Latest news

Written by Andy Roberts

Before writing this piece, I’d forgotten just how many ‘booted hatchbacks’ once existed.

Some readers may have fond memories of the Sierra Sapphire and others may recall the Vauxhall Belmont but this is my, totally subjective, top ten:

10) Volkswagen Jetta A1 1979 - 1984

The Jetta is now in its sixth incarnation, but the original version is now an extremely uncommon a sight. Its proportions were shall we say unorthodox, with vast boot space but the cabin space was less than that of the Golf. However, this did not prevent the Jetta from becoming hugely popular in Canada and the USA where buyers often regarded the two-door model as the successor to the Beetle.

9) Vauxhall Nova 1983 - 1993

In Hampshire three decades ago, every post office and Sainsbury’s car park seemed to boast at least one Nova Merit 2-door. The saloon made its debut with the hatchback, but while the latter would eventually become a bastion of chav culture, the former appealed to motorists who regarded Marty Wilde as radical.

8) Lancia Prisma 1982 - 1989

There was once a time when the Prisma was Lancia’s best-selling model, but today it’s believed that there’s just four left running on British roads. As with the Delta, the body was the creation of Giorgetto Giugiaro and in 1983 the 1600 version sold for a very reasonable £6,150, or over £500 less than a Talbot Solara in GLS form. We know which car we would rather own…

7) Talbot Solara 1980 - 1986

The Solara was Talbot’s response to British fleet market’s suspicion of hatchbacks in the 70s; in 1979 fewer than 30,000 Alpines were sold in the UK compared with over 130,000 Mk. IV Cortinas. Had the four-door version been launched simultaneously with the hatchback in ‘76 it might have stood more chance of establishing itself – as it was, the Solara is a prime example of a car that merely existed.

6) Saab 900 1980 - 1993

The Saab 900 was initially available only in three and five door forms with the saloon version appearing two years later as the result of dealer pressure for a rival to the Ford Granada Mk.2, Mercedes-Benz W123 and, naturally, the Volvo 240. The result was individually refined and possibly one of the most intriguing prestige cars of its generation.

5) VW Derby 1977 - 1981

Improving on the appearance of the original VW Polo was always going to be a major challenge and the Derby always managed to look as slightly awkward as that time when Rik Mayall guested on The Cannon & Ball Show. Initial sales were strong, and the later models boasted an improved cabin, but when did you last encounter one?

4) Fiat Regata 1983 - 1990

A highly agreeable replacement for the 131 Miafiori and one that was essentially the Ritmo/Strada with the same running gear, a separate boot and a slightly longer wheelbase. It became a familiar sight across Europe while sales in the UK were assisted by an advertising campaign with faint overtones of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy…

3) Ford Orion Mk.1/2 1983 - 1992

If succeeding the Escort Mk. II with a range of three or five-door saloons was a bold move for Ford of Europe, replacing the Cortina with a hatchback was always going to be a riskier proposition. The partial solution was the Orion, the car that, for me anyway, epitomises the 1980s of outer suburbia; youths with unfortunate Andrew Ridgely haircuts populating Dunkin Donuts before queuing to buy Manic Minor at the local computer shop.

2) Renault 7 1974 - 1984

Any reader who holidayed in Santa Ponsa or Torremolinos during the 70s or 80s will probably recall the 'Siete'; a booted version of the 5 Mk.1. It was developed by FASA-Renault FASA of Spain to satisfy the high local demand for saloons with four doors, appealing to drivers who wanted to trade in their Dauphine or 8/10. The styling was appealing quirky but, alas, the 7 was never officially sold in the UK.

1) Vauxhall Chevette 1976 - 1984

The Chevette saloon made its bow a year after the three-door version and must be one of most reassuring cars of its generation. So, settle yourself on the tartan upholstered seats, grip the sensible steering wheel and gently motor to the local tea room where caution will be thrown to the winds by having two blackcurrant Jacob’s Club biscuits.

Want to know all the latest from Lancaster? Join in with the community on Facebook and Twitter.