Automobile classification

Generally automobiles are classified on the basis of their functionality and according to their body style. Initial automobiles were primarily designed for transporting people. The power developed by the engine increased steadily due to the advancement in technologies. High power engines were fitted in specially designed frames (automobile body frame is often referred as chassis) to transport high loads, these vehicles are known as trucks. Public transport cars can be classified according to its body design and according to the purpose it has been designed for.

Now let’s see how cars are being classified according to the body design. There are three main categories according to the car body design. They are hatchback, sedan and estate cars. Hatchback cars are those whose cargo space and passenger cabin will be integrated together and they can be assessed from the rear door. Normally in hatchback cars the rear window will be fitted in the rear door itself. Rear door will be hinged horizontally, so that the door should be lifted up to access the cargo space. Sedan cars will generally have three segments. The first segment will be equipped with the engine and other control systems, second segment will be having two rows of seats for passengers. Sedans will offer big room space even for adults, this is why sedans are preferred by many people. Estate cars are those which has extended roof till the cargo space. Estate cars are used by people who need lot of cargo space; these cars will have their doors hinged vertically.


According to the purpose for which a car has been designed there are so many to be specified. According to the size cars have been classified in to micro car, sub compact car, compact car, mid-size car, and compact car. Earlier micro cars were having only three wheels, nowadays companies have stopped producing these vehicles (micro cars) because these vehicles are not preferred by people anymore. Mid-size and compact cars were generally classified according to their length and the space they have inside them. Open type cars are those which don’t have a roof to cover the passengers. Convertible type of cars has roof that can be folded and can be kept inside the cars cargo space (dickey). Sports cars are designed especially for the people who like to race in their car; these cars will be having combined features of performance and handling. Sports cars used to cost more than sedans or convertibles. High-end sports cars are called as ‘supercar’. Grand tourer is a car designed for people who used to travel long distances in car and these cars offers high-end performance. Roadster types of cars are those which don’t have roof, side windows and even a rear mirror. SUV is the abbreviation of Sport Utility Vehicle whereas MUV is the term for Multi-purpose Utility Vehicle, SUVs will be having 4x4 drive option (this enables the vehicle to driven in terrain conditions ). MUVs are generally used to handle logistics on a small scale.