Hatchback
Hatchbacks are defined by what is known as a ‘two-box’ design where there are separate box areas for the engine and then the cabin combined with the boot.
The boot and rear window on hatchbacks lift as one part on a roof-mounted hinge and this is classed as a door, which is why they are referred to as 3 or 5 door cars.
In the back of hatchbacks, the rear seats can often be adjusted to lay flat (or partly) to create a larger boot area too.
Hatchback model examples:
- Volkswagen Golf
- CUPRA Leon
- Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Saloon
Compared to the two-box hatchback, a saloon is often described as a ‘three-box’ car as they include three separate areas – an engine area, a cabin area, and a separate boot area.
A saloon will typically seat five passengers and has a fixed roof that maintains full height from the front to the back-rear windows. The longer wheelbase allows more room for passengers too and it is also quieter as the boot is separated from the cabin area.
However, the compromise often comes with boot space, which tends to be smaller than that offered by hatchbacks.
Saloon model examples:
- Audi A6
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class
- BMW 5 Series
Coupé
A coupé is essentially a 2-door version of a saloon model. The shape of a coupé is often the giveaway as the back of the car slopes down and typically has a saloon-style boot, giving them a more streamline and sleek look.
The sloping design does mean that there is less space for passengers seated in the back though.
Coupé model examples:
- Audi TT
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé
- Jaguar F-Type
Estate
Estates tend to be based on saloons or hatchbacks but with an extended rear which includes a boot that goes from the bottom of the car to the top. Not only this, but the rear seats also fold down to create a van-like space at the back of the car. This makes them extremely practical if extra luggage space is needed.
Some manufacturers have additional terms they use for their estate models range such as ‘SW’ for Station Wagon and ‘ST’ for Sports Tourer.
Estate model examples:
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Audi A4 Avant
- BMW 3 Series
Convertible (Cabriolet / Roadster)
A convertible is essentially a coupé with a retractable roof that can either be fabric (soft-top) or metal (hard-top). They are desirable and attractive cars that are great to drive with the added bonus of having the roof down when the weather is nice.
However, because of the storage space needed for the retractable roof, boot space is often at a premium.
There isn’t really a difference between convertible and cabriolet other than the manufacturer’s preference; however, roadsters are seen as a ‘sub-category’ as they include the retractable roof but are usually two-seater sports cars.
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Convertible / Cabriolet examples:
- Audi A5 Cabriolet
- Bentley Continental GTC
- Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet
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Roadster models examples:
- Mazda MX-5
- Porsche Boxster
- Ferrari 812 GTS
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SUV (Crossover / 4X4 )
SUVs or ‘Sports-Utility Vehicle’ has become an umbrella term for a variety of vehicles that come in all shapes and sizes, and a number of characteristics. The SUV class can include 4x4s, crossovers and off-roaders.
An SUV was originally used to refer to cars that were rugged, sturdy and that included four-wheel drive for off-road use. They offered a spacious interior and a big boot too. While some SUVs are still made for off-roading, overall modern SUVs are designed to be like any other car you’d drive on the road.
However, what all variations of an SUV does offer is a spacious interior and a large boot along with a comfortable, solid drive. Plus, in an SUV you sit slightly higher off the ground which some people prefer and is helpful for people with Motability issues.
Crossovers are taller than a hatchback and are essentially a small SUV. When you see a ‘4×4’ this refers to the drivetrain, which means it has nothing to do with the body type and can be a feature of any car.
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SUV model examples:
- Range Rover
- CUPRA Formentor
- Mazda CX-60
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Crossover model examples:
- Kia XCeed
- BMW X1
- Volkswagen Taigo
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MPV (People carrier)
The term ‘MPV’ stands for ‘Multi-Purpose Vehicle’. These cars are also often referred to as people carriers and resemble an extended estate with a tall roof and larger cabin area. They are very practical, offering more passenger capacity on board and generally seat from five to eight people. You could also fold the rear rows down and create a van-like loading bay.
The main criticism levelled at MPVs is that they are often not very appealing to the eye, but it’s worth seeing past this given how practical they can be. MPVs have fallen out of favour in recent years due to the SUVs growing popularity, but several manufacturers still offer them.
MPV / People carrier model examples:
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz
- BMW 2 Series Active Tourer
- Mercedes-Benz V Class
Sports Car
Sports cars are designed with an emphasis on high-performance, with rapid acceleration, top speeds and excellent handling. Often having only two seats’ sports cars tend to be less practical than most other cars, however if you enjoy the thrill of driving that can often be overlooked for your dream sports car.
Sports car model examples:
- Porsche 911
- Aston Martin DB12
- Lotus Emira
City Car/Supermini
A city car is basically just a very small hatchback. They are compact and efficient but are smaller than other cars on the market. It’s named after its suitability for busy city streets.
A supermini is a compromise between a hatchback and a city car. Superminis are bigger than city cars and can comfortably fit two adults in the back. However, they aren’t as big or comfortable as a hatchback.
City car/ Supermini model examples:
- Volkswagen Polo
- smart #1
- Kia Picanto