The different types of cars on sale today can be identified in all sorts of ways. Whether it’s a hatchback, coupe, crossover or a sports car, knowing the differences between the various classifications will help you choose your perfect next new car, or the ideal used car.
The Different Types of Car
- City Car
- Supermini
- Family Hatch
- Family Car
- Coupe
- Convertible
- Hot Hatch
- MPV or People Carrier
- Small Executive Car
- Executive Car
- Luxury Car
- Performance Car
- Small SUV/Crossover
- Family SUV/Crossover
- Large SUV/Crossover
- Sports Car
- Supercar
- Pick-up Truck
- Electric Car
City Car
City cars are small by nature, which makes it easier for them to zip through town traffic and park in the tightest spots. It doesn’t mean they’re small on the inside, as the best are proper passenger cars, able to carry four adults plus luggage in the cargo area. Performance isn’t as important as comfort, fuel economy and low emissions. Some city cars are EVs (electric vehicles), which cuts out exhaust emissions completely, and lowers running costs, too. Low overall running costs are another essential in this class, and don’t forget a dash of style.
Three Great City Cars:
Fiat 500
Hyundai i10
Toyota Aygo X
Supermini
Superminis like the Audi A1, Suzuki Swift and Ford Fiesta are no longer just runarounds, but full-blown small family cars. Many contenders in this segment now come with front and rear doors, plenty of interior space, comfort and equipment, and they drive with plenty of pep. Practicality is a big selling point of these compact cars, though you may find a growing family will demand a bigger boot.
Three Great Superminis:
Ford Fiesta
Peugeot 208
Volkswagen Polo
Family Hatch
The family hatchback is the do-it-all choice of many new and used car buyers. While not quite as big as a full-size family car, most models offer a wide range of engine options, as well as a big selection of trims and equipment levels. Style is another key point, such as with the smart-looking Seat Leon, while keen running costs are another important factor. Almost every competitor in this class comes with top-notch safety kit, along with excellent cabin space, comfort and quality.
Three Great Family Hatches:
Ford Focus
Kia Ceed
Volkswagen Golf
Family Car
The name says it all, really, as the family car is for those who need to carry the whole clan on a regular basis. You can usually choose from saloon, hatchback and estate-car versions of many models, and most will cope with five adults plus holiday bags with ease. Affordable running costs are still vital in this class, as well as comfort and cabin versatility.
Three Great Family Cars:
Ford Mondeo
Skoda Octavia
Volkswagen Passat
Coupe
A coupe can take many forms. It can have two seats or be a four-seater, have a two-door or four-door car body, and have performance ranging from modest to supercar. Coupes range from a muscle car like the Ford Mustang to a sports car like the Porsche 911, or a four-door coupe like the Mercedes-Benz CLS. The key criteria for a coupe are sleek looks and style, with practical considerations taking more of a back seat. Even so, many coupes can be cost-effective to buy and run for those wanting to stand out from the crowd.
Three Great Coupes:
Audi TT
BMW 4 Series
Mercedes-Benz CLS
Convertible
Droptop, roadster, cabriolet or open-top – whatever you want to call it, a convertible is all about letting the fresh air in. You can pick from two-seater and four-seaters, with a folding fabric or metal roof, the latter often being called CC for coupe-cabriolet. Open-air fun is the big attraction here and modern convertibles are more than up to all-year driving.
Three Great Convertibles:
BMW 4 Series
Ford Mustang
Porsche 718 Boxster
Hot Hatch
These high-performance versions of mainstream family hatchback cars come with plenty of power, while still being usable and practical. Yet when you want to have some fun, they deliver impressive pace along with agile handling and a suitably raw exhaust note. Many of the most fun cars you can buy sit in this class.
Three Great Hot Hatches:
Ford Fiesta ST
Toyota Yaris GR
Volkswagen Golf GTI
MPV or People Carrier
The MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) is also known as a minivan or people carrier for good reason. Many come with seven seats as standard, and yet retain a decent boot for luggage. Versatility is the defining character as you can fold the rear seats to suit your needs.
Three Great MPVs:
Dacia Jogger
Ford Galaxy
Volkswagen ID Buzz
Small Executive Car
No company car park is complete without a selection of small executive cars. A premium badge marks out these saloon and estate models, made by the likes of Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar and Lexus. They come with all the prestige, comfort and equipment of their bigger executive car siblings, but at keener prices and with lower running costs.
Three Great Small Executive Cars:
Audi A4
BMW 3 Series
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Executive Car
The pinnacle of car buying for many drivers, these svelte saloons and estates deliver supple comfort alongside deft handling. There’s plenty of space up front and in the back, while generous boot space is a given. The best executive cars also offer wallet-friendly running costs.
Three Great Executive Cars:
Audi A6
BMW 5 Series
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Luxury Car
Think of a luxury car and names like Rolls-Royce and Bentley come to mind. They set they bar for supreme space, refinement and opulence, as well as offering plenty of leather, wood and labour-saving technology. There are other less expensive luxury offerings, such as the Audi A8 and Lexus LS, or the Range Rover for an SUV-style take on the theme.
Three Great Luxury Cars:
BMW 7 Series
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Rolls-Royce Phantom
Performance Car
A performance car is often based on a more humble model, such as is the case with the BMW M4 or Mercedes E53. What they have in common is sensational speed and top-drawer handling to entertain keen drivers. The result is that you get sports car pace with everyday usability.
Three Great Performance Cars:
Audi RS6
BMW M4
Mercedes-AMG E53
Small SUV/Crossover
Drivers love small SUV/crossover models like the Nissan Juke because you get all of the advantages of a small car with the added benefit of a higher driving position. Most are designed purely for driving in and around town, so don’t expect them to have much off-road capability, but do expect them to be fun, stylish and cheap to own.
Three Great Small SUV/Crossovers:
Ford Puma
Kia XCeed
Skoda Kamiq
Family SUV/Crossover
This size and shape of SUV is ideal for family drivers. These mid-sized models come with generous interiors and many offer the option of seven seats that can be folded to aid versatility. Style, comfort and refinement are also high on the list of priorities, along with low running costs.
Three Great Family SUV/Crossovers:
Range Rover Evoque
Skoda Kodiaq
Volvo XC40
Large SUV/Crossover
Whether it’s fitting in a large family plus luggage, or towing a horsebox, a full-size large SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) fits the bill. Many have four-wheel drive as standard, and some like the Land Rover Discovery have serious off-roading credentials with plenty of ground clearance. They also provide plenty of equipment and good on-road manners.
Three Great Large SUV/Crossovers:
Kia Sorento
Land Rover Discovery
Volvo XC90
Sports Car
Driving enjoyment is at the core of the sports car. It might be a convertible or hardtop, but zesty performance and great handling are a must. Good looks are another essential, yet a sports car need not break the bank, with choices such as the Mazda MX-5 and Audi TT available.
Three Great Sports Cars:
Mazda MX-5
Porsche 718 Cayman
Alpine A110
Supercar
Supercars send your senses tingling at first sight. The drive delivers amazing acceleration, superb handing and a thrilling engine sound. Speed is important, but some supercars like the Honda NSX have hybrid power to keep them clean and mean.
Three Great Supercars:
Ferrari F8
McLaren 720S
Porsche 911
Pick-up Truck
Pick-up trucks are workhorses where you can carry big stuff in the load bed and tow a trailer of up to 3.5-tonnes. All-wheel drive is common on many pick-ups as they often get used as an off-roader, and many have a crew cab with five seats.
Three Great Pick-Ups:
Ford Ranger
Nissan Navara
Toyota Hilux
Electric Car
Electric cars, or EVs (electric vehicles) come in all sorts of body styles, but what they have in common is zero tailpipe emissions. They run on battery power alone and are recharged by plugging them into an electricity source. The Nissan Leaf was one of the first practical electric cars, while the Porsche Taycan pushes the performance boundaries.
Three Great Electric Cars:
Renault Zoe
Tesla Model 3
Volkswagen ID.3