Why isn't it a hatchback?

[holmgang]

Probably because they anticipated sales first from North America, where buying public is largely allergic to hatchbacks.

The S is a fastback/sportback which is more palatable to that audience, a la Audi 5/7 Mercedes 4dr GT Porsche Panamera...

...a true wagon or hatchback breadbox isnt the flavor du jour, although personally i would prefer it

 

[holmgang]

I actually don't think a majority would want that. Smaller? I think that's debatable but specifically the functionality of the hatchback, I think more would want.

VW USA Sales:

Golf - 5k (including GTI = 15K)
Jetta - 80k

 

[ZapCarM3]

Probably because they anticipated sales first from North America, where buying public is largely allergic to hatchbacks.

The S is a fastback/sportback which is more palatable to that audience, a la Audi 5/7 Mercedes 4dr GT Porsche Panamera...

...a true wagon or hatchback breadbox isnt the flavor du jour, although personally i would prefer it

Sportback, that's the word I was looking for. Better drag this way too but the tall low pressure area of a standard hatchback look is definitely not ideal for range. I think the sportback takes the look we like and the functionality too but at the compromise of headroom in the back. Most of which won't notice since most people aren't over 6' tall, but I am. Yet I'm never back there.

 

[Candleflame]

not everyone likes a hatchback. i drove a bmw 318 compact - the original liftback. And it was sick. you could fit anything inside and still have a sedan. And with seats down you had even more space than a hatchback.