QOTD: Tempted by a Tweener?

Cars are out, crossovers are in. This is as true as saying the sun rises in the east or that the slow air leak in your back tire will eventually get worse. It’s a given, and, with the current onslaught of crossovers now trickling into previously unexplored white space, your choice has never been greater.

2019 may be remembered as the year automakers broke out of traditional segments and began inserting boxy products into that narrow window between existing models. Chevrolet, Buick, and Mazda all decided it was a good idea to pursue buyers in tweener segments. The question today is: have any of these supposedly right-sized products moved you to consider a brand you’d normally have ignored?

The best space to troll for new buyers seems to be that hazy gap between subcompact and compact. Perhaps automakers have realized that the passenger car cull necessitates more utility models on the lower end of things. Why else would we have a Chevrolet Trailblazer, Buick Encore GX, and Mazda CX-30 arriving for 2020?

It’s worth noting that the Chevy Blazer, new for 2019, also qualifies as a tweener, with that model positioned between the compact and midsize fields. There’s nowhere else for Chevy to go except the A-segment, perhaps doing battle with Hyundai’s pint-sized Venue. No one would be surprised to see that happen.

It’s a Goldilocks strategy. Build enough crossovers in enough sizes, and eventually you’ll have a bowl of porridge to suit just about every lifestyle and budget.

Perhaps one of these tweeners is just right for you. Has the appearance of any of these vehicles caused you to reconsider your next buy? And, more importantly: did the new tweener cause you to consider a new brand?

[Image: General Motors, Mazda]