Is the sedan doomed?
#16
Lexus Fanatic
Thanks.....yes, IMO, it's hard to beat its comfort-level for the money, though the Lincoln MKZ and Lexus ES350 come close.
I don't see the new Regal hatchback and wagon getting many sales.....most of that potential crowd will probably be looking at the Encore or Envision SUVs (the big Encore SUV is in a different size-class). Of course, the Opel-based Regal sedan itself never sold in large numbers.....so, we'll see.
Crossovers, though, don't just appeal simply because of a question of driving-dynamics. People buy them for the space efficiency, cargo space, easier entry/exit at chair-height without having to stoop up or down, all-weather traction, and higher ground clearance for deep snow or mud.
One of the most interesting and versatile sedans, BTW, from a utility-standpoint, was the former Subaru SUS (Sport-Utility-Sedan)...a four-door Legacy sedan with the jacked-up suspension, cladding, and extra ground clearance of the Outback wagon. It did not prove popular, however, and was offered only for a short time.
It'll be interesting to see if Buick regrets not bringing in the sedan, but something tells me they won't.
And I'm not saying the sedan is going away tomorrow. But I think the market will continue to shrink, if only because 90% of people don't care about driving dynamics, so a crossover doesn't have any disadvantages to them.
One of the most interesting and versatile sedans, BTW, from a utility-standpoint, was the former Subaru SUS (Sport-Utility-Sedan)...a four-door Legacy sedan with the jacked-up suspension, cladding, and extra ground clearance of the Outback wagon. It did not prove popular, however, and was offered only for a short time.
#17
Lexus Champion
Crossovers, though, don't just appeal simply because of a question of driving-dynamics. People buy them for the space efficiency, cargo space, easier entry/exit at chair-height without having to stoop up or down, all-weather traction, and higher ground clearance for deep snow or mud.
Don't we all occasionally wish we could sit high up in a tall-riding truck and think that we could just drive over the Prius that cut you off? That is what driving a high-riding crossover gives you.
#18
Lexus Fanatic
The higher ground clearance is not used for deep snow or mud; these vehicles are driven in suburban roads and parking lots.
What the higher ground clearance gives the driver is a false sense of power. By sitting up high and looking down on the small, efficient Kia Fortes, Hyundai Elantras and Toyota Corollas, the driver of the crossover feels like s/he is lording it over those poor peasants.
Don't we all occasionally wish we could sit high up in a tall-riding truck and think that we could just drive over the Prius that cut you off? That is what driving a high-riding crossover gives you.
Don't we all occasionally wish we could sit high up in a tall-riding truck and think that we could just drive over the Prius that cut you off? That is what driving a high-riding crossover gives you.
Last edited by mmarshall; 05-04-17 at 08:23 PM.
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