When it comes to choosing a car, drivers are faced with more choices than ever before, which can make it all the more harder to make a decision. Do you pick a hatchback or an SUV, an estate car or an MPV?
To decide on the best type of car for you, firstly you’ll need to establish what is needed from the vehicle. Whether it’s for the daily commute or school run, for walking the dogs or weekend camping trips, this will influence what type of car would suit you best.
Specialising in the sale of high quality used cars, at Windmill Motors we are here to help. Within this dedicated blog about the different car body types available in the UK, we explain more about the body style of each car, so you can determine the ideal vehicle for you.
What is a car body type?
A car body type identifies the shape and style of a car, based on size and design. Varying from low and sporty styles to tall box-like builds, each type falls into one of ten categories. Of course, there can often be some crossover between the different body styles. The ten main car body styles in the UK are:
- Supermini
- Hatchback
- Convertible
- Saloon
- Coupé
- Estate
- Crossover
- SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
- 4x4
- MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)
Which car body type is right for me?
Before we explain all the different car body types available to you, have a think about what you need from a car. Your decisions will help determine the best car body style to meet your needs. Here are just a few points to consider when choosing a car:
- The kind of driving you’ll be doing and what the car will be used for
- How many passenger seats you’ll typically need
- The amount of space you’ll require in the cabin and boot
- How much you can afford to pay
What are the different car body types available in the UK?
Below we explain the different types of car body styles available to you. Starting from the smallest to largest cars on the market, each description will give you a better idea of which body style to opt for…
Supermini cars
Sometimes referred to as ‘city cars’, superminis are small compact cars that offer both practicality and affordability. Supermini cars are an ideal choice if you’re looking for a small-sized car that is easy to park, cheap to run, yet still capable of comfortably seating four adults.
Supermini car examples: Citroën C1, Fiat 500, Hyundai i10, and Toyota Yaris.
Hatchback cars
Probably the most recognisable type of car here in the UK, hatchbacks can range in size from more compact vehicles to larger family-sized motors. A hatchback car is so-called because it has a boot (tailgate) with a rear window that flips upwards. Hatchbacks are favoured for their practical and economical benefits, and are available in three or five door options.
Hatchback car examples: Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Golf.
Convertible cars
Perfect for sunny days, convertible cars are those with a roof that can be retracted. Also known as a cabriolet, open top or soft top car, convertibles come in different shapes and sizes, but are often associated with the traditional two-seater roadster style vehicles, such as the Mazda MX-5. The retractable roof of a convertible will either be operated manually or electronically, and can be soft or hard-roofed.
Convertible car examples: Audi A5 Cabriolet, BMW Z4, MINI Convertible and Porsche 718 Boxster.
Saloon cars
In essence, a saloon car is a vehicle with a separate boot, so there isn’t access to the cabin and rear seats - unlike a hatchback. Also known as a sedan, saloons are often considered as a car for executive types. Because of this, they tend to be less practical than other body styles on the market - especially if you’re looking for a family friendly vehicle.
Saloon car examples: Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Jaguar XF and Mercedes-Benz C Class.
Coupé cars
The difference between a coupé and a saloon car can be confusing, but to distinguish between the two, a coupé can be identified as a low slung sporty car with two doors. Similar in shape to a saloon car due to the sloping roof, a coupé has the style of a hatchback but is longer and lower down. To add to the confusion, the likes of BMW now make larger size coupé’s with five doors, known as a Gran Coupé.
Coupé car examples: Audi TT, Jaguar F-TYPE, Lexus RC and Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé.
Estate cars
Typically, estates are large-sized executive type cars that are built for practicality. Boasting a large capacity boot and space inside for all the family, estate cars are essentially a bigger style of hatchback. An estate car’s longer roofline favours those that need plenty of space for luggage.
Estate car examples: Audi A6 Avant, BMW 3 Series Touring, Skoda Superb Estate and Volvo V60.
Crossover cars
Dominating the new car market, the popularity of crossover cars are on the rise and there’s no signs of them slowing down anytime soon. A diverse segment, crossover cars are those that have the look of an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle - more on this type of car, below) and the practicality of a hatchback. Crossovers are cars that are dual-purposed and have the blend of two different body styles - those that have ‘crossed’ over.
Crossover car examples: Fiat 500X, Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 2008 and Volkswagen T-Cross.
SUV cars
An SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) is the obvious option for many family car buyers. With so many SUVs on the market, they come in various shapes and sizes depending on your requirements. SUVs are designed to be taller and wider than a standard hatchback, with the driver’s position being higher up - much like the driving position in a 4x4.
SUV car examples: Hyundai Tucson, Nissan X-Trail, Renault Captur and Skoda Karoq.
4x4 cars
Not to be confused with an SUV, 4x4 cars - also referred to as off-roaders - are powered by an engine that sends power to all four wheels. As such, 4x4s have excellent off-roading capabilities which make for perfect companions in the countryside. Robust and hardworking, 4x4s aren’t the cheapest cars to buy and are generally quite expensive to run.
4x4 car examples: Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender, Range Rover and Suzuki Jimny.
MPV cars
There is a growing demand for MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) as motorists seek bigger vehicles without the hefty price tag of a 4x4 model. Also referred to as people carriers, MPV cars are designed to carry more passengers and therefore offer seven seats without taking away too much space in the boot.
MPV car examples: Citroën Berlingo, Dacia Jogger, Ford S-Max, Peugeot 5008.
If you’re looking to invest in a car for the family, then read our Family Car Buying Guide blog to find out what makes the ideal family car and discover the best family cars whether you need five or seven seats.
Used cars from leading brands
When it comes to sourcing a great second-hand car, then you’ve come to the right place. At our Windmill Motors dealership located in Bourne, Lincolnshire, you can choose from over 100 hundred quality used vehicles from up to 30 leading manufacturers.
As an award-winning family business that has been serving customers since 1995, we are able to offer the best prices on our used cars thanks to our daily price check promise. As the area's leading used car retailer, we stock a selection of practical family cars, sporty weekend drives, stylish SUVs and everything in between.
Should you need help finding a specific car body style, then speak to us about your options and we’d be more than happy to advise you accordingly. Get started by taking a look at the used cars in stock right via our online showroom.