Buying a car can be a strenuous task, especially if it is for the first time. The market is flooded with different car body types and models, which makes it all the more confusing to purchase a car. The search can be narrowed down by many factors, in which car body type is one of the integral factors. Here’s a rundown of each of those body types to help you identify the one that suits your style, budget, and need.
When purchasing a car, firstly you need to decide the car body type – basis on the size of your family, mileage, look, feel and features.
- If you have a family of more than 4 members and you often travel across the states, then an SUV or CUV is an ideal choice for you
- If you are particular about the aesthetics and performance of a car then you can go for cabriolets and coupés.
- And if you are looking for style and space and elongated body lines then sedans should work for you.
- And if you looking for a budget car then hatchbacks should work for you
The cost of maintenance of different car shapes/models, body parts, fuel type also differs, which in turn affects the cost of third party insurance in India. To make it easier for you to comprehend, let’s delve into the different car body types, their unique primary features and some of the reasons you might consider one over the other.
1. Sedans
Sedans are popular among customers as they are a perfect combination of practicality, style, and space.
5 people can sit comfortably in a sedan shaped car. There are two rows of seating, the front is for two people and the back is for 3 people, of which 4 can accommodate if need be.
These cars have an extended boot, which makes it easier to carry a large amount of luggage. The overall dimensions are comparatively larger including – the length, width, height, and wheelbase.
Here are a few car models with a sedan body type that have a broader market in India – Hyundai Verna, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Toyota Yaris, Mercedes Benz C- Class, AUDI A3 sedan, etc.
2. Hatchbacks
A Hatchback is compact in size and is designed to accommodate 5 people. It is usually, known as a shorter version of a sedan and is designed to seat 5 people comfortably.
The interiors of a hatchback and a sedan are almost similar, it’s just it doesn’t have an extended boot. But there is enough space for luggage in the boot of a hatchback.
Hatchbacks usually have 4 entry doors with one hatch and some models can even have 2 entry doors, with one hatch. Your motor insurance also depends on the type of car you choose to purchase, for a hatchback the cost of insurance is lesser as compared to SUVs or sedans.
3. Coupés
Who purchases a coupe? Those who are looking for practicality, sportiness, style and don’t have a larger family size.
A Coupe is a stylish two-door car with a sleek roofline. The wheelbase is also smaller than a sedan.
There are two main seats on the front, and two tiny seats on the backside, which give it a sportier look. The leg-room space is very limited in a coupe. Coupes have lighter bodyweight, fast acceleration, and braking performance. If you are looking for a fast sporty car with an appealing design then it is a perfect choice. Though sedans are no less when it comes to design, they are a little heavier than coupes.
Remember, the motor insurance premium for a coupé can be significantly higher because of its sporty nature and high-speed driving that it offers. The parts of such cars are expensive and any damage or repair would mean a huge loss. Therefore, car insurance companies charge a higher premium for such high-end cars. Relying on a third-party car insurance is a bad idea if you have such a high-end car. Buy a comprehensive policy and do not forget to get add-on covers to full-proof your motor insurance policy.
4. Convertible or Cabriolet
Convertible cars are designed with a retractable roof that folds down. The technique of pulling in and stowing the roof varies from one model to another.
The roof is designed in such a manner that it be folded with a manual or electronic mechanism. It can also be removed if one wants to go for open-top driving. It can be a 2 seater, 4 seaters or a 5 seater car.
Few examples of 4-seater convertible cars are Mini Cooper Convertible, Audi A3 Cabriolet, and Mercedes Benz C- Class, etc. Some 2-seater convertible cars are Audi TT Roadster, Mercedes C-Class, BMW 2 Series Convertible, etc. If you are looking for a sporty looking car, and you enjoy driving in the open air, this could be the design for you.
With the increasing level of pollution in India, it can be extremely difficult to drive an open roof car under the sun. Just like coupés, it can be quite expensive to get motor insurance for a Convertible or Cabriolet as compared to other body types.
Do not forget that motor insurance renewal will be required every year. Therefore, take the cost of insurance into consideration before deciding the car type. You can compare various car insurance plans online and find an affordable and most suitable one for yourself.
5. SUVs / 4 Wheel Drive
SUVs or Sports Utility Vehicles come in different shape and sizes. They have more pouncing body lines and offer a much powerful drive as compared to a Hatchback or Sedan.
People, who have a large family size and prefer convenience over anything else, choose to drive SUVs.
On tough terrains and bumpy roads, there is nothing better than driving an SUV. They are not only street smart but are designed with off-road capabilities. Undoubtedly, SUVs are designed to showcase superiority and momentum on the road. Check for specifications like suspension, torque, engine displacement, etc. The boot capacity of an SUV is incomparable. Remember the cost of maintenance and its motor insurance both will be on a higher side.
6. Crossover Utility Vehicles (CUV)
Sometimes the term – SUV, and Crossover are interchangeable and can be confusing for anyone.
Simply put, crossover utility vehicles are wagons that look like an SUV, but ride like a standard hatchback or sedan. They typically come with very light off-road capabilities. There are mini crossovers, compact crossovers, mid-sized crossovers, and full-size crossovers. For example, Renault Duster, Hyundai Creta, etc. are some of the CUVs.
Over to you!
It is important to consider the benefits and drawbacks of a car. If you are tempted to buy a particular car shape, it is recommended that you understand the specifications in terms of speed, transmission, suspension, torque, engine, interiors, exteriors, safety features and obviously the body type.
Remember to take the car for a spin and does a test drive for a real-time experience. Before buying it, understand how driving it on a daily basis will be beneficial and then make a decision. And do not forget to check the cost of motor insurance for that specific model and shape.
