Built for urban roads, city cars are small, light, and affordable. They tend to be very agile and are perfect for sneaking into those tight parking spaces, doing the school run, or running errands in the city.
A city car is a compact vehicle with body styles similar to hatchbacks or superminis, maximising interior space with wide-opening doors to create more ease of access.
These practical cars tend to have smaller engines and excellent fuel efficiency. This makes them both reasonably priced and cheap to drive.
If you’re looking for a fun and economical ride for your city life, then look no further than one of the best small cars on the market.
If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly option, choose a hybrid or small electric car, providing the same urban convenience with added environmental benefits.
If you want to know more about these compact cars, then check out our best city cars for commuters guide for some more top suggestions.
Superminis are compact, light, and agile. Yet – unlike the city runner – they can comfortably seat four people and have a boot big enough for a couple of small suitcases, or your weekly food shop.
Despite the name, superminis are a form of the hatchback that sits somewhere between a city car and the traditional family hatchback.
Superminis have better fuel efficiency than full-size family hatchbacks but are slightly less efficient than city cars. They also benefit from affordable maintenance costs and lower insurance, making them cost-effective to run.
It’s also the perfect sized car for new drivers, offering practicality and easy manoeuvrability often found in cheaper small cars.
On the used market, you’ll even find hybrid and electric options, which are suitable if you’re looking to reduce your overall fuel consumption.
If the supermini is what you’re after, take a look at our article on the most popular superminis.
Regular hatchbacks (also known as the family hatchback) are the largest car type before moving up to a saloon. These medium-sized, cosy yet practical vehicles make for the perfect family car thanks to their reasonable space, with hybrid and electric options, and of course, comfort.
Hatchbacks are a type of car whereby when you lift the boot lid, you open up the entire back of the car – from the bumper to the roof, including the rear screen.
The fact that the boot counts as an extra door is the reason hatchbacks can be called three-door or five-door vehicles, as opposed to four-doors.
You might want to note that Audi and some other carmakers call their hatchback models ‘sport backs’. They are one and the same and the terms are interchangeable.
Hatchbacks are ideal for both long road trips and urban driving, but it can be noisier and may rattle about due to its lighter build.
Hatchbacks might be less economical than smaller car types, but they typically offer better fuel efficiency and maintenance costs compared to bigger cars like SUVs.
If you’re on the lookout for even more hatchback recommendations, you can check out our favourite best-selling hatchbacks of all time.
Multi-purpose Vehicles (MPVs) and people carriers are one and the same. With seats that slide, fold and can even be removed, people carriers can end up with a van-like interior space, offering endless possibilities with ample of space, all while being the ultimate family car.
MPVs are large cars that usually have five to seven seats, with some models having an impressive nine seats. Lots of MPVs come with sliding side doors and some have up to five ISOFIX points.
They have large exterior dimensions and make full use of their interior space for the purposes of carrying as many people as possible.
You’ll typically find all the latest technology in an MPV, including safety features such as stability control, child safety locks and advanced driving assistance systems.
Whilst they’re not generally considered to be the most stylish cars on the road, they more than make up for with their exceptional practicality and affordability compared to an SUV.
They also tend to have higher fuel consumption due to their larger size and weight, but there are hybrid and electric family MPVs, which are suitable for those needing a bigger vehicle but wanting to keep running costs down.
If you want to know more about the ultimate family car, our helpful MPV guide has all the answers you need.
Saloons are adored by driving enthusiasts looking for a fun and spacious car to take on long-distance drives. Saloons are often real head-turners thanks to eye-catching design, and similar to a hatchback, come in a multitude of shapes and sizes.
In technical terms, a saloon is a car where the boot is separate from the rest of the interior. The boots of saloons tend to have a smaller opening and less luggage space than hatchbacks.
Saloons are classed as a four-door car because the boot doesn’t count as a door when it’s inaccessible from the rest of the interior.
Saloons generally provide a comfortable driving experience compared to hatchbacks but are slightly less fuel efficient due to their larger engine size and being heavier on average.
Saloons are smart and come with the latest technology and add-ons. This includes features such as touch screens, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
With exceptional road comfort and all the latest driver-assist functions, it’s no wonder they’re a firm favourite with business executives. For long days on the roads meeting clients, there are hybrid and electric options available, too.
If you’re craving even more sleek saloon suggestions, we don’t blame you. That’s why we put together a list of the best saloons to drive.
Coupes are essentially two-door versions of saloon cars with a hard swooping roof at the back – though you can find some four-door coupes out there big enough for families.
You won’t find much room for luggage in a two-door coupe though, as they favour style over practicality.
While coupes can sometimes be expensive to buy due to their rarity and exclusivity, there are some more affordable options that still offer a sporty design with a lower price point, such as the Toyota GT86.
You will also find there some larger coupe models on the market, these are known as Grand Tourers, which are a type of coupe that’s bigger and more luxurious than a typical sports car.
Their back seats offer a bit more comfort for the passenger but still aren’t quite as roomy as a full saloon. A great example of a Grand Tourer is the Bentley Continental GT.
Looking for a touch of class? Check out the classiest coupes on the market right now.
Also known as cabriolets, convertibles are basically coupes with their fixed roof removed and replaced with a folding fabric or metal cover.
Though they can sometimes hold up to four passengers, you might be a bit pushed for space in the back, so they’re a better choice for stylish couples than for families.
A convertible car is a two-door vehicle with a retractable metal or fabric roof. This allows the driver to experience the feeling of open-air motoring, which is particularly enjoyable on a warm sunny day.
While convertibles are usually known to be high-end and therefore expensive, there are also more affordable models available, such as the MINI Convertible.
While more than capable of being driven in inclement weather (just keep the roof up!), convertible cars are typically two-wheel drive and therefore less effective when the roads are covered in snow and ice.
They can also require more maintenance and repairs in the event that the roof mechanism is faulty. This is a particular consideration with an electrically-operated roof such as the Mercedes-Benz SLK.
Still need help deciding? Take a look at our best convertible cars.
With their large boots, estates are perfect for families that need to cram a lot of child or pet-friendly equipment into the car.
Estates are also ideal for those who collect a lot of flat-pack furniture and don’t know the meaning of ‘packing light’ when going on holiday.
Simply put, estates are a family hatchback or saloon car with an extended rear roofline and a larger boot. In the past, estate cars tended to be quite boxy, though the newer models are a lot more stylish and elegant.
It might be worth noting that some manufacturers call estate cars ‘fastback’, ‘shooting brake’, ‘touring’, ‘tourer’, or ‘avant’.
Maintenance costs aren’t too expensive but are usually higher than smaller cars due to their larger size and bigger engines. Estates have about the same running costs as a large family hatchback or mid-size saloon car.
If you want to save on higher fuel costs, you can choose a hybrid or electric estate car.
Estates tend to offer smooth ride and handling characteristics, while some of them are equipped with four-wheel drive to increase their suitability for off-road driving.
Undecided between an SUV and an estate? Our handy guide will help you decide which is best for you.
There’s a fine line between crossovers and traditional SUVs. However, SUVs tend to sit on a larger platform, with the majority also having four-wheel drive.
Sports-utility vehicles, more commonly known as SUVs, usually fall into the large car category, though they come in a range of different sizes.
They’re usually powerful vehicles with great cargo carrying and towing capacities, and they have a lot more ground clearance in comparison to other car types.
SUVs often come equipped with advanced technology and safety features, such as automatic braking, a higher driving position and lane departure warnings.
They rival the MPV in terms of practicality and space, though they certainly take the win when it comes to style. You can usually spot the SUV’s trademark rugged look from a mile away.
SUVs are well suited to all ever-growing family needs – boasting plenty of boot space to pack in those extra passengers or use as storage.
From the best family SUVs to SUV comparison guides, find everything you need in our SUV advice hub.
Though these may look like off-roaders, looks can be deceiving! Crossovers were not meant for off-roading and lack the heavy gear of 4x4s.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing though, because it means crossovers offer decent fuel efficiency whilst still performing well on the road.
Crossovers are a type of car usually classed as a subcategory of SUVs. They combine the high ride and chunky rugged styling of the SUV with all the comfort, handling and lower running costs of a traditional hatchback.
Crossovers are generally smaller and lighter than an SUV, making them cheaper to run while still offering ample space. With a higher driving position than other compact vehicles, crossovers provide improved road visibility for drivers.
This car type offers plenty of modern safety features like backup cameras and lane departure warnings, making them easier to drive.
Their high ride height also makes it easier for parents strapping children in the back. For those who struggle bending down, it makes getting in and out much less of a task.
If you’re looking to learn more about this type of car, our handy guide to crossovers covers all the basics and more. Or if you’re on a budget, why not take a look at our list of cheap and affordable crossovers?
Pick-ups have an open cargo area (that’s the open boot-like section) at the back, whereas the back of an SUV is fully enclosed.
However, just like the SUV, you can expect a higher riding, tougher platform, as well as strong towing capabilities and more ground clearance.
A pick-up is a type of large car, sometimes referred to as a ‘pick-up truck’ about its size. They typically come with standard four-wheel drive and can take on challenging road surfaces and off-road terrain.
This car type tends to have a lower fuel efficiency rating than SUVs because of this.
Pick-ups are the ultimate car type for carrying larger items. You can also find single or double-cab models depending on how many people you’ll regularly be carrying.
Single-cab models have two seats and a larger cargo bed, while double-cab models offer four doors and additional seating for up to five passengers.
If you still need convincing, take a look at our guide on the best pick-up trucks.
If you love going off-road and exploring the wildest of terrains in the most adverse weather conditions, then a proper 4×4 was made for you. If this sounds like your idea of heaven, then the 4×4 definitely won’t let you down.
Four-wheel drives send power to all four wheels, as opposed to just the front or back two. This gives you better traction in off-road driving and in slippery conditions.
That’s what sets four-wheel drives apart from other types of cars. Typical 4x4s are built similarly to SUVs in that they sit on large frames high off the ground, but nowadays saloons, estates and even hatchbacks and superminis are available with four-wheel drive.
Things to consider when choosing a 4×4 for off-roading are the tyre quality, ground clearance and essential off-road features such as skid plates.
Eager to get behind the wheel of a 4×4 but conscious of your budget? We understand, that’s why we put together this list of the cheapest 4x4s for young drivers.
Sports cars are a dream come true for driving enthusiasts. They may not be the most practical cars, but people want them for the thrill of getting behind the wheel while turning a few heads at the same time.
Sports cars tend to take on the form of coupes or convertibles, though some of the classic sports cars are even smaller.
They’re low to the ground, tend to have just two seats, a small boot and are not very fuel-efficient. This car type can be expensive in maintenance costs too, thanks to increased performance potential.
So what’s the attraction, we hear you ask? Well, these are incredibly fun cars to drive, with rapid acceleration and outstanding handling at top speeds.
Owning a sports car comes high on a lot of people’s dream car purchases, but with our list of cheapest sports cars, maybe you could make that dream a reality.
There are lots of different types of cars on the market right now. We’ve listed the 13 most common styles of cars in this article. However, it’s important to note that these will all come in a multitude of variations, and there are also subcategories of cars within each category.
As listed here, the main types of cars are city cars, superminis, hatchbacks, people carriers / MPVs, saloons, coupes, convertibles, estates, SUVs, crossovers, pick-ups, 4x4s and off-roaders and sports cars. And you will find subcategories within each of these styles.
The most popular body type style can vary, but SUVs have become increasingly popular due to their elevated driving position and spacious design. Hatchbacks are also a popular choice for a smaller vehicle without compromising on practicality.
Small hatchbacks, superminis and city cars generally offer better fuel efficiency due to their lighter design and weight.
Crossovers generally offer a smoother ride and has better fuel, compared to SUVs which are better for off-road driving and its towing capabilities.
Compact cars can be surprisingly spacious, especially hatchbacks and superminis. This is because of their design or maximising interior space and offering flexible seating.
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