Buzz
Popular Types of Automobiles
1. Hatchback
Maruti Suzuki Swift
A hatchback is a type of car with a rear door that opens upwards, typically with 2 or 4 doors excluding the rear door. This type of car is characterized by a luggage compartment that is integrated with the seating area, with the rear seats designed to fold down to increase storage space in the rear trunk when needed. Hatchbacks have a low ground clearance and usually seat 4 to 5 people.
Examples of 4-door hatchbacks include the Maruti Suzuki Alto 800, Renault Kwid, Hyundai Grand i10...; while examples of 2-door hatchbacks include the MINI Cooper S 3 Door, Volkswagen Polo GTI (upcoming)...
2. Sedan
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz
Among the various types of automobiles, Sedan (known as Saloon in British English) is defined as a type of car with 4 doors and a typical trunk. The technical details of this type of car usually consist of 3 compartments, including the engine compartment, passenger compartment, and storage compartment.
Sedans are further divided into various subtypes such as Notchback, Fastback, Compact & Sub-compact. It is interesting to note that cars like the older model of Skoda Octavia are often mistakenly referred to as Notchback.
Typical models of Sedan cars include Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Toyota Camry, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic...
3. MPV (Multi-purpose Vehicle)
Datsun GO+
MPV (Multi-purpose vehicle) or MUV (Multi-utility vehicle) is a versatile type of car that can be converted between transporting passengers and cargo thanks to its rear seats that can be folded up and down. With this flexible design, MPVs can accommodate both passengers and cargo as needed, catering to the diverse needs of users and suitable for families.
MPVs are often referred to as 'People Carriers,' designed to provide ample space and comfort for passengers with 2 or 3 rows of seats along with wide doors. MPVs typically have seating for 5-7 people.
Typical models of MPV cars: Maruti Suzuki Omni, Toyota Innova, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Datsun GO+, Mitsubishi Grandis...
4. SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Typically, a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) is a large-sized vehicle with a frame structure similar to a truck, high ground clearance, capable of driving on various terrains to a certain extent. The vehicle has 4 doors excluding the rear door, with the passenger compartment integrated with the cargo area.
However, the definitions of an SUV have become blurred over time. SUVs are no longer just bulky, fuel-guzzling vehicles that are environmentally unfriendly, and not every SUV is capable of conquering all terrains. SUVs typically consist of 2 types: off-roader SUVs and soft-roader SUVs.
Among them, off-roader SUVs have the ability to tackle all types of terrain in line with the traditional characteristics of SUVs; whereas soft-roader SUVs are only vehicles that perform well on rough terrains such as snow-covered roads, slippery rain, or muddy tracks, but do not completely operate in all terrains like off-roaders.
Typical models of off-roader SUVs: Mahindra Thar, Mahindra Scorpio, Land Rover Discovery Sport...
Typical models of soft-roader SUVs: Honda CR-V, Renault Duster, Skoda Yeti...
5. Crossover
Volvo S60 Cross Country
A simple, common definition of a Crossover is a type of vehicle that combines the features of an SUV and a Hatchback. Crossovers have the soft-road capability of SUVs thanks to their high ground clearance and all-wheel drive, and are constructed like a car - using a unibody frame instead of the body-on-frame structure of SUVs. Therefore, Crossover is another term for the soft-roader SUV category, also known as Crossover SUV or CUV.
Typical models of Crossovers: Maruti Suzuki S-Cross, Volvo S60 Cross Country, Hyundai i20 Active...
6. Coupe
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe
A Coupe is a sporty type of vehicle, typically with 2 doors and a fixed roof. Due to its sporty nature, Coupes usually have either 2 seats or an additional 2 smaller rear seats. The definition of a typical Coupe has evolved over time and varies among car manufacturers, so now a Coupe can also refer to a 4-door vehicle with Coupe-like proportions, primarily focusing on the sporty appearance rather than the number of doors.
Typical models of Coupes: Ford Mustang, Audi R8, Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe...
7. Convertible (Soft-top)
Audi A3 Cabriolet
A Convertible, also known as a Cabriolet or Roadster, is a type of vehicle with a convertible roof structure that allows driving in open or closed spaces. It can have a retractable hardtop inside the trunk or a soft top.
Typical models of Convertibles: Mercedes-AMG SLC 43, Audi A3 Cabriolet, Ferrari California T...
You can explore more about renowned automobile brands worldwide offering a variety of vehicles suitable for various customer segments. These prestigious car manufacturers continually innovate their vehicle models to attract customers.
