Different Types of Cars in India – Guide to Car Body Types

Below, we have listed the car body types in India with a few examples that will help you understand their differences better –

-Hatchback

Hatchbacks are generally the most popular car body types you would see on the Indian roads. These are small cars with four doors and a rear hatch to access the boot space. Hatchbacks are compact and are perfect for a small Indian household with 4-5 people. Also, for the Indian city roads, hatchback cars are the best option as they are easy to manoeuvre and park.

Some of the best examples of hatchback cars in India are Maruti Suzuki Alto, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Volkswagen Polo, Hyundai Grand i10, Renault Kwid, etc.

-Sedan

This is also known as saloon car body type and looks quite stylish and attractive. Sedans are designed with a separate boot space and passenger seats. These have four doors with a trunk or boot. Sedans are designed as a 3-box configuration model with an engine space, passenger seat, and cargo.

The word ‘sedan’ is used in American English, and ‘saloon’ is used in British English. Sedans are then sub categorised into notchbacks with less pronounced trunk space. It is further sub-categorized as compact, fastback, or subcompact.

Some of the best examples of sedans in India are Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Skoda Rapid, BMW 3 Series, Toyota Corolla, etc.

-SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)

SUV is again very popular on Indian roads. This car type comprises both passenger space and huge boot space with a seating feature. SUVs are built with a tall bodyline and can provide the driver with a powerful and all-encompassing view of the road ahead.

Also, these cars have a high ground clearance which is perfect for driving on the hills and terrains. In terms of comfort, SUVs come with a spacious cabin, and around 7 people can sit comfortably inside. SUVs are tough and come with striking features like a 4-wheeler-drive system, tough mechanical parts, etc.

Some of the best SUVs in India are Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, Tata Harrier, etc.

-MUV (Multi Utility Vehicle)

SUVs and MUVs are similar but different in nature and design. SUVs are off-roaders, while MUVs offer utility as well as practicality. This is a multipurpose vehicle that is often termed as a people’s carrier. Around 10 people can sit comfortably in a MUV, and these are the bigger version of passenger vehicles used for transporting passengers in cities and highways.

Some of the best examples of MUVs in India are Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Mahindra Marrazzo, Kia Carnival, Renault Triber, etc.

-Coupe

Coupes aren’t conventional as hatchbacks or sedans on the Indian roads, and you’d probably see very few of these in India. However, the coupes are magnificently sporty and are immensely attractive. Unlike the above-listed car body types, coupes come with just two doors.

They have a three-box design, with a fixed roof, two doors, and a sleek roofline. Even though coupes have two doors only, the modern-day OEMs produce four-door coupes with a sloping roofline and a sportier finish.
Some of the best examples of Coupes in India are Jaguar F Type, BMW M2, Mercedes CLS, etc.

Now that you are aware of the different car body types in India, it will be easier for you to decide which one to buy. However, you must always opt for 4-wheeler insurance to protect your vehicle on the road. At Tata AIG, we offer the most affordable car policies online. You can also calculate your premium on our car insurance premium calculator available on the official website.

Disclaimer: *All the car prices and other information listed above pertain to a specific city and vehicle model. Since this information is subject to change, it is advisable to check the latest information before purchasing a vehicle or an insurance policy.