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Car finance ›
Choosing the right car type
Updated: Thursday, 14 March 2024
With so many car brands and makes on the market, choosing a new car can be a bit overwhelming. In this guide, we explore the different types of cars available. That way, you can decide which style and shape you will need.
In this guide
What is a car body type?
A car’s body type, also known as its shape or style, is how a car is designed to meet the needs of those who will drive it.
For example, small vehicles with flat rear bumpers are generally known as hatchbacks or compact cars, while longer 5-door vehicles are said to be saloons or estates.
By understanding the different car body types, you’ll know what to expect from a car in terms of its size, space, and features.
What are the different car types?
There are various types of cars available in the UK. The most common car body types are:
How to find the most suitable car body type
When deciding what car to buy, there are four key things to think about:
- Lifestyle: Consider your daily activities, such as commuting or travelling with family.
- Driving needs: Determine whether you need a car for urban driving, long-distance travel, or short trips.
- Budget: Research the types of cars you can afford, including upfront costs, fuel, insurance, MOTs, servicing, and maintenance.
- Preferences: Think about which features matter the most to you, such as fuel economy, interior space, performance, and technology.
If you want to buy your next car on finance, use our car finance calculator to get an idea of what your monthly payments could look like.
If you’re not sure if finance is the right option for you, our guide ‘is car finance worth it‘ outlines the pros and cons to help you come to a decision.
What are the most popular UK car body types?
Among the most popular car body types are hatchbacks, SUVs, and saloons, with the Ford Puma (an SUV) winning the best-selling car in 2023 with 49,591 registrations.
Other options such as estates, coupés, and compact cars are also popular with UK drivers. Let’s walk through each body type in more detail, and explain the unique features of each.
City cars
With so many car brands and makes on the market, choosing a new car can be a bit overwhelming. In this guide, we explore the different types of cars available. That way, you can decide which style and shape you will need.
In this guide
What is a car body type?
A car’s body type, also known as its shape or style, is how a car is designed to meet the needs of those who will drive it.
For example, small vehicles with flat rear bumpers are generally known as hatchbacks or compact cars, while longer 5-door vehicles are said to be saloons or estates.
By understanding the different car body types, you’ll know what to expect from a car in terms of its size, space, and features.
What are the different car types?
There are various types of cars available in the UK. The most common car body types are:
How to find the most suitable car body type
When deciding what car to buy, there are four key things to think about:
- Lifestyle: Consider your daily activities, such as commuting or travelling with family.
- Driving needs: Determine whether you need a car for urban driving, long-distance travel, or short trips.
- Budget: Research the types of cars you can afford, including upfront costs, fuel, insurance, MOTs, servicing, and maintenance.
- Preferences: Think about which features matter the most to you, such as fuel economy, interior space, performance, and technology.
If you want to buy your next car on finance, use our car finance calculator to get an idea of what your monthly payments could look like.
If you’re not sure if finance is the right option for you, our guide ‘is car finance worth it‘ outlines the pros and cons to help you come to a decision.
What are the most popular UK car body types?
Among the most popular car body types are hatchbacks, SUVs, and saloons, with the Ford Puma (an SUV) winning the best-selling car in 2023 with 49,591 registrations.
Other options such as estates, coupés, and compact cars are also popular with UK drivers. Let’s walk through each body type in more detail, and explain the unique features of each.
City cars
What is a city car?
City cars, also known as urban cars or mini cars, are small vehicles designed for urban areas. Their compact dimensions and agile handling make them well-suited for navigating narrow streets, squeezing into tight parking spaces, and short town or city trips.
Some popular examples are the Fiat 500, Toyota Ago, and Volkswagen Up.
Who is a city car for?
City cars are perfect for people in urban areas who need an efficient way to get around. They’re perfect for daily commuting and quick trips. Their small size and low-power engines mean they are often cheaper to run and maintain than other, bigger types of cars.
What is a city car?
City cars, also known as urban cars or mini cars, are small vehicles designed for urban areas. Their compact dimensions and agile handling make them well-suited for navigating narrow streets, squeezing into tight parking spaces, and short town or city trips.
Some popular examples are the Fiat 500, Toyota Ago, and Volkswagen Up.
Who is a city car for?
City cars are perfect for people in urban areas who need an efficient way to get around. They’re perfect for daily commuting and quick trips. Their small size and low-power engines mean they are often cheaper to run and maintain than other, bigger types of cars.
Superminis
Superminis
What is a supermini?
Superminis are the mid-point between a city car and something bigger. While they have a bit more interior space, they are still compact and cheap to run. This makes them a popular body style for people wanting a balance of fuel efficiency, ease of mobility, and interior space.
Some popular examples are the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, and Renault Clio.
Who is a supermini for?
A supermini is a common choice for people and small families who need an affordable and practical way to get around. Whether you need a car to commute to work, take the kids to and from school, or get around town, superminis are the go-to choice for many people.
What is a supermini?
Superminis are the mid-point between a city car and something bigger. While they have a bit more interior space, they are still compact and cheap to run. This makes them a popular body style for people wanting a balance of fuel efficiency, ease of mobility, and interior space.
Some popular examples are the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, and Renault Clio.
Who is a supermini for?
A supermini is a common choice for people and small families who need an affordable and practical way to get around. Whether you need a car to commute to work, take the kids to and from school, or get around town, superminis are the go-to choice for many people.
Compact cars
Compact cars
What is a compact car?
While still relatively small compared to larger vehicles, compact cars offer more room for passengers and luggage. They’re available in three and five-door options, with bigger engines than superminis.
Some popular examples are the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Polo, and Peugeot 208.
Who is a compact car for?
Compact cars strike a balance between size, comfort, and affordability, making them a popular choice. Whether you’re shuttling the family around town, getting around during the week, or getting away for a weekend, a compact car is a solid choice.
What is a compact car?
While still relatively small compared to larger vehicles, compact cars offer more room for passengers and luggage. They’re available in three and five-door options, with bigger engines than superminis.
Some popular examples are the Ford Focus, Volkswagen Polo, and Peugeot 208.
Who is a compact car for?
Compact cars strike a balance between size, comfort, and affordability, making them a popular choice. Whether you’re shuttling the family around town, getting around during the week, or getting away for a weekend, a compact car is a solid choice.
Saloons
Saloons
What is a saloon car?
Saloon cars offer much more space thanks to their three-box configuration. This makes them well-suited for long-distance travel thanks to their stable handling, quiet cabin, and fuel efficiency. A saloon car usually has enough room to comfortably carry passengers, with ample boot space and nicer interiors.
Some popular examples are the BMW 3 Series, Audi A6, and Volkswagen Passat.
Who is a saloon car for?
A saloon car is suited for drivers who regularly carry passengers, meaning they need more space than a compact car. Saloon cars range from big family cars to high-performance models, which can make them more expensive than other car types.
What is a saloon car?
Saloon cars offer much more space thanks to their three-box configuration. This makes them well-suited for long-distance travel thanks to their stable handling, quiet cabin, and fuel efficiency. A saloon car usually has enough room to comfortably carry passengers, with ample boot space and nicer interiors.
Some popular examples are the BMW 3 Series, Audi A6, and Volkswagen Passat.
Who is a saloon car for?
A saloon car is suited for drivers who regularly carry passengers, meaning they need more space than a compact car. Saloon cars range from big family cars to high-performance models, which can make them more expensive than other car types.
Estates
Estates
What is an estate?
An estate car has a much more elongated body compared to a saloon, with a rear hatch for convenient boot access. They offer a lot of room without compromising on style.
Some popular examples are the BMW 3 Series Touring, Volkswagen Passat Estate, and Skoda Octavia.
Who is an estate for?
Estate cars are a popular choice for families, business owners, and people with pets, as they offer much more room than other car types. They are also suited for those who need to carry large items and equipment on a regular basis.
What is an estate?
An estate car has a much more elongated body compared to a saloon, with a rear hatch for convenient boot access. They offer a lot of room without compromising on style.
Some popular examples are the BMW 3 Series Touring, Volkswagen Passat Estate, and Skoda Octavia.
Who is an estate for?
Estate cars are a popular choice for families, business owners, and people with pets, as they offer much more room than other car types. They are also suited for those who need to carry large items and equipment on a regular basis.
Coupés
Coupés
What is a coupé?
A coupé is a two-door or three-door car with a sleek, sloping rear roofline. They have two seats in the front, and two smaller seats in the back for the odd time that you need to carry passengers. Their sleek and sporty design makes them popular among drivers who want a balance between comfort, practicality, and performance.
Some popular examples are the Audi TT, Mercedes CLE, and BMW 4 Series.
Who is a coupé for?
With their limited rear seat space, coupés aren’t usually a family-friendly option. They are better suited for drivers who want a bit more style than a city car or supermini, and don’t mind the extra cost.
What is a coupé?
A coupé is a two-door or three-door car with a sleek, sloping rear roofline. They have two seats in the front, and two smaller seats in the back for the odd time that you need to carry passengers. Their sleek and sporty design makes them popular among drivers who want a balance between comfort, practicality, and performance.
Some popular examples are the Audi TT, Mercedes CLE, and BMW 4 Series.
Who is a coupé for?
With their limited rear seat space, coupés aren’t usually a family-friendly option. They are better suited for drivers who want a bit more style than a city car or supermini, and don’t mind the extra cost.
Convertibles
Convertibles
What is a convertible?
Otherwise known as a cabriolet or soft-top, a convertible is a sports car known for its foldable or retractable roof. With the roof down, a convertible offers maximum headroom, at the cost of a potentially smaller boot.
Some popular examples are the MINI Convertible, Mazda MX-5, and Porsche 718 Boxster.
Who is a convertible for?
Convertible cars are perfect for couples or drivers who enjoy scenic drives and want the option of open-air driving.
What is a convertible?
Otherwise known as a cabriolet or soft-top, a convertible is a sports car known for its foldable or retractable roof. With the roof down, a convertible offers maximum headroom, at the cost of a potentially smaller boot.
Some popular examples are the MINI Convertible, Mazda MX-5, and Porsche 718 Boxster.
Who is a convertible for?
Convertible cars are perfect for couples or drivers who enjoy scenic drives and want the option of open-air driving.
Roadsters
Roadsters
What is a roadster?
Similar to a convertible, a roadster is a two-seater soft-top sports car. These cars are known for their sleek and sporty design but offer little in the way of boot space or back seats.
Some popular examples are the Audi TT Roadster, Lexus LC, and Porsche 911.
Who is a roadster for?
A roadster is perfect for driving enthusiasts who want to enjoy pure performance and agility on the road without paying the premium prices associated with sports cars or supercars.
What is a roadster?
Similar to a convertible, a roadster is a two-seater soft-top sports car. These cars are known for their sleek and sporty design but offer little in the way of boot space or back seats.
Some popular examples are the Audi TT Roadster, Lexus LC, and Porsche 911.
Who is a roadster for?
A roadster is perfect for driving enthusiasts who want to enjoy pure performance and agility on the road without paying the premium prices associated with sports cars or supercars.
SUVs
SUVs
What is an SUV?
An SUV (sports utility vehicle) also known as a 4×4 is a type of car designed to offer space and versatility. SUVs typically have a high ground clearance, robust chassis, and lots of internal space. This makes them well-suited for a variety of conditions, including off-road driving.
Some popular examples are the Land Rover Defender, Dacia Duster, and BMW X3.
Who is an SUV for?
SUVs can be a solid choice for many drivers. They are often enjoyed by families, serving as large family cars, and for people who need to carry bulky items, such as sports equipment or camping gear.
What is an SUV?
An SUV (sports utility vehicle) also known as a 4×4 is a type of car designed to offer space and versatility. SUVs typically have a high ground clearance, robust chassis, and lots of internal space. This makes them well-suited for a variety of conditions, including off-road driving.
Some popular examples are the Land Rover Defender, Dacia Duster, and BMW X3.
Who is an SUV for?
SUVs can be a solid choice for many drivers. They are often enjoyed by families, serving as large family cars, and for people who need to carry bulky items, such as sports equipment or camping gear.
Crossover SUVs
Crossover SUVs
What is a crossover SUV?
A crossover SUV is a blend between an SUV and other car types like coupes and saloons. They offer the elevated seating position and versatility of an SUV while providing the comfort and handling characteristics of other cars like an estate.
Some popular examples are the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, and Renault Captur.
Who is a crossover SUV for?
Crossover SUVs are ideal for families who require lots of space, or people who need something bigger for daily commuting and errands. They’re also suitable for light off-road driving, making them a solid option for long drives or road trips.
What is a crossover SUV?
A crossover SUV is a blend between an SUV and other car types like coupes and saloons. They offer the elevated seating position and versatility of an SUV while providing the comfort and handling characteristics of other cars like an estate.
Some popular examples are the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, and Renault Captur.
Who is a crossover SUV for?
Crossover SUVs are ideal for families who require lots of space, or people who need something bigger for daily commuting and errands. They’re also suitable for light off-road driving, making them a solid option for long drives or road trips.
People Carriers
People Carriers
What is a people carrier?
Also known as a minivan or a multi-purpose vehicle (MVP), people carriers usually have five to seven seats. This allows them to carry lots of passengers at once, while maintaining a spacious interior.
Some popular examples are the Ford Galaxy, Volkswagen Touran, and Citroen C4 Picasso.
Who is a people carrier for?
People carriers are popular with large families, large groups of adults, and can be modified for who need more room to get around.
What is a people carrier?
Also known as a minivan or a multi-purpose vehicle (MVP), people carriers usually have five to seven seats. This allows them to carry lots of passengers at once, while maintaining a spacious interior.
Some popular examples are the Ford Galaxy, Volkswagen Touran, and Citroen C4 Picasso.
Who is a people carrier for?
People carriers are popular with large families, large groups of adults, and can be modified for who need more room to get around.
Get the new car you need with Moneybarn
We’d love to help you finance your next car, van, or motorbike. As a bad credit car finance specialist, we can help even if you’ve been rejected by other lenders. We’re proud to have over 30 years of experience helping people up and down the UK.
To get started, discover our guide on the best way to buy a car or try out our car finance calculator to see what your agreement might look like. When you’re ready, get a quote in less than 5 minutes. We only use a soft search at the point of application.
Representative 30.7% APR.
FAQs about different car types
How many types of cars are there?
There are many types of cars, each designed for different purposes. Some common types include hatchbacks, SUVs, saloons, estates, coupés, and convertibles. Each type has unique features and benefits, so choosing the one that best suits your needs is important.
How many car categories are there?
Several car categories help classify vehicles based on their size, shape and intended use. These categories include small cars, family cars, SUVs, luxury cars, sports cars, and electric cars.
What are the classes of cars?
Cars are often classified into different classes based on their size, price, and features. These classes may include economy, compact, midsize, full-size, and luxury cars. Each class offers different features to meet the needs of different drivers and budgets.
Get the new car you need with Moneybarn
We’d love to help you finance your next car, van, or motorbike. As a bad credit car finance specialist, we can help even if you’ve been rejected by other lenders. We’re proud to have over 30 years of experience helping people up and down the UK.
To get started, discover our guide on the best way to buy a car or try out our car finance calculator to see what your agreement might look like. When you’re ready, get a quote in less than 5 minutes. We only use a soft search at the point of application.
Representative 30.7% APR.
FAQs about different car types
How many types of cars are there?
There are many types of cars, each designed for different purposes. Some common types include hatchbacks, SUVs, saloons, estates, coupés, and convertibles. Each type has unique features and benefits, so choosing the one that best suits your needs is important.
How many car categories are there?
Several car categories help classify vehicles based on their size, shape and intended use. These categories include small cars, family cars, SUVs, luxury cars, sports cars, and electric cars.
What are the classes of cars?
Cars are often classified into different classes based on their size, price, and features. These classes may include economy, compact, midsize, full-size, and luxury cars. Each class offers different features to meet the needs of different drivers and budgets.
For a better road ahead
Moneybarn is a member of the Finance and Leasing Association, the official trade organisation of the motor finance industry. The FLA promotes best practice in the motor finance industry for lending and leasing to consumers and businesses.
Moneybarn is the trading style of Moneybarn No. 1 Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 04496573, and Moneybarn Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 02766324. The registered address for these companies is: Athena House, Bedford Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3LJ.
Moneybarn’s VAT registration number is 180 5559 52.
Moneybarn Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702781)
Moneybarn No. 1 Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702780)
