Wouldn't it be easier to produce cheap cars if all models were similar to each other? Ie, you wouldn't need to retool for every model - just make some cosmetic changes and keep the cost low? I think that was the idea behind the Ford Escort first, then other cars like the Hyndais and Kia. These were all small, boxy cars designed to be cheap and amenable to cosmetic changes.
Another note: isn't square and boxy a simple way to maximize space inside the car? Fabio
