We just love hatchbacks.
The Lexus LF-Ch Compact Hybrid Concept made its North American Debut at 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show and a world premiere on September 15, 2009 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The LF-Ch Hybrid Concept offers dramatic style, premium features, an innovative drivetrain with low emissions, and impressive fuel economy in a sporty yet versatile five-door package.
2009 Lexus LF-Ch
The 1988 front-wheel drive Dodge Omni (introduced in 1978) is almost a poster child car for the 1980s, complete with velour seats and steel wheels. It was similar to the Plymouth Horizon and was one of the cars that brought Chrysler back to profitability. Its 2.2 liter four cylinder engine developed 94 HP. (image source: Donoho Auto)
1988 Dodge Omni
1988 Dodge Omni
1988 Dodge Omni interior
1988 Dodge Omni interior
Nissan has revealed the first details of a head-turning hatchback concept, the Invitation, at this the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show which previews the company’s next generation compact car, a mainstream B-segment contender. It is due to be launched in Europe from 2013.
2012 Nissan Invitation concept
The 2012 Volkswagen Up! four-door is the second body version of the up! and launches in March of 2012. It only has a 75hp three-cylinder petrol engine.
2012 Volkswagen Up! Four-Door
2012 Volkswagen Up! Four-Door.
The 1980 Ford Escort MK3 came with either a 1300 OHC or 1600 OHC engine, both with single variable venturi carburetor, automatic choke and electronic ignition. It had 5″ x 13″ styled road wheels with 155/80 SR13 tires and came with halogen headlamps, heated rear window, self checking silicone chip controlled warning light system for front brake pad wear, low washer fluid, oil, coolant and fuel levels.
The interior had reclining front seats trimmed in “York” fabric. Center face level vents with warm air control, side window demisters, perforated headliner, front passenger grab handle, two grab handles in the rear incorporating coat hooks, passenger vanity mirror on sun visor, dipping rear view mirror, cigar lighter, two rear ashtrays, full door/rear quarter trim, front door stowage bins, three speed heater fan, glovebox with lock and document stowage, soft feel two-tone instrument panel, coin box, center console, Ford P21 push-button radio, two-speed wipers with intermittent wipe, load compartment carpet, trip recorder, Quartz clock, special gear shift gaiter and knob, color keyed ribbed carpet, driver’s lower parcel shelf, tilting rear package tray and four spoke soft feel steering wheel.
1980 Ford Escort MK3
1980 Ford Escort MK3 interior
The 1977 Renault 30 TS was among the most luxurious prestigious saloons on the road and with its V6 it easily put most sports cars to shame. Acceleration from 0-60 was achieved in 9.2 seconds and it had a top speed of oner 112 mph. All this while getting 23-25 mpg. Front wheel drive and fully independent suspension gave it an uncannily smooth ride. Seating for five adults was helped by fully reclining front seats and 56″ of elbow room in the back. The rear seats could be folded back, giving you 34 cubic feet of space, more than any car in its class.
Standard fittings included a centralized door locking system, electric front windows and cigar lighter in back and front. An electric sunroof was an optional extra.
1977 Renault 30 TS
1977 Renault 30 TS
The 1978 Saab 99 GLE was a 118 BHP fuel injected, 2 liter 3-speed automatic transmission 5-door with superb suspension and steering with luxury for five on velour. It had tinted glass, electrically adjustable door mirrors, headlamp wash/wipe and self warming front seats with an optional sunroof.
1978 Saab 99 GLE
If you had £4,725, you could get yourself a 1978 Renault 20 TS. No other luxury car, at that price, had as many features fitted as standard. A few examples included Centralized locking. One press of a switch (or a turn of the door key) and all of the doors either locked or unlocked immediately. Adjustable headlamps. You could raise or lower your headlights to suit the load you were carrying from inside the car. Diagnostic plug. Your Renault dealer could now simply plug into it to find out electronically how efficient the engine was working and helped cut down on service fees. Reclining seats. The front seats (designed under medical supervision) adjusted to any driving position. Hatchback. The rear seats folds away and the parcel shelf is removable. Warning lights. At a glance you could now see if you left your hand brake on, your brake pressure was low or your front brakes pads were worn. It had comprehensive instrumentation, including a rev counter for the enthusiast. Power steering and electric front tinted windows are just a few more.
A 1995cc four cylinder engine, combined with front wheel drive, front and rear anti roll bars, all around independent suspension all contributed to a very smooth ride and the brakes operated by a dual circuit, servo-assisted system with ventilated discs at the front.
With a fuel consumption of 27mpg but capable of 0-60 in 12.2 seconds with a top speed of 104 mph.
Options included automatic transmission, electric sunroof and a radio.
1978 Renault 20 TS
At the time, the 1983 Fiat Uno 55 Comfort represented something far more significant than the launch of a new car. Fiat claimed it was the creation of a totally new class of car. I think not. Its standard equipment included cloth-faced seats, and fitted radio, interior hatch release, quartz analogue clock, illuminated switches, 5-speed gearbox and optional sun-roof. It achieved an amazing 65.7 MPG (does any car today even come close?) and accelerated to 62 MPH in just 11.5 seconds. All, starting at £3,690.
1983 Fiat Uno 55 Comfort
Audi is on fire. There is no better brand out there today, and with their extensive expansion into almost every category, the new 2012 Audi A1 S-Line does not disappoint. This 5-door hatch is coming in early 2012 with choice of 12 paint finishes and a choice of six four-cylinder engines, with a maximum of 185hp.
2012 Audi A1 S-line
2012 Audi A1 S-line
the 1992 Dacia 1325 Liberta has a bit of Renault Fuego in it, despite that it was not built by Renault. I love the classic boxy look, and while it appears like it’s more from the late 70s, this 1992 effort from Romania seems to embrace the past quite well. (image source: John Lloyd)
1992 Dacia 1325 Liberta
The 2013 Chevrolet Spark is a five-door hatchback with a 1.2 liter four-cylinder, developing 85.2 horse power. It will debut at the 2011 Los Angeles International Auto Show and is the only car in its segment to offer a seven-inch color touch screen radio capable of displaying smart phone-based navigation, media and contacts for hands-free calling.
2013 Chevrolet Spark
2013 Chevrolet Spark
The 2011 SEMA show is the stage for Chevrolet’s Sonic Z-Spec #1, where designers took a turbocharged Sonic five-door and added concept Z-Spec accessories including ground effects, spoiler, grille and graphics package. The Torch Red exterior is finished off with concept Z-Spec 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Cobalt Red cabin features custom trimming, including perforated black suede seat inserts, a concept Z-Spec sport pedal kit, sport shift knob and a racing-style flat-bottom steering wheel.
2011 Chevrolet Sonic Z-Spec #1
2011 Chevrolet Sonic Z-Spec #1
