Car classifications explained

Would you know how to classify your car? Is it a saloon or is it a sports car? Is it an SUV or a minivan? This information is vital, especially when you are considering buying a new motor. Cars are classified by what they can do and what purpose they serve. So in order to help you with this, we have compiled a list of commonly used car classifications to help you figure out what type of car you have, or want.

Saloon

This term is interchangeable with ‘sedan’ which is more commonly used. A saloon seats four or more people and as a result is described as a ‘passenger car’. This car will often feature a fixed roof that is level with the rear window. This rear window will usually slant into the trunk or the car which protrudes at the back. The engine resides in the front under what is called the ‘bonnet’ or ‘hood’ of the vehicle. These cars are particularly popular with families that have children, one example being the Mercedes C-Class.

Sports Car

These are small, usually two door vehicles with high performance statistics. Designed to be quick accelerators and nimble when handled, they were originally conceived for the art of racing. Manufacturers aim to keep the weight down. Many luxury brands are known for their sports cars and the expensive price associated it. However, not all sports cars are extraordinarily priced; for instance, the Mazda MX-5 costs a not so extravagant 24,000 USD.

SUV

Standing for sports utility vehicle (SUV), these types of motors are equipped with four wheel drive for both on and off road driving capabilities. They are similar to station wagons and have a lot of space internally, so are good for journeys when one plans to take a lot with them. They are also notoriously known for their high fuel consumption and are being supplanted by the crossover SUV, which aims to counteract the traditional SUV’s large weight and poor fuel consumption.

Hatchback

A hatchback is a car configured with a rear door, that swings upwards to provide access to the cargo area. Hatchbacks can feature fold-down seating that helps to create extra cargo space.

Hatchbacks come in a range of sizes, with station wagons falling under this category. These cars are popular with inexperienced road drivers as the smaller versions tend to be easier to handle. An extremely popular hatchback is the Volkswagen Golf.

Station Wagon

Also known as an estate car, a station wagon is a variant of a saloon, with the roof extended all the way to the back of the boot. One of the main features of a station wagon is its ability to reconfigure the interior to create more cargo space. These vehicles are ideal for large shopping excursions or moving large amounts of items/goods from one location to another. A great example of a station wagon is the Audi A4 Avant. These vehicles are to a certain extent stretched hatchbacks.