In a country as diverse as India, our roads are a reflection of our culture—dynamic, vibrant, and full of character. From bustling cities to beautiful countryside highways, every journey tells a story, and the car you drive becomes an important part of that story. But with a range of options available in the market, how do you decide which car fits your needs, lifestyle, and aspirations?
Whether you’re a city commuter looking for compact efficiency, a family seeking comfort and space, or an adventurer craving the thrill of rugged terrains, the Indian automobile market has something for everyone.
Hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and more – these different types of cars bring their unique features to the table.
This blog aims to simplify the maze of car types in India, helping you decode different types of cars that not only suit your requirements but also elevate your driving experience. So, buckle up as we take you on a ride through the fascinating world of cars, and discover which one speaks to you!
List of Different Types of Cars
Hatchback
In India, hatchbacks rank among the most popular car body types in terms of total sales. A car body type having four doors and an additional rear hatch that opens upward to access the boot space is called a hatchback. Typically built with small bodies, hatchbacks are ideal for carrying up to five people in comfort. However, the most notable aspect of this car is the boot, which is a room beneath the back seats that is part of the vehicle rather than being a distinct area. As a result, opening a hatchback’s hinged boot is essentially opening the vehicle itself.
Because they are small enough to fit on narrow streets and are easy to maneuver through traffic, hatchbacks are regarded as the ideal vehicles for city driving. They are easy to park because of their compact two-box shape and are a perfect fit in the list of types of cars in India.
Hatchbacks typically have an engine capacity of 0.8 to 1.5 liters and a size of less than 4 meters, while there is no set standard for size or engine displacement. This segment’s exceptional fuel economy and reasonable price point are its most notable features.
Some of the popular Hatchbacks are the Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Tata Altroz, Hyundai i20, Maruti Suzuki Swift, and Renault Kwid.
Sedan
Compared with standard cars, sedans are more spacious, comfortable, and luxurious, which makes them perfect for long-distance travel and family outings. Because of the increased legroom, larger boot space, and increased passenger capacity, they provide a comfortable ride, particularly on highways. From basic models for first-time buyers to fully equipped luxury models with amenities like leather interiors, safety devices, and automated climate control, sedans come in a variety of styles, that’s why it’s one of the best types of cars in India.
Some of the Popular Sedans are Tata Tigor, Skoda Slavia, Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Honda City. Perfect for highways, city roads, and long-distance travel.
Notable features are a roomy cabin, a sizable boot, and a comfortable driving experience.
SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
Because of their large interiors and high ground clearance, SUVs are strong vehicles that perform well in challenging terrain and stand out on the road. Large families or anybody with a lot of luggage will love them. All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) are features of modern SUV vehicles that improve road visibility when used off-road. SUVs are one of those different types of cars that appeal to both urban buyers looking for big, strong vehicles and outdoor enthusiasts.
Some of the popular SUVs are the MG Hector, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Mahindra XUV700, and Tata Safari. Perfect for long road excursions, off-roading, hilly terrain, and big families.
Notable features include a large interior, robust design, off-road capability, and high ground clearance.
MUV (Multi Utility Vehicle)
MUVs are perfect for big families and businesses since they can carry more people and goods than standard cars. They’re ideal for highway travel, long-distance driving, and intercity travel because of their spacious interiors and adjustable seats. Modern innovations that make all passengers more comfortable, such as entertainment systems, rear air vents, and captain seats, are what make MUVs so popular among different types of cars.
Some of the Popular MUVs are Renault Triber, Kia Carens, Mahindra Marazzo, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Toyota Innova Crysta.
Perfect for commercial use, big families, and intercity travel. Notable features include plenty of seating, adaptable room, and ease of use for extended travel.
Coupe
A coupe is a two-door vehicle that is fast, stylish, and efficient. It provides excellent road handling, speed, and dynamic power. It might not be appropriate for daily commuters or large families, though, because of the restricted seating and cargo space. Despite this, coupes are perfect for people who value elegance, speed, and a sleek exterior.
Some of the popular coupes are the Jaguar F Type, Ford Mustang, Mercedes Benz C Class Coupe, Audi A5, and BMW 2 Series.
Perfect for city drivers, performance aficionados, singles, and couples. Notable Features include a compact size, strong engines, and a sport-oriented body style, making it a top choice among different types of cars in India.
Want to Own a Luxury Car? Read about top luxury car brands in india
Convertibles
Open-top drivers love convertibles because of their retractable roofs, which make them perfect for sunny weekends. These high-end cars have a powerful engine, a refined interior, and an attractive body shape. Due to their limited seating and cargo capacity, they are best suited for pleasure drives in India rather than long-distance driving as they are not fit for local weather or long distances.
Some of the Popular Convertibles are the Porsche 718 Boxster, Audi A3 Cabriolet, BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet, and Mini Cooper Convertible.
Perfect for city cruises, long weekends, and coastal trips. A retractable roof, sophisticated design, and opulent interior are striking features.
Key takeaway
Essential needs, lifestyles, and preferences are some factors that should be taken into account when selecting a suitable car for oneself in India. This holds for both small cars meant for city driving and huge SUVs, which are ideal for exciting, adventurous road trips. You will find it easier to choose the next time you go to purchase a car if you are familiar with different types of cars, their body shapes, and styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What distinguishes an automobile from others?
The code that uniquely identifies a particular car is its vehicle identification number (VIN). Since the VIN is unique to each vehicle in use, it acts as the vehicle’s fingerprint. A VIN serves as a vehicle’s unique identification and is made up of 17 characters, including capital letters and numerals.
What kind of car body is most common in India?
In India, hatchbacks are the most common vehicle body style. They are inexpensive, compact, and fuel-efficient.
How can one distinguish between different car types?
A car’s size, shape, seating capacity, and other characteristics can be used to determine its type.
What is a car’s primary purpose?
Automobiles are typically four-wheeled vehicles with internal combustion engines that run on volatile fuels. They are primarily made for passenger transportation.
Can I modify the type of body my car has?
Yes, you may alter the type of body that your car has. However, you can run afoul of the law because this is a costly and complicated procedure. Usually, only race cars or show cars used to do that.
