Types of Cars

The world of automobiles offers a range of vehicle types, and each comes with its own set of advantages. Deciding on the type of car is one of the tough decisions that you may have to encounter during the purchase process.

Updated On - 13 Sep 2025

If you are living in a rural area that is free of any vehicular congestion, you may go for a large car that has ample space for all your requirements. City folks, on the other hand, must worry about the traffic in their cities especially when they are using the car for their everyday work commute and weekend outings.

Most importantly, the family of the vehicle user is another big factor to be considered. If there are more than 5 members in a family, a large SUV would be an automatic choice compared to a compact hatchback.

Other factors such as fuel efficiency, looks, luggage space requirement, etc. influence the purchase decision of a vehicle user. While the classification of cars based on body types is endless, we have narrowed the list to some of the commonly used types of cars in India.

The different types of cars that are available are mentioned below:

Hatchback

Hatchback is the most common type of car found in the India. A hatchback is a small car with 4-doors and a boot. Most hatchbacks in India are designed to seat 5 people inside. For better comfort, it is advisable to seat only 4 people at a time.

Among the many advantages of a hatchback, fuel efficiency is right on top. Being small and light, hatchbacks can provide better mileage than other cars. If you have a small family and fuel budget is a major concern, hatchbacks are the best car types to own.

Sedan

Sedan is another category that is very common in the Indian market. These cars are ideal for families, and they ensure adequate space for all requirements. Similar to a hatchback, a sedan comes with 4 doors for passengers and one for the boot space.

In the case of a sedan, the boot space is much larger and allows carrying luggage of different sizes. In certain cases, manufacturers convert the existing hatchback car into a sedan by adding extra boot space. Maruthi Swift Dzire is one of the top examples of this conversion.

SUV

Apart from hatchbacks and sedans, Sport-Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are among the most common in Indian roads. One of the major advantages of SUVs over other types of cars is the space.

A large family of 7 or 8 can comfortably sit in an SUV with adequate leg room. Most SUVs also come with enough space for carrying a great volume of luggages. In addition to space, SUVs are also known for their stylish looks and impeccable performance.

Multi-Utility Vehicle (MUV): Features & Types

MUV stands for multi-utility vehicle. As the name implies, these cars are intended for different usage. Though most of these vehicles share looks with SUVs, they are very different from SUVs in terms of build, design, space, and utility.

The body of MUVs are built in such a way that they can carry heavy loads. The interiors of MUVs are quite flexible, and they can be redesigned according to the convenience of vehicle owners. Based on the way in which they are built, these cars can carry a lot of passengers or large volumes of luggage.

What is a Crossover Car? Types and Characteristics

Crossovers are cars with body types that are a mix of the above-mentioned vehicle types. With the requirements of customers changing every day, manufacturers are coming up with new designs with different combinations.

The most common crossover found in Indian markets is the hybrid between a hatchback and an SUV. Most of these vehicles are designed in the shape of hatchbacks but have the look, feel, and engineering of SUVs. In the recent days, crossovers are getting increasingly popular in the Indian market.

Coupe Carsz: Definition, Types & Popular Models

Coupes come with a fixed-roof body style, and they have only 2 doors. Since they are most commonly available only in luxury models, coupes are not very popular among the general public in India.

While the traditional model coupe cars came only with 2 doors, manufacturers are now exploring their own design variants. It is not very uncommon to find coupes with 4 doors in North America and certain European countries. Coupes are well known for their stylish looks and luxury features.

Convertible Cars: Types, Benefits & Uses

This is another niche segment in the Indian market. Convertibles are mostly available only in the luxury segment, and there are only a few models available in India.

Convertibles take their name from the body design in which the roof structure can be removed as and when required. Most convertibles come with foldable roof structures that allow open-air driving during pleasant weather conditions.

These are some of the common types of cars that are popular among the general public in India. When it comes to body types, the actual number of vehicle models available in different countries across the world is pretty huge. In addition to the ones listed here, we have other types of cars including wagons, vans, pickup trucks, etc.

However, these are not frequently seen in Indian roads. The types listed here are pretty common in India, and they all come in affordable models suitable for the requirements of the average Indian user. When buying a car, you can make a quick comparison of these car types and choose the best one suitable for your specific requirements.

FAQs on Types of Cars

  • What are the key differences between Hatchback and Sedan cars?

    Hatchbacks have a rear door for easy cargo access, while sedans have a separate trunk for storage.

  • Which type of car is best suited for city driving?

    Hatchbacks and compact sedans are best for city driving because they are small and easy to park.

  • What makes an SUV different from an MUV?

    SUVs are built for rough roads and power, while MUVs focus on carrying more passengers comfortably.

  • Are Convertible cars practical for everyday use?

    Convertibles are great for fun drives but less practical for daily use due to weather and space limits.

  • How do different types of cars affect fuel efficiency?

    Smaller cars like hatchbacks use less fuel, while bigger cars like SUVs consume more.

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