If you take a look at the Opel insignia that’s being developed and offered in Europe there’s more than just a sedan in that car. This is a car that offers the fastback rear, but that’s not even the item that has come to my attention. The Insignia is being offered as a sedan, as a wagon and as a hatchback. This brings up the question of whether or not we’ll actually have all three body styles when this car makes its way to the US as the 2018 version of the Buick Regal that we’ve been waiting for.
The Buick Regal is making a comeback for the 2018 model year and has already been spoken about as a car that will be built on the same platform as the Opel Insignia and Holden Commodore. The question isn’t really about the sedan, because we already know we’ll see that version in the US, but with a different back end. The wagon has actually been discussed as well and is expected to be part of the lineup for us to enjoy, but what of the hatchback. Could we actually see a premium hatchback model or would that be out of place?
Other premium to luxury brands have tried in the past to offer hatchback models, but most of these have failed. Another consideration is the difference in the market. Europeans love their hatchbacks, especially on the tight streets that are part of the network of roads in the cities of Europe, but in the US we’re just not as fond of the hatchback models, especially on brands that we turn to for more comfort and quality than the bargain brands. These two considerations alone just might keep the Regal from being offered with ah hatchback body at all.
The wagon seems to be a done deal with Buick filing for trademark filing for the Tourx and Regal Tourx names which suggests the wagon may be a longer wheelbase and offer AWD for us to enjoy the ride. It does seem that wagons are making a bit of a comeback on the market, which means Buick may be in the right place with this new wagon, but it may not show up until after the sedan has a foothold in the market. Of course the wagon may come in and be marketed as a low slung crossover to keep from scaring us with the wagon name.
How about that hatchback? We do seem to be more fond of hatchbacks than ever before. The Chevrolet Cruise has recently given us a new hatchback and the hot hatch segment in the US has never been hotter, but all the hatchbacks that have been successful are part of the popular brands and don’t move into the premium or luxury categories at all. This makes for a huge distinction when you’re considering what to sell. Unfortunately, we probably won’t see the Buick Regal come in as a hatchback, but the AWD wagon sounds like it will be a great choice and perfect for our market to enjoy.
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