Types of Cars

Just take a look at the cars on the road and you will be able to spot many different types of cars available, more than you may ever realise. They vary in many different ways and some are better suited for certain purposes over the others. It is hence good to have an idea of the different types of cars available especially if you are interested and planning to get one so that you can choose a car type that best suits your needs. 

The different types of cars are as follows:

Sedan

A sedan, also known as Saloon, is one of the most basic car we see on the road. A passenger car with 4 doors, it has room for 5 people.
Some examples are: Audi A4, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Passat.

Hatchback

The difference between a sedan and a hatchback lies in the cargo access. In sedans, the trunk space is separated from the rear seats while in most hatchbacks, the rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo space. Hatchbacks also have a rear door which swings upwards when opened.
Some examples are: Honda Civic and Mazda 3.

Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV)

A MPV is often known as a minivan or a family car due to its greater headroom and legroom. It is taller than a sedan and most can carry between 5 to 7 people.

Some examples are: Volkswagen Sharan and Ford S-Max.

Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)

SUVs are usually four-wheeled drive vehicles and have high ground clearance with huge tyres and body. They have powerful engines and hence, have poor fuel efficiency. They are designed to be driven off-road on rough textured grounds but are also driven in cities.

Some examples are: Toyota Land Cruiser and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Sports 

Most sports cars are two-seaters so that they are smaller and lighter and have better performance and handling, both of which are the main features of a sports car.
Some examples are: Audi S3 and Jaguar F-Type.

Crossover

A crossover essentially has the combined features of a hatchback and an SUV. They use unibody construction unlike the body-on-frame platform used in SUVs and also provide soft-roading capabilities. 

Some examples are: Volvo S60 Cross Country, Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Hyundai Santa Fe

Convertible

A convertible is also known as a cabriolet and it has a roof structure that can be converted to allow for open-air or enclosed driving. The top of the car can be a soft folding top or a retractable hardtop roof.

Some examples are: Chevrolet CamaroZL1, Porsche 718 Boxster and Mazda MX-5 Miata

Hybrid

Hybrid cars are known for their fuel economy and has both a gas engine and electric motor to operate the vehicle. Hybrid cars are rising in popularity for reasons like its environmental friendliness and lower fuel costs.
Some examples are: Toyota Yaris Hybrid and Hyundai Ioniq.

Station wagon

One way to identify a station wagon is through its roof line - if its roof line continues past the rear doors, it is a wagon. Station wagons are similar to their sedan counterparts in terms of passenger room and driving characteristics but offer more room for cargo. Some larger wagons may also offer an additional row of seats. 

Some examples are: Volkswagen Golf SportWagen, Audi A4 Allroad and Volvo V90 Cross Country

Diesel Car

Diesel cars run on diesel instead of gasoline which makes them more fuel efficient. Diesel may cost more than petrol initially but in the long run, a diesel car can help you to save more than an equivalent car running on petrol. 

Some examples are: Chevrolet Cruze Diesel

Hope this post helped you have a better idea on the different types of cars now!

If you are interested in buying a car, it is your first time and you have absolutely no idea how to go about it, head on to my post on How to buy a car in Singapore for a detailed guide and information!

Also, if you are unsure whether to purchase a new car or get a used car, check out this other post of mine to see a comparison of the pros and cons of both so that you can make a better and informed decision.