I have a Toyota Starlet (the Echo replaced this one) and my safe and sound car seat does not fit in it in the newborn position.

The other problem with hatchbacks is that you need an 'extra piece' to connect it to the anchor as the anchor point is usually at the rear of the boot. This means that you have to unhook the carseat from the anchor to get the pram in and out! very annoying but you get used to it after a while.