general classification of cars based on the body styling and features is described in this presentation. This compilation from the internet source(wheelzine.com) may be useful to the students of Automobile Engineering.

1. Types of cars
M. Adimurthy

3. Since the invention of the first steam powered car in 1672, cars or automobiles have come a
long way to become an integral part of our lives. A closer look at the history of cars puts forth a
rough picture on how these machines just got better with time to reach where they stand today.
In contrast to the early models, which clocked a speed of 10 mph or so, the super-fast cars
available today boast of an average speed in the range of 150-200 mph. Speed is not the only
attribute which has undergone change for better; development is seen on all the fronts - and
that, in turn, helps us in classification of cars in different categories or types.
The last decade alone marked the introduction of several new car models - each having
something unique of its own. The latest addition in the auto industry comes in form of hybrid
cars, i.e. the cars which are powered by two different sources - one of which is green,
environment friendly source of power and other the regular gasoline or diesel. There also exists
the 'concept' of 'concept cars' - prototype vehicles made to give a glimpse of the future of
automobile world.
Over the years, these machines have just got better, and that is something which is expected to
continue with time. The integration of the prominent features of two different car types is also a
relatively new concept - and examples like sports sedan - a sedan which has the look and feel of
a sports car, look more than promising.

4. • The term 'car', in its broadest sense, is defined as a vehicle
which is used predominantly for the purpose of passenger
transportation. Basically, cars can be categorized into various
types on the basis of their shape, size, mechanical
specifications, performance, etc. However, it is very difficult
to come up with one specific formula and classify all the
existing cars on the basis of it.
Like we said earlier, overlapping features make it difficult to
tag a car in a single category. A particular car model can be
categorized as a sports car as well as a convertible; the Audi
R8 Spyder is by far the best example of this. There also exist
cars which share the features of SUVs and station wagons in
varying degrees, and are referred to as crossover utility
vehicles or CUVs.

5. With a perfect classification of cars virtually
impossible, the next best thing is to opt for a
generic classification and make a list of the most
popular types of passenger cars.
A generic list does serve the purpose as it makes
it easier for the consumer to decide which of
these car types he would like to opt for. The
examples of some of the most popular car types
to be seen on the streets nowadays, given below
will help you get a better understanding of the
same.

6. Convertibles are small cars with a roof which can be either folded or detached, thus
allowing the user 'convert' this car from an enclosed vehicle to an open-air type. There exist
two variants of this car type - soft top convertibles, wherein the roof is made of vinyl or
canvas, and hard roof convertible, wherein the roof is made of plastic or steel.
The retracted roof is folded and placed inside or over the trunk of the vehicle. Some
convertibles require manual folding of the roof, while others facilitate automatic retraction -
most of the modern convertibles fall in the latter category. At times, detaching the roof can
be a tedious task, and buying a power-assisted variant can save you a great deal of trouble.

7. • The retracted roof is folded and placed inside or over the
trunk of the vehicle. Some convertibles require manual
folding of the roof, while others facilitate automatic retraction
- most of the modern convertibles fall in the latter category.
At times, detaching the roof can be a tedious task, and buying
a power-assisted variant can save you a great deal of trouble.
Although most of the convertibles are two-seater and feature
two doors, four-seater convertibles with two or four doors are
also available. Some of the popular convertibles that we get
to see on the streets today are the Ford Mustang, Volkswagen
New Beetle, Dodge Avenger, Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder,
Pontiac Sunfire, etc.

8. Coupes are small two-door two-seater cars, at times four-seater, with a roof which is
typically inclined towards the rear. The unique design of a four-seater coupe - and its
relatively cramped interior with the distance between the front and rear seats reduced
drastically, makes it appear and feel like a shortened version of a sedan type.
A two-seater coupe, on the other hand, looks as good as a sports car - though it doesn't
necessarily feel like one. You are likely experience the issue of cramping in four-seater
coupe - especially when you occupy the rear seat.

9. • Some of the famous coupe models on the streets today
happen to be the Bentley Continental GT Coupe,
• Aston Martin DBS,
• Chevrolet Monte Carlo,
• Jaguar XJ (X351),
• Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and
• Saturn Ion 4-door coupe.

10. Hatchbacks are cars which incorporate the passenger space with cargo space in such a manner
that you get to tuck all your luggage inside through the large-hinged door which opens upwards
and gives access to cargo space from the tailgate. These cars are usually described as three-door
or five-door hatchbacks, due to the presence of an extra door to access the cargo space.
The cargo space of these medium-sized cars is accessible from the rear seat, as opposed to the
separate trunk in sedans. In terms of size, hatchbacks range from subcompact cars to mid-size
cars; and that comes as a boon for these vehicles as it is convenient to use them in city traffic.
Some of the most popular hatchback models seen on the road nowadays include names like the
Audi S3, Geo Metro, Dodge Caliber, Mini Cooper, Chevrolet Aveo, Lexus CT 200h, etc.

11. Minivans are mid-sized cars, taller than the sedans or hatchbacks, which are best known for
their spacious interiors. These cars are also referred to as multipurpose vehicles (MPV) or multi-
utility vehicles (MUVs) as they are used for passenger as well as cargo transportation.
In some minivan models, the seats can be folded to convert the passenger car into a utility
vehicle. While most of these cars are front wheel drives, four wheel drive minivans are not really
rare. Yet another peculiar feature that you get to see in most of the minivans is a sliding door
which makes the task of loading cargo a whole lot convenient.
Some of the most popular minivan models to be seen today are the Dodge Grand Caravan,
Volkswagen Routan, Kia Carnival, Hyundai Entourage, Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, etc.

12. Sedans range from mid-sized to large models, and typically feature two rows of
seats with ample space unlike the coupe type. While two teenagers sitting on the
rear seat of a coupe will feel a bit cramped up, two adults can take the rear seat of
a sedan without having any such feeling - and that makes these cars ideal for
families.

13. Sedans, especially the large models, are equipped with a powerful engine and
sport plush, spacious interiors. While their relatively large size can make their use
in cities a bit difficult, the same does enhance their safety features. Sedans are by
far the most common cars, and are further categorized into luxury sedans - with
plush interiors which redefine the concept of luxurious ride, and sports sedans -
which look and feel sporty due to its tweaked design and powerful engine.
Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, Ford Taurus, BMW 7 Series, etc. are
some examples of sedans available in different parts of the world today.
Luxury Sedans - Maserati Quattroporte, Lincoln Town Car and Rolls-Royce Ghost
Sports Sedans - Aston Martin Rapide, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Lexus IS-F

14. Sports cars don't really need any introduction; these power packed two-seater cars, specifically
designed to clock unbelievable speeds, are popular among all age groups.
Their prominent features include a muscular engine, sleek looks based on the laws of
aerodynamics, amazing maneuverability, limited seating capacity and lack of cargo space - the
last two features makes them light and adds to their power. Even though these cars look and
feel a lot like a luxury coupe or a muscle car, they should not be confused with either of the
two.
Sports cars are no doubt expensive, but these cars are meant for people who don't like to
compromise on power and looks. A sports car from a renowned manufacturer - with the ability
to clock 200 mph or accelerate from 0-60 in less than 7 seconds, is bound to come with a price
tag in excess of $400,000.
Some of the most popular sports cars available today are Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, SSC
Ultimate Aero TT, McLaren F1, Ultima GTR, Ferrari Enzo and Jaguar XJ220.

15. Sport-utility vehicles - or SUVs that they are
often referred to as, are vehicles designed
for driving on regular roads as well as off-
road terrain. In some countries, SUVs are
also referred to as the off road vehicles. The
prominent features of SUVs include
exceptional ground clearance, four-wheel
drive and rugged styling. Not all four-wheel
drive vehicles qualify as SUVs though, as this
feature is also seen in other types of
vehicles
nowadays.
While an SUV and a station wagon may seem identical, the fact that the latter is built on a
light-weight chassis differentiates the two. Sport-utility vehicles are further categorized
into three different types compact SUVs, midsize SUVs and full size SUVs. Though
versatile, these vehicles can cost you a fortune when it comes to ownership and
maintenance.
Some SUV models which have become popular with time are:
Compact SUV - Hyundai Tuscon, Jeep Compass, Range Rover Evoque Midsize SUVs -
Chevy Traverse, Ford Escape, Range Rover Sport Full Size SUVs - Toyota Sequoia, Ford
Explorer, Lincoln Navigator

16. The five-door vehicle - with the fifth door at the rear giving access to the cargo
area, also features a tailgate opening which ensures easy loading and unloading of
cargo. Though the concept is similar to that of a hatchback, the two car types differ
from each other - especially in terms of size.
The popularity of station wagons has gone down of late, mainly due to the
emergence of sport-utility vehicles and other small cars - both categories banking
on a specific characteristic trait.
Some station wagons which are seen on roads now include models like the Honda
Accord wagon, Nissan Avenir, Volvo 245DL Wagon, etc.
Station wagons are passenger
vehicles featuring a relatively long
roof and an ample cargo area in the
rear. Though the cargo space in these
vehicles is less compared to that of
minivans, one can't ignore the fact
that it has passenger space which is
at par with a sedan.

17. If coming up with a concrete classification of different types of cars is
difficult - because of overlapping features, finding out which is the best
model in each of these categories is even more intriguing. Depending on
your requirement, you should ideally choose a car that suits your needs the
best. A coupe might be ideal for a couple, but you will have to give it a
serious thought if you are a family of four.
Each type has its own pros and cons; one to take these pros and cons into
consideration before opting for the same.
convertible-ferrari-in-puerto-banus sports-car

18. Infiniti-qx80-luxury-suv
Mercedes-benz-200-sedan
Sports-car
Super-sports-car

19. sports-car Convertible-Lamborghini
Citroen-grand-c4-Picasso