Car Body Styles

Buying a car can be a tiring process, especially if it’s for the first time. Each person has extremely specific needs.
There are several factors to consider – price, family size, fuel type, mileage. If it is a second hand purchase, one may
even look at age of the car, number of owners and mileage.

One important factor that impacts this decision is the type of car body. On paper, it appears to be a relatively simple
factor for a customer. For instance, if a car is for a family of more than 5 people then it demands a large car. A car to
do the home to office and back, 5 times a week in city traffic might need a smaller sized car. There are several such
need gaps the Indian customer seeks to fulfil by buying a body type that suits him.

However, getting more specific, one realizes that there are several acronyms driven, confusion creating aspects of
body types.For example, what is the actual difference between a MUV and a SUV? Is there any difference between
an MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) and an MUV (Multi Utility Vehicle)? What is Compact Sports Utility Vehicle? These
are the kind of questions that can delay a customers buying decision.In this article we make an effort to briefly explain
different car body styles.

Car body types is a broad subject to deal with and the names given also vary from country to country.The names
aregiven depending upon design, utility, technology used and customization.In this article we mainly deal with the
names used in India.

Some of the important car body styles are as mentioned below.

1. Hatchback
2. Sedan
3. MUV/SUV
4. Coupe
5. Convertible
6. Wagon
7. Van
8. Jeep

Hatchback

Different Car Body Types

The small cars with 4 doors and a boot (dickey) door are classified under hatchback. Generally these are designed
for comfortable seating of 4 passengers and small boot space for putting one or two bags. The size of hatchback
varies depending upon design. It could be super mini, or a larger one. The design is same but interior size and
luggage space varies. Manufacturers constantly try their best to make improvements to their product range. For
example, the boot space of the new Hyundai Grand i10 is more from the first generation i10. Usually, hatchbacks are
extremely convenient for city driving as they are perfect in heavy traffic, help easy parking and give decent mileage.

Some of the examples for hatchback are Maruti Suzuki 800, Alto, Hyundai i10, i20, Fiat Grande Punto, Tata Indica,
Indica Vista and so on. Even Tata Nano and Mahindra Reva electric are classified under hatchbacks.
Sedan

Different Car Body Types

Sedans are the cars designed to for comfortable seating of 5 passengers. Sedans come with larger trunk sizes which
can be used for carrying larger amount of luggage.The features of sedan includes larger overall dimensions i.e.
length, width, height and wheel base. Many times the existing hatchback car design is itself used for sedan with boot
space extended.
Within the sedan class itself, there are wide varieties of options available depending mainly upon dimensions. These
larger vehicles would demand higher tax rates and hence overall cost also increases.The cost of car largely depends
upon manufacturing cost, road tax of particular state/territory etc.

Some of the examples of Sedan are Indigo eCS, Indigo Manza, Swift Dzire, Mahindra Verito, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai
Verna, Renault Scala, Honda Amaze, City, Civic, Accord, Chevy Sail, Cruze, Skoda Rapid, Laura, VW Jetta,Passat
and so on.

MUV/SUV

Different Car Body Types

Although the MUV (Multi Utility Vehicle) and SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) sport similar designs, the two are significantly
different. MUV vehicles are designed to create utility. There would be flexible seating options ranging from 7, 8, 9 and
10 so on. The body is built on chassis frame and can carry large amounts of luggage. Generally, there is compromise
on comfortand features in MUV’s versus SUVs. Best example for MUV would be a Mahindra Bolero or a Tata Sumo,
Force Motors Trax.

SUV are vehicles designed to use in all road conditions, ranging from highways to cross country roads.In this type,
importance is given for all factors such as usage of advanced technology for engine, gearbox, differential, 4WD
option, interior space. SUV’s have features suited for long drives,good technology for suspensions, and so on.The
main point about SUV is the importance given to fit and finish (both interior and exterior) and drive quality.

Vehicles such as Mahindra Bolero, Xylo, Tata Sumo, Force Trax and Toyota Innova are classified under MUV only.
Vehicle like Mahindra Scorpio, XUV 500 and Tata Safari Storme are classified under SUV because of their design
and ability to use in all road conditions. Even Skoda Yeti comes under SUV.

Vehicles like Toyota Fortuner, Honda C-RV, Mitsubishi Outlander, Montero, Ford Endeavour, BMW X1 and Audi Q
series are all classified under SUV but belong to higher price category.

Coupe
Different Car Body Types

Coupe is the name given to sedan cars with two doors only.The two doors are bit larger and though rear seat is
available in some models, one can go to inside through sliding of front seats. Here main importance is given to
styling, luxury and image. Coupe design is used mostly in European countries and in India though available, the
numberpeople that prefer this type is very less.

Examples for Coupe are Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe,Audi RS 5 Coupe and so on.

Convertible

Different Car Body Types

Convertible cars are the cars whose roof line can be removed or refitted as required. Generally it’s available in high
end luxury vehicles. Electro mechanical devices are used for step by step folding of the roof lines. In earlier vehicles
leather material were used. In modern vehicles the metal roof lines with design of folding part by part and eventually
rest on/in trunk part of the vehicle. Operating of a button is good enough for folding or putting back the roof linings.

Convertibles are more frequently used in cold countries wherein weather temperature is quite less and also roads
have lesser dusty conditions.It’s purely a preferred choice for persons with passion of using stylish cars and the feel
of air in hair when driving vehicle.

In India also there are quite a number of convertible cars available and till date it’s the most demanded design for the
customers looking for modification in their cars. However as most of Indian road conditions are hot, hard top sedans
are preferred more.

Some of the examples for convertible cars are Mercedes SL Class and Mini Cooper Convertible.

Wagon

Different Car Body Types

Wagon is the type of vehicle with good combination of hatchback and sedan. These models have advantage of larger
space behind the second row. It can be either used for luggage or for putting additional seats as required. The
dimensions are larger than hatchback in terms of width, height.

Some of the examples for Wagon Type are Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Mahindra Quanto, Tata Indigo Marina, Old
models like Tata Estate and so on. Even Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Nissan Evalia can be classified under wagon category.
The size varies but category is similar
VAN

Different Car Body Types

Van is the name given to cars with main perspective of flexibility in utilizing the interior space. It has options of varying
number of seats and hence luggage space .Best Example are the Maruti Suzuki Omni, Eeco.

There is difference in the vehicles (particularly Van) used purely for commercial purpose and for the one used for
passenger purpose.Example for commercial usage vehicle are Tata Ace,Tata Venture etc.

Pick up vehicle.

Different Car Body Types

Pick up vehicle (Pick up Van) is the term used for the MUV with separate space for luggage.Best example is Tata
Xenon XT. It has the combination of design of a MUV and that of a commercial pick up vehicle.There would be
spacious interiors for comfortable seating of 5 passengers and separate luggage space available behind the
passenger cabin.The dimensions of vehicle would be larger and body is built on chassis frame so that load carry
capacity can be considerably large. Generally it could be around 800Kg.

Jeep

Different Car Body Types

Jeep is a particular type of vehicle similar to that of MUV but there is option for hard top or soft top. Most famous in
India is Mahindra Thar in current scenario and Maruti SuzukiGypsy, Mahindra Jeep.

This type of vehicle has good combination of utility like that of a sports car and cost like that of a MUV and hence can
be best suitable one for cross country usage and taking out for adventure drive in forests.

Conclusion

This article’s main objective is to focus on car body styles used in the Indian scenario. As mentioned the names vary
in different countries and regions. Manufacturers do give new names for car body styles in order to get the advantage
of newness of terms. For example; Maruti Suzuki Ertiga is mentioned as LUV (Life Utility Vehicle) Mahindra XUV 500
as XUV (Extra Utility vehicle) and so on.

The main intention of article is to give and brief explanation of different car body styles and their distinguishable
features. We welcome viewers to share thoughts regarding the same.
The basic purpose of an automobile is to transport people, or goods from one place to
another. However depending on their use, automobiles are classified into various body
types, each different from another catering to specific consumer needs.

Car body types is a broad subject to deal with and the given names, depending upon
their design, utility, technology used and customization may also vary from country to
country. For common people it is confusing to decide the car type and in which segment
it falls. So, to help you out, here’s an article on the classification of cars on the basis of
their body types, most commonly available in our country.

Sedan:

A sedan is a passenger car in a three-box configuration with A, B & C-pillars. The

passenger compartment of sedans features two rows of seats and adequate passenger
space in the rear compartment for adult passengers. The primary purpose of the sedan
is to transport people and their baggage on ordinary roads. They have a central B-pillar
that supports the roof and come in 4-door as well as 2-door configurations.

It’s the most recognizable shape for a car, and even though the popularity of crossovers
is rapidly on the rise, still sedans are considered the most popular body type. Generally,
when it comes to driving pleasure, sedans simply offer more than any other body type.
They are economical and practical, plus there is also a distinct advantage of the safety
and security of having a proper, lockable boot.

The relatively low ride height keeps the weight closer to the ground and this low center
of gravity means that cornering, swerving and changing direction don’t upset a sedan’s
balance as badly as they do on an SUV.

Examples of sedans in our market include Toyota Corolla, Honda City, Nissan Sunny
and Suzuki Ciaz etc.
Hatchback:

A hatchback is a car body configuration with a rear door that swings upward to provide
access to a cargo area. Hatchbacks may feature fold-down second-row seating, where
the interior can be flexibly reconfigured to prioritize passenger vs. cargo volume.
Hatchbacks may feature two- or three-box design.

Hatchbacks have their own set of advantages, the foremost is the space. Modern
hatchbacks are quite spacious from inside but are relatively shorter in dimensions on
the outside, making it easy to maneuver them in congested traffic situations and can be
easily parked in tight spaces.

They are generally cheaper than any other car type, have relatively smaller engines (in
most cases), and are economical too, thus easier to run and maintain as well. Rear
seats in a hatchback can be fold and tumble forward to maximize luggage space.

Examples of hatchback include Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Alto, FAW V2 and Daihatsu Mira
etc.

Station Wagon:

A station wagon, also called an estate car, is a body-style variant of a sedan with its roof
extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a
liftgate/ tailgate, instead of a trunk/boot lid.

The body style transforms a standard three-box design to include an A, B, and C-pillar,
as well as a D-pillar. Station wagons can flexibly reconfigure their interior volume via
fold-down rear seats to prioritize either passenger or cargo volume.

They may look like larger hatchbacks but differ in terms of technical aspects. Although
both station wagons and hatchbacks typically share a two-box design configuration, with
one shared, flexible interior volume for passengers and cargo and a rear door for cargo
access, they offer variable distinctions, such as:
 Station wagons usually have windows aside the cargo volume. In a station wagon,
roof more likely extends to the very rearmost of the vehicle, enclosing a full-height
cargo volume. As opposed to hatchback roof that rakes down steeply behind the C-
Pillar, prioritizing style over interior volume, with shorter rear overhang and with
smaller or no windows aside the cargo volume.
 A station wagon may include reconfigured rear suspension for additional load
capacity, the hatchback doesn’t offer a reconfigured suspension for carrying cargo.
 Hatchbacks typically feature a top-hinged liftgate for cargo access, whereas Station
wagons can employ numerous tailgate configurations.

Examples of station wagons are Toyota Fielder, Nissan Wingroad, Toyota Probox and
Honda Airwave.

SUV

SUV (Sport Utility Vehicles) are typically a kind of station wagon/ estate car with off-road
vehicle features such as high ground clearance and ruggedness and four-wheel drive.
Many SUVs are built on a light-truck chassis but operated as a family vehicle, and
though designed to be used on rougher surfaces, are most commonly used within city
or highways.

SUVs are typically of a two-box design, with the engine compartment in front, and a
combined reconfigurable passenger and cargo compartment behind it, instead of having
a separate trunk.

SUVs typically have high ground clearance, larger wheels, a tall body and upright
seating. Though this can make them more likely to roll over (in event of high speed
cornering) due to their high center of gravity. Bodies of SUVs have recently become
more aerodynamic, but the sheer size and weight keeps their fuel economy poor.
Modern full-sized SUVs often offer features such as three-row seating, making them an
effective replacement of full-sized station wagons and minivans.

Depending on their size the SUVs can further be classified into mini SUVs, compact
SUVs, mid-size SUVs and full-size SUVs.

SUVs overtook lower medium segment cars to become the world’s largest automotive
segment in 2015, accounting for nearly 23% of global light vehicle sales ( as of 2015),
or 37% of the world’s passenger car market (2017).
Examples include Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Surf, Honda CR-V and Mitsubishi Pajero.

Crossover

A crossover or crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a vehicle built on a unibody car platform
combining features of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) with those of a passenger vehicle,
especially a station wagon or hatchback.

The term crossover emerged as a marketing tool and many consumers cannot tell the
difference between an SUV and a crossover. In simple terms, crossovers can be
defined as ‘wagons that look like sport utility vehicles, but ride like cars’.

The crossover combines SUV features such as a tall interior, high seating, high ground-
clearance, and in some cases AWD – with those of an automobile – including
independent rear suspension, car-like handling, lighter weight and better fuel economy
than truck-based vehicles.

A crossover may borrow features from a station wagon or hatchback, such as the two-
box design of a shared passenger and cargo volume with rear access via a third or fifth
door, most commonly a liftgate.

Crossovers are typically designed for only light off-road capability, and are offered with
front wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations.

Examples of crossovers in our market are Honda HR-V/ Vezel, Suzuki Vitara and
Toyota C-HR.

MPV

MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) or minivans are generally high-roof vehicles with a flexible
interior layout. MPV combines a high-roof, five-door, one- or two-box hatchback body
configuration with a mid-size platform, engine and mechanicals; car-like handling and
fuel economy; unibody construction and greater height than sedan or station wagon
counterparts.

The design offers higher seating, two or three rows of seating, easy passenger and
cargo access with sliding wide-opening rear doors and large rear hatch, and a re-
configurable interior volume with seats that recline, slide, tumble, fold flat or allow easy
removal—enabling users to reprioritize passenger and cargo volumes.

In recent years the MPV designs are greatly inspired by crossover & SUVs, making
them appear rugged and sporty as opposed to a typical van-like image from the past.
This has made consumers to confuse between MPVs and crossovers or SUVs.
Examples are Honda BR-V, Toyota Avanza and Suzuki APV.

Microvan

A microvan is a minivan that fits into Japanese kei car classification, being smaller than
an MPV. These microvans usually have two swinging front doors, two sliding rear doors
and a large tailgate. Seating can vary from two to nine; these seats are usually very thin
and vertical to optimise room.

The side windows in commercial-only versions of microvans are replaced by metallic

panels and sometimes call also as ‘blind van’. Some models also feature pick-up
variants with one or two seat rows. Engines usually have displacements under 1.0 liter;
in Japanese domestic market, microvans have a limit of 660cc.

Common examples are Suzuki Bolan, Nissan Clipper & Daihatsu Hi-jet etc.

Pickup

A pickup is a light duty truck having an enclosed cab and an open cargo area with low
sides and tailgate. Once considered as a work tool with minimum comfort, the pickups
in recent times (particularly the double cabin versions) are purchased primarily for
lifestyle reasons.
Examples of pickups are Toyota Hilux, Toyota Tundra, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max
etc.

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