Planning for a car purchase isn’t as simple as ABC. One has to take into account the whole list of factors that directly and/or indirectly influence the decision, such as family size, price, brand, safety features, mileage, fuel type, etc. One such crucial factor is- car body type, and that’s what this article talks about.
Car body types aren’t just small and/or large as regarded by the majority of people. In fact, they are more precise than what we think of them. For instance, do you know what differentiates an SUV from a MUV? Are SUVs and CUVs the same? Okay, maybe you will be able to answer this one- is RAV4 an SUV or a CUV? Perplexed? Then this article can be of your interest.
Car Body Types
Determining the right car that fits exactly your needs can be a biting a bullet kind of task. Well, give this article a read to clear out the skepticism regarding car body types and decide for yourself which one would be the right pick for you. In this article, you’ll get to know about 10 different car body types, and also, we’ll discuss all of them beyond looks.
Hatchback/Liftback
This compact car has acquired this name as it features a swing-open hatch at the rear or back of the car that unveils the boot space. This four-door car model is best suited for city tours, the reason being that it glides so easily through heavy traffic loads (thanks to its compact build). Its size ranges from mini to small sports cars and can carry a maximum of upto 5 passengers.
Hatchbacks have been celebrated for being economical, spacious, and mileage-driven cars. This model speaks volumes for the spacious versatility as it generally comes with foldable rear seats, which extend the boot space even more. Also, it is built in such a way that flipping its rear boot door will expose you to the boot or cargo space that is placed right inside the car.
Do you know why a 4-passenger door hatchback is regarded as a five-door hatchback? Well, that’s because the hatch at the rear is often counted as a door.
Popular Hatchback Models
- Hyundai i20
- Volkswagen Golf
- Maruti Suzuki 800
- 1975 Rover 3500
- Mercedes A-class
Sedan
Apart from their long and stylish car body, sedans are best known for the high-level comfort which is offered in a two-rows sitting and three-box body configuration. With four passenger doors, a rooted roof, lower ground clearance, and a separate boot section, the sedan features a closed body. It is not just the most renowned car body type but is also ultimately comfortable for the sitting of 5 passengers.
Some believe that the sedan is named after the sedan chairs (cosmopolitan litters). On the other hand, some regard it as derived from the Italian word ‘sedere,’ which means ‘to take a seat.’ While people believe in differentiated theories on how the sedan has acquired its name, one thing that remains unchanged is- the superior comfort it proffers.
Popular Sedan Models
- Toyota Camry
- Maruti Dzire
- Skoda Slavia
- Tata Tigor
- Kia Stinger
Coupe
The coupe resembles a sedan-like car body. However, it is comparatively smaller than that and is based on Berlin horse-drawn carriage design. It is a revved-up sporty charm that is backed with exceptional engine power capable of taking charge of jazzed-up speed in just a few seconds. What differentiates a coupe from a sedan is that it is a 2-door car featuring a sloping roofline towards the rear end. Most coupe models don’t have rear seats; however, nowadays, OEM companies also construct four-door coupe models with several variations as well, which are crafted with rear seats that can be occupied from the front only.
Since it’s more of a sports utility, it attracts sports enthusiasts rather than the masses.
Popular Coupe Models
- Aston Martin V8 Vantage
- Ford Mustang
- Toyota Supra
- Toyota GR86
- BMW-2 Series
Convertible/Cabriolet
Oozing style and taking cues from the phaeton, convertible car body types generally come with foldable or removable roofs made of fabric or cloth. Also, the open-air roof or open-top acts as a shield against different weather conditions, be it a heavy rainy day or too hot to even move. This is the best option for those who want to drive with style, and that’s the reason it is a most-sought option among the masses globally. Apart from foldable roofs, detachable and retractable hardtops can also be found in this model.
People also get this feature of the convertibles (which also goes by the names of spyder and roadster) customized in other car body types as well. Other highlights of this car model are wind blockers which reduce wind noise, and an extended rear seat that can fit 3 people without any hassles.
Popular Convertibles Models
- Mini Cooper Convertible
- Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder
- Rolls-Royce Dawn
- Ferrari Portofino
- Aston Martin DB
SUV
Built with the power of a truck, this passenger-cum-off-roader beast that goes by the name of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) smoothly glides on uneven roads. It is built to carry 7-8 people easily on 4-wheel drive, with dynamic terrain and exceptional towing capacity. The separate body framework, higher ground clearance, classy interior, suspension, rear axle, and four-wheel drive make this vehicle an optimum pick for long drives.
A number of style variants can be found in the market, namely, Crossover SUV, Mini, Mid-Size, Full-Size SUV, Compact SUV, Coupe SUV, etc.
Popular SUV Models
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Jeep Wrangler
- Suzuki Jimmy
- Ford Bronco
MUV
Multi Utility Vehicles (MUVs) are similar to SUVs, 4-door, four-wheel drive, with vigorous suspension and terrain. Nevertheless, the seating capacity and the utility separate them both. This car body type is more spacious than an SUV with a passenger towing capacity of 8-10 people and is more utility-based in terms of fuel efficiency and engine power.
Popular MUV Models
- Mahindra Bolero
- Tata Sumo
- Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
- Maruti XL6
- Toyota Innova
CUV
Known for their unibody chassis construction, Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUVs) share similarities with SUVs and Station Wagons in almost all manners except for aesthetics. Its unibody platform marks its differentiation from the SUV.
Popular CUV Models
- Volkswagen Touareg
- Audi Q7
- Porsche Cayenne
Limousine
A Limousine or Limo is categorized as a long sedan with a separate driver/chauffeur cabin and a long stretched and luxurious gallery-like compartment for passengers to be seated. One can communicate with the driver through an intercom or by uplifting the glass door between the compartment and the cabin. Politicians or celebrities mostly use such cars.
Popular Limousine Models
- Rolls-Royce Phantom Limousine
- Mercedes-Benz Pullman
- Batmobile Limousine
Pickup Truck or Pickup Vehicle
Pickup trucks are light-duty vehicles that resemble a truck with a cabin, separate open cargo, and electric transmission is used in most of them. In general, such vehicles are majorly used for towing passengers.
Popular Pickup Trucks
- Jeep Gladiator
- Toyota Tacoma
- Jeep Forward Control
- Ram Pickup
- Toyota Tundra
Estate Car/Station Wagon
Estate Cars feature sedan car body types but still differ as they provide an extended roofline towards the rear, which merges the seats in the middle and cargo accessed via liftgate. Its construction has many fans as it has reduced the hefts of carrying luggage along with 5-6 people.
Popular Estate Car or Station Wagon Models
- Audi A4 Allroad
- Volvo V90 Cross Country
- Audi RS6 Avant
The above article has provided brief details of different car body types available in the market with an aim to eliminate the confusion regarding them.