but only after the application of a certain amount of alcohol.

          6. Ted Fort Avatar
            Ted Fort

            Care to hear a fun story about a bridge?

          7. karonetwentyc Avatar
            karonetwentyc

            Actually, yes.

          8. Ted Fort Avatar
            Ted Fort

            Well then, what do you know about aerolastic flutter?

          9. karonetwentyc Avatar
            karonetwentyc

            Next to nothing. But told the right way, I’m a sucker for a good story.

          10. Ted Fort Avatar
            Ted Fort

            It seems you know have the same comprehension of the concept as Leon Moisseiff then! For on a fateful day in 1939, he too did not know of the effects that would allow wind gusts to periodically oscillate a semi-solid mass, allowing further constructive forces to sweep under the peaks and amplify their height continuously in keeping with the resonant frequency of the structure! In summary; the man lived, but the Plymouth and the dog did not.

          11. karonetwentyc Avatar
            karonetwentyc

            Now, that I *do* understand from the world of radio – and if I understand correctly, you’re describing the Tacoma Narrows bridge. Makes perfect sense.

          12. Ted Fort Avatar
            Ted Fort

            Quite. Now let us go find more scotch.

          13. karonetwentyc Avatar
            karonetwentyc

            Concur. And very much appreciate the telling of the story in the manner in which it was told.

          14. NapoleonSolo Avatar
            NapoleonSolo

            You guys are a hoot!
            😉

          15. karonetwentyc Avatar
            karonetwentyc

            We’re also available for birthday parties, weddings, quinceaneras, mitzvahs of all sorts, and early prison releases!

          16. NapoleonSolo Avatar
            NapoleonSolo

            I’ll bookmark this exchange.

          17. karonetwentyc Avatar
            karonetwentyc

            For the love of God, don’t. Interdisciplinary humour exchanges between engineers is something that no-one should ever have to remember.
            Well, except for possibly archive.org. Oh, go ahead.

          18. NapoleonSolo Avatar
            NapoleonSolo

            This is the only place where I know I can contact you guys if I want to book you!

  15. mdharrell Avatar

    “Non-identical cousins based on a common platform are likely to get a pass today.”
    “…I’m looking for hatchbacks that were added to an existing platform mid-cycle, not as part of a new generation across the model range.”
    Just to be difficult, I’ll point out that the Sonett III (a hatchback) shares a common platform with its predecessor, the Sonett V4 (not a hatchback), so it is arguably both a mid-cycle refresh of the Model 97 (Sonett II, V4, and III, inclusive) and a new generation across the model range (II vs. V4 vs. III).
    http://www.vsaab.com/images/current/Kippes3.jpg

    1. Gee Nick Avatar
      Gee Nick

      I was trying to figure this one in, but gave up on the idea…glad you put it together succinctly.

      1. mdharrell Avatar

        I had special motivation in the form of the amount of time I used to spend trying to load and unload the roomy but unbearably awkward luggage space at the rear of a Sonett V4. Insert item, lift, insert next item beneath….
        http://rubenfidalgo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Saab-Sonett-II-V4-5.jpg

        1. Vairship Avatar
          Vairship

          Clearly you neglected to buy the optional Squishenator (a.k.a the Tubes) as used by Odd Squad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bjD2Yq1Xi8

  16. 0A5599 Avatar
    0A5599

    Ford waited a year to release the 5-door Escort hatchback, and the EXP, though the 3-door variant was there from the beginning.

    1. Rover 1 Avatar
      Rover 1

      Still waiting for Rusty’s upvote.

    1. outback_ute Avatar
      outback_ute

      I may be wrong, but does this fall foul of “I’m looking for hatchbacks that were added to an existing platform
      mid-cycle, not as part of a new generation across the model range”?

      1. 0A5599 Avatar
        0A5599

        The Fox platform was introduced in Mofel Year 1978 with Fairmont/Zephyr lines. The Fox Mustang debuted a year later. Non-identical cousins.
        RIP Patty

        1. outback_ute Avatar
          outback_ute

          That is a bit of a stretch then

          1. 0A5599 Avatar
            0A5599

            Contemplated in the fourth caveat:
            “Non-identical cousins based on a common platform are likely to get a pass today. “

          2. outback_ute Avatar
            outback_ute

            Aha, well played!

          3. Tanshanomi Avatar

            Actually, what I was implying was that “Non-identical cousins based on a common platform” should be treated as though they were separate models. In which case your example would NOT apply. Not that it really matters, though. The whole point of this is to generate conversation on the topic, which it did!

  17. Manic_King Avatar
    Manic_King

    wiki: “The sedan and station wagon arrived first in August 2000, followed by the five-door hatchback in January 2001, and the Europe-only three-door hatchback in 2002.”
    http://carmodelspec.com/photo/toyota-766.jpeg

    1. outback_ute Avatar
      outback_ute

      Never would have guessed that, by the time they were launched here the hatch, sedan and wagon were all present.

  18. karonetwentyc Avatar
    karonetwentyc

    Further conversion madness: the Rover P6 Estoura. First offered in 1970 (the P6 debuted in 1963), it wasn’t a factory-approved conversion until 1971, at which point BL would honour warranties on them as if they were a regular production model. Around 180 or so were made.

    1. NapoleonSolo Avatar
      NapoleonSolo

      Very nice job.

      1. outback_ute Avatar
        outback_ute

        But not a hatchback?

      1. outback_ute Avatar
        outback_ute

        I’ve never seen those referred to as anything other than a station wagon. Not a very good station wagon perhaps…
        On the other hand I have heard the current Holden Commodore referred to as a hatchback because it is so much smaller than the previous wagon (approx 40%!). Note the top of the tailgate extends into the roof almost to the axle line. It was launched in 2008, two years after the 2006 sedan and ute.

        1. Rover 1 Avatar
          Rover 1

          You’re right about the P6. When I do my wagon version, it’ll be more Volvo 240ish.
          As for the Commodore, 40% smaller is still pretty big. Our local police seem to like them though.
          Of course they liked the bigger version too, you can never have too much space.
          Wasn’t the size of the ‘big’ ones’ helped/guided /informed/stated by a Telstra requirement?
          https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1518/24217909166_0f3dbb78f8_b.jpg

          1. outback_ute Avatar
            outback_ute

            I believe the Telstra bit is correct; and then after the shortcomings of the semi-trailing arm IRS were evident they switched to the Falcon wagon which had good old leaf springs! I’ve had a couple of experiences with the Commodore IRS before they fitted the extra toe control links, and they needed them! Still didn’t fix the camber-when-loaded problem though.

  19. 0A5599 Avatar
    0A5599

    BMW called their closed Z3 a coupe, but didn’t fool anyone.
    http://wordpress.carthrottle.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/BMW-M_Coupe_1999_800x600_wallpaper_1b.jpg

    1. Monkey10is Avatar
      Monkey10is

      Surely this should wait until next week, when the theme is; “We SHOULDN’T add a hatchback”?

      1. salguod Avatar

        You know I can hear you, right? (318ti owner here)

  20. karonetwentyc Avatar
    karonetwentyc

    The 1975-1988 Opel Manta B. Initially available only with a trunk, the hatchback was added in 1977. Both bodystyles stayed in production until the end.

  21. karonetwentyc Avatar
    karonetwentyc

    The 1966-1970 Vauxhall Viva, Britain’s Opel Kadett B. IIRC, the 3-door estate/hatch bodystyle was unique to Vauxhall, and was introduced in 1967.

    1. Rover 1 Avatar
      Rover 1

      Unfortunately never made by the factory, but this could have been a hit in Australia.
      One has been made. Holden Torana XU3 Estate
      http://oldholden.com/ohfiles/images/54363210.preview.jpg

  22. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    Up until the mid 1980s American car manufacturers went to a lot of trouble to make cars that looked like hatchbacks, but were not. A/G-body GM fastbacks, Mustang Sportsroof, 1978-1981 Corvette, etc.

  23. karonetwentyc Avatar
    karonetwentyc

    Malaysia’s contribution: the Proton Wira Aeroback. Introduced a year after the Wira saloon, it added a hatchback.

  24. ptschett Avatar
    ptschett

    The CTS used to be sedan-only. Then there was this:
    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cc/2010_Cadillac_CTS_wagon_rear_–_10-30-2009.jpg/800px-2010_Cadillac_CTS_wagon_rear_–_10-30-2009.jpg
    (My favorite version is still the coupe with its insane C-pillars though)

  25. SlowJoeCrow Avatar
    SlowJoeCrow

    I can think of a few that haven’t been mentioned The BMW 2000 Touring was a hatchback 2002. The Saab 99 hatchback came after the notchback, as did the 900. Also I think the Alfetta GTV coupes started with a trunk and got a hatchback during the facelift in 79-80.

    1. outback_ute Avatar
      outback_ute

      Not sure about the Alfetta, a friend had a 77 I think with a hatch and I don’t recall seeing one without the hatch.

  26. Tomsk Avatar
    Tomsk

    The British Leyland Princess (a.k.a. Austin 1800 and 2200, Morris 1800 and 2200, and Wolseley Saloon) looked like a hatchback but, well, wasn’t. That changed when it was given a makeover and renamed the Austin Ambassador.
    http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/uploads/cms_article/3901_4000/1982-1984-austin-ambassador-3919_8419_969X727.jpg

    1. Rover 1 Avatar
      Rover 1

      Conversions were available on the Princess by Torcars and Crayford, on new cars with factory warranties with Crayford continuing to offer the conversion on used cars. Crayford called their version an estate but it’s clearly a hatchback as we know them.
      http://aronline.co.uk/images/ado71conv_02.jpg
      http://www.aronline.co.uk/images/ado71tor_03.jpg

  27. engineerd Avatar
    engineerd

    The current generation Fiesta was originally a hatchback with a 4-door sedan offered 2 years later in North America. So, it’s the inverse of your question.
    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c9/2011_Ford_Fiesta_S_sedan_front_–_07-10-2010.jpg/1280px-2011_Ford_Fiesta_S_sedan_front_–_07-10-2010.jpg

    1. ptschett Avatar
      ptschett

      Another inverse is the Dodge LX cars. Started out with just the Magnum (5-door), added Charger after a year (4-door), then they dropped the Magnum and added Challenger (2-door).

      1. 0A5599 Avatar
        0A5599

        I was thinking the same thing until I remembered Chrysler 300 debuted with the Magnum. PT Cruiser was a 5 door for several years before the 2 door ragtop came out, though.

    2. Citric Avatar
      Citric

      If we’re doing Opposite Day answers, Ford Escort before this, the sedan didn’t show up until 1992.
      http://consumerguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/92113311990709.jpg

    3. Vairship Avatar
      Vairship

      And then of course we’d have to include the Renault 7. No, this is not a photo shop: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/77/Renault_7_Siena_1976.jpg

  28. Citric Avatar
    Citric

    The Kaiser Traveler came with a facelift model, but I believe it was basically the same as the old Kaiser. But mostly I want to post this picture because I’m feeling a little hoarse today.
    http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1949-Kaiser-Ad-02.jpg

    1. Vairship Avatar
      Vairship

      It’s a pony car!
      Side note: why did they stow the stepladder on the pony side, instead of on the other side of the straw bale? Now the pony is going to get tangled up in the stepladder!

  29. Jason Newman Avatar
    Jason Newman

    Holden Torana hatch

    1. Tanshanomi Avatar

      Rivet-on flares for the retro win!

      1. Jason Newman Avatar
        Jason Newman

        Factory fitted so it could get big tyres for racing at Bathurst

  30. Papa Van Twee Avatar
    Papa Van Twee

    Kia Sephia/Spectrum. Sephia was updated in 1997, the Liftback did not arrive until 2000 as the Spectrum,
    http://images.usedcarsgroup.com/2000-kia-spectra-raleigh-nc-6424851913333491242-3.jpg

  31. Van_Sarockin Avatar
    Van_Sarockin

    Let’s also remember the inverse circumstance – when the SAAB 9000 notchback, the CDE, was introduced well after the hatchback. Even though the hatch was styled to look much like a sedan, it just wasn’t stodgy enough for many buyers. Particularly the US market.

  32. karonetwentyc Avatar
    karonetwentyc

    The Renault 21 started out in 1986 as a saloon, but gained a liftback (never offered on the US-market Medallion) with the 1989 refresh. I’m completely ignoring the wagons for the purposes of convenience, and feel better now that I have found a suitable substitute for the Encore which was preempted by its appearance in the article’s header image.

  33. 0A5599 Avatar
    0A5599

    Dodge Ramcharger got a fixed roof with a hatch for the second generation, but other than the roof, the first generation is pretty much the same vehicle.
    https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/18/1974_Dodge_Ramcharger_topless_SUV_at_2015_Macungie_show_2of2.jpg/1920px-1974_Dodge_Ramcharger_topless_SUV_at_2015_Macungie_show_2of2.jpg

  34. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    Lynx Event er XJS is sort of production, they made about 50. http://13252-presscdn-0-94.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/XJS-SB1.png

  35. P161911 Avatar
    P161911

    According to Wikipedi: The Chevrolet Chevette was first launched by General Motors (Brazil) in 1973 as a two-door sedan. A four-door sedan followed in April 1978, and then a three-door hatchback was added in November 1979.

  36. karonetwentyc Avatar
    karonetwentyc

    The Citroën Traction Avant was introduced in 1934, with the Commerciale following in 1939. Initially sporting a horizontally-split combination two-piece hatch / tailgate, this was revised in 1953 to a more conventional one-piece hatch design.

    1. karonetwentyc Avatar
      karonetwentyc

      At the risk of resembling this remark, I offer the following in reply:

    2. Ted Fort Avatar
      Ted Fort

      Yes, but saying the Traveler/Countryman variant was a hatchback version is perfectly fair.

      1. JayP Avatar
        JayP

        Ah- I missed those. I was looking for a real hatchback for the Mini – I’m pretty sure I saw a prototype on the internets.

        1. karonetwentyc Avatar
          karonetwentyc

          Going out on a limb here, given that the only Minis I’ve owned were a standard-bodied 850 and 1000… As far as I know, the Countryman only ever came with barn doors.
          The Traveller was basically the same (IIRC) minus the wood trim, though my parents had a Morris Minor Traveller with wood and barn doors. Can’t remember what the van version of the Mini was called in its various iterations, but I don’t recall a true hatchback on the Mini, at least not in RHD.
          With that said, I expect to be proven wrong in 5… 4… 3… 2… 1…

          1. outback_ute Avatar
            outback_ute

            Ringo Starr had one built so he could put his drums in it.

    3. Vairship Avatar
      Vairship

      And here I thought someone would stretch it in another way and go: http://uniquecarsandparts.com/images/lost_marques/Innocenti/Innocenti_Large.jpg

  37. karonetwentyc Avatar
    karonetwentyc

    To complete the trifecta of major French manufacturers, the Peugeot 204 was initially sold as a 4-door saloon starting in 1965 with the 3-door hatchback Coupé following in 1966.

  38. Citric Avatar
    Citric

    Here’s a recent one I just found out existed, the Fiat Ottimo.
    https://carindustryanalysis.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/fiat-viaggio-hb-china-1.jpg
    It’s a hatchback version of the Fiat Viaggio made for the Chinese market introduced in 2013. The Fiat Viaggio, of course, is a Dodge Dart for the Chinese market.

  39. Monkey10is Avatar
    Monkey10is

    I have read all the rules and the caveats but I’m still not sure if I’m allowed to submit a prediction?
    http://cdn2.alphr.com/sites/alphr/files/styles/16x9_860/public/2016/04/red_1.jpg?itok=7UE9WgkN

    1. karonetwentyc Avatar
      karonetwentyc

      Ah, but is it a hatchback? It looks almost as though there’s a trunk lid that hinges right at the endpoint of the rear quarterlight, with the rear windscreen fixed in place. Only time will tell.

      1. salguod Avatar

        It does have a trunk. I think he’s predicting that it’ll get a hatch after launch.

      2. NapoleonSolo Avatar
        NapoleonSolo

        There’s a hidden hinge at the top of the windscreen where the hatch begins.
        Or maybe at the base of the windscreen…

  40. sunbeammadd Avatar

    relying on the common platform rule, the Hillman/Talbot Avenger was launched in 1970 and facelifted in 1976. Its twin-under-the-skin hatchback sibling, the Sunbeam 424 was launched in 1977.
    http://www.simoncars.co.uk/hillman/slides/Hillman%20Avenger%201971%20DL%20front.jpg
    http://www.simoncars.co.uk/talbot/slides/Chrysler%20Sunbeam%2016%20GLS%20front.jpg

    1. outback_ute Avatar
      outback_ute

      I was going to post this also, the Cruze debuted in 2007, the hatch in 2011. Complete with black plastic tack-on aero pieces on the rear window

  41. 0A5599 Avatar
    0A5599

    The first several years of Viper production was exclusively roadsters.
    http://emotionaltracing.com/wp-content/flagallery/viper/webview/hatch01.jpg

  42. crank_case Avatar
    crank_case

    Like the Alfasud, Mini and Austin Princess, the Fiat 127 started out as a saloon that looked like a hatch before actually becoming a hatchback
    https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6766471489_78d91ee853.jpg
    http://www.powerful-cars.com/images/fiat/127-31-005.jpg

  43. Rover 1 Avatar
    Rover 1

    The very first car that looked like a hatchback but wasn’t was the Austin A40, but nobody realised that until the Innocenti division of BMC made a hatchback, the first European small hatchback.
    All(ish) A40 Farinas from the front
    http://www.classicandperformancecar.com/uploads/cms_article/3501_3600/1958-1967-austin-a40-farina-3514_4321_640X470.jpg
    Austin A40 Saloon, boot/trunk only(1957 0n)
    http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/file/fit/730×700/media/5548127/Austin%20A40%20(5).jpg
    Austin A40 Countryman, semi-estate, half hatchback (1958 on)
    http://images.honestjohn.co.uk/imagecache/file/fit/730×700/media/5548109/Austin%20A40%20(3).jpg
    Innocenti Austin A40 Combinata, the first one piece hatchback.( Italy only, 1965 on)
    http://ruoteclassiche.quattroruote.it/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Innocenti-A40S-Countryman.jpg

    1. Vairship Avatar
      Vairship

      Well done!