Why is it called a liftback when it's a hatchback?

[grampi]

????????

[blacksan]

Marketing? On the other hand I think it is more descriptive as in plain English. Would you not agree that it is truly a lift-back.

[eTiMaGo]

Good question... I thought it might be a recent marketing thing, but then I saw an old 70's corolla with a big "LIFTBACK" badge on the back...

[blacksan]

Retro, that answers the question.

[Doc Zaius]

I think it's b/c of the poor connotation that "hatchback" has in the States... its re-branding.

Its still called a hatchback up here in Canada! :thumbsup:

[ChinoCharles]

I think it's b/c of the poor connotation that "hatchback" has in the States... its re-branding.

Its still called a hatchback up here in Canada! :thumbsup:

He is right.

[Yaris Revenge]

Yeah, also: the previously most common "hatchback" design functioned much more like a standard trunk that simply hinged above the rear window instead of below it. Today's designs tend to incorporate the entire rear section of the vehicle, well past the tail lights, so I think liftback is a better term.

Standard hatchback designs:
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/05/porsche_cayman/image/cayman_s_rear_hatch_open.jpg
http://grohol.com/mazda/mazda6_hatchback4.jpg
http://www.divergentart.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2006/03/74hornet_hatchback.jpg

~YR

[grampi]

To me, it's just confusing. I've even had a few salesmen say "oh, you mean the hatchback" when I've called them and asked them if they have any liftbacks. Even they are confused with the terminology.

[blacksan]

To me, it's just confusing. I've even had a few salesmen say "oh, you mean the hatchback" when I've called them and asked them if they have any liftbacks. Even they are confused with the terminology.

You are confusing someone that works at a dealership with someone that actually knows what they are doing.:biggrin:

[Yaris Revenge]

You are confusing someone that works at a dealership with someone that actually knows what they are doing.:biggrin:

Heh, I agree. I've yet to step into a dealership where the salesperson knows more about the car than I already do. 'Cuz I research my shiznit. :wink:

~YR

[blacksan]

Heh, I agree. I've yet to step into a dealership where the salesperson knows more about the car than I already do. 'Cuz I research my shiznit. :wink:

~YR

Whew, ain't that the truth!

My last big brew ha was with an "expert" in the service department that didn't know the difference between fine and course thread fasteners. When I mentioned that being a machinist by trade kinda of made me feel comfy with my perception of the situation he still wanted to argue. Well, I proved him wrong and departed with things to my satisfaction. All I could think about on the way home is how many folks that didn't know better must have been screwed over by this clown over the years.:mad:

[JosephDoc]

That is English problem, and maybe a new term they think it will aid to sales.

Remember "ALB" was used when 90 Prelude was released? ALB = Anti-Lock Braking. :bellyroll:

[kurokoma-kun]

To keep people from calling it a "hunchback"?

[brickhardmeat]

liftback sounds like comething european to me however before this car I can say I have never heard the term, I have always called a hatch a hatch until now that I drive a liftback

[gabagooo]

On my registration in VA, my LB is described as a "Runabout." Now that's retro.

[Astroman]

On the manual it states hatchback, while the website and the dealership call it a liftback. Check it out, it's there.

[freshprince130]

haha yeah your right i went thru 3 salesmen getting my car and took my step dad so they wouldnt think i was some stupid kid and to make sure they didnt try to rip me off...he just laughed and said why did you take me again? Im taking you next time i get a new car

[hasher22]

when i was younger i thaught it was called a hunchback since the back of most lift/hatchbacks were, well i cant explain......like "hunched"

[ryz1711]

Here it's just a Yaris.. cos the sedan is called a Vios

[Meteorite Man]

On the window sticker, I'm reading it right here...It says, 3-Door Liftback.

Chuck

[tacsniper]

Lets just say its an American/Canadian thing... Americans call them liftback, Canadians call them hatchback :smoking:

[WRBlue]

Yeah, also: the previously most common "hatchback" design functioned much more like a standard trunk that simply hinged above the rear window instead of below it. Today's designs tend to incorporate the entire rear section of the vehicle, well past the tail lights, so I think liftback is a better term.

Standard hatchback designs:

Thoes are all "fastbacks" - a slowly sloped, streamlined, sporty car. My DSM, fairlady, RX-7, and Supra were all fastbacks.
Where hatches have a more vertical rear, like a minivan or SUV. Technically minivans and SUVs are hatchbacks too.

But even more so, all fastbacks are hatchbacks, because fastbacks are thought of as a subset of hatches. But so not all hatches are fastbacks.

[blacksan]

Hmmm, I personally dig the FB tag and will refer to my baby as such as I pay the bill! When I decide to call her the "Hunch-Back" so be it as I still pay the bill. I still dig her!!!!

[MarkBen]

To keep people from calling it a "hunchback"?

My daghter called mine a hunchback.... but she's a blond....

[hasher22]

My daghter called mine a hunchback.... but she's a blond....

ahha what a slack dad.......