Car Classes: Here Are The Different Classes of Cars by Body Style

On January 29, 1886, Carl Benz applied for a patent for his “vehicle powered by a gas engine.” The patent number 37435 may be regarded as the birth certificate of the automobile.

As of then the sold purpose of the automobile was to convey goods from one place to another.

In trying to solve the problem of mobility for goods as at then, it believed that those engineers were faced with hurdles to cross and in trying to solve each of such problems brought about more inventions upon inventions.

currently, we have thousands of motives for improving the automotive system and that is why we are getting many types of automotive vehicles.

Technology has also played a key role in the rapid expansion of the automobile industry with different car brands exploring as much technology as they can afford to improve their brands.

Classifying the different automobiles now rest on the governing bodies of different countries.

Primarily we have the official and nonofficial classification. For the purpose of this review, we will work with the official naming, and below are the classes of cars by body style.

Convertible

Convertible
source:forbes

Initially referred to as a cabriolet, the convertible as it is known today is synonymous with the open road, freedom, and adventure.

This is a car with the ability to fold or pull off its roof completely (open top)it comes as a two and four-door car.

Peugeot produced the first operated power-operated retractable hardtop in the 601 Eclipse model in 1934. Followed by Chrysler who manufactured theirs in 1941 for the Thunderbolt.

Today, we have convertibles with the best designs, performance and safety. Lamborghini Aventador is a perfect example

Coupe

Coupe
source:carbuzz

In the 18 century, the name coupe was first given to horse-drawn carriages designed for two people and didn’t have rear-facing seats.

From there came the coupe car designed typically to consist of only two doors and with a fixed roof.

The name coupe is a french word meaning (small passenger compartment), due to its popularity and demands, some automakers have come up with a controversial four-door coupe thereby breaking the long-standing tradition of the coupe. An example is Jaguar F-Type

Crossover

Crossover
source:pinterest

A crossover, crossover SUV, or crossover utility vehicle is a type of sport utility vehicle-like vehicle built with unibody frame construction. meaning the body and frame are built as one piece together.

Crossovers (also know as crossover utility vehicles or CUVs) are lighter, more fuel-efficient versions of the traditional SUV.

Because of their unibody frame (single-body) construction instead of a body-on-frame design. They feel more like cars with superb handling as compare to SUVs.

The unibody configuration does not give room for the Crossover to tow or haul heavy loads though some are still able to pull a considerable amount of load. Examples are the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, and Dodge Journey

Hatchback

Hatchback
source:autocar

It was first launched in 1938, the Hatchback is a car body configuration with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to a cargo area.

Hatchbacks may feature fold-down second-row seating, where the interior can be reconfigured to prioritize passenger or cargo volume.

Hatchbacks may feature two- or three-box designs. It offers sufficient fuel economy with practicality yet at an affordable price. An example is Hyundai Elantra GT.

Minivans

Minivans
source:forbes

Minivan is a North American car classification for vehicles designed to transport passengers in the rear seating row, with reconfigurable seats in two or three rows.

The equivalent classification in Europe is the M-segment, more commonly known as an MPV or a people carrier/mover. Examples: are Espace, Ford S-Max and Toyota Sienna

Pickup Trucks

Pickup Trucks
source:forbes

A pickup truck or pickup is designed as a light-duty truck that has an enclosed cabin and an open cargo area with low sides and a tailgate.

Yes back, some of the pickup trucks competed seriously with some of the SUVs popularity-wise as they were equipped with modern high-tech and classic interior with state-of-the-art infotainment. Examples are Ford ranger and Toyota Tundra

Sedan

Sedan
source:CarandDriver

The sedan is the most popular name among these classes as almost every household started driving with a sedan car.

A passenger car with four doors with a separate trunk. Sedans are described as having “three-box” bodies: the front box is home to the engine; the middlebox is larger and houses the passengers; and the third box, located in the rear, is the trunk.

Examples are; Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and full-size Toyota Avalon

Station Wagon

Station Wagon
source:pinterest

A station wagon also called an estate or simply wagon, is an automotive body-style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door, instead of a trunk/boot.

Examples are; Cadillac CTS-V Wagon and Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Turismo

SUV

SUV
source:youtube

The difference between a crossover and an SUV is just the build-up. An SUV is built on the same platform as a truck, also known as a “body on frame” design. All that means is the body and the frame are built separately and attached later on.

This gives the SUV enough power and weight to tow or haul heavyweight up to 9500 Ibs also accommodating eight.

This explains its consumption rate. Examples are; Ford Expedition  and GMC Yukon

Vans

Vans car
source:CarandDriver

vans are designed as ultimate haulers and they offer families-focused features such as power-sliding side doors and reconfigurable seats for hauling lots of people and their stuff, no other type of vehicle can provide the same amount of comfort and cargo space. An example is Honda Odyssey.

That is it on Car Classes: Here Are The Different Classes of Cars by Body Style. I hope this article was helpful. Kindly share it with your friends and loved ones!!!

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