Car body types: classification and features

Car designers and engineers have contributed to the confusion of different types of car bodies. Everyone knows what a sedan, hatchback or station wagon is, but few can accurately identify a roadster, fastback or hardtop. In addition, cars change: modern models look different than they did a few years ago. In this article, we will consider the main types of car bodies and their classification.

Main types of bodies

Car bodies can be classified according to different parameters, but the most common one is the division by the number of visual sections (volumes).

Three-volume bodies

This type of body is characterized by parts clearly divided into three sections: engine, interior and trunk. Each of them can only be accessed from the outside. Three-volume bodies include:

  • Sedan — the most popular version of a car with two to four doors, two or three rows of seats and a closed trunk that is not connected to the passenger compartment. Modern models can have access to the trunk through a folding backrest of the rear row.
  • Coupe — a compact car, most often of a sports type, with two doors and one or two rows of seats. For marketing purposes, the term "coupe" is sometimes used to describe cars with a dynamic design. If the roof slopes smoothly down to the trunk, such a body is called fastback.
  • Cabriolet — a model with an open roof, which can be soft or hard. Depending on the design, convertibles are divided into:
    • Phaeton — a soft-top, four-door, extended-wheelbase vehicle designed for out-of-town travel in warmer weather.
    • Roadster — a sports two-seater car without a second row of seats. In the classic version, it was equipped only with a light windshield and an awning. Sometimes you can find roadsters in the design targa - with a protective arc and a removable roof panel.
    • Landau — a model with a folding roof over the rear row of seats. This option is found among limousines, SUVs and crossovers.
    • Brougham — a luxury car with a partially removable roof over the front row of seats.
    • Hardtop — a closed convertible with a rigid non-removable roof. This design improves visibility and makes the car's silhouette more elegant. The production of hardtops is currently limited due to safety requirements.
  • Pickup — a hybrid of a passenger car and a truck with a closed cabin and an open cargo platform. It can have one or two rows of seats. It is available in both passenger and off-road versions.
  • Limousine — a premium car with an extended base and several rows of soft seats. A partition is often installed between the driver and passengers. Factory models are initially designed long, but stretch versions are also common — special modifications lengthened in workshops.

Two-volume bodies

In such cars, the passenger compartment is connected to the luggage compartment, but the engine compartment remains separate. Rent a car Kyiv. Access to the trunk is possible directly from the passenger compartment. This category includes:

  • Station wagon — combines the convenience of a passenger car with the practicality of a van. It features an extended rear end, a fifth door (which rises together with the glass) and a spacious luggage compartment. The first station wagons were hand-made for wealthy hunters who used them to transport equipment.
  • Hatchback — a compact model with a shortened rear overhang, convenient for urban conditions. It can be three-door or five-door. It occupies an intermediate position between a sedan and a station wagon.
  • Liftback — looks like a sedan, but the trunk lid rises together with the rear window. Depending on the design, the liftback can look like a two- or three-volume car.
  • SUV — a car with increased ground clearance, large wheels and all-wheel drive. It can be three- or five-door. For trips on difficult terrain, you can use rental SUV, choosing the best option.
  • Crossover (CUV) — combines the features of an SUV and a passenger car. It has a high seating position and large wheels, but is inferior to real SUVs in cross-country ability. It is equipped with less powerful engines and is better suited for urban conditions.
  • Van — a commercial vehicle with a cargo compartment that can be combined with the cabin or separated by a partition. The rear door of the van is usually hinged. It can be based on a pickup truck, station wagon or small truck.

Single-volume bodies

In such models, the interior, trunk and engine compartment are combined into a single space. This group includes:

  • Minivan — a spacious car with a high roof, designed for 5-7 passengers. It can be semi-bonnet (with the engine moved forward) or completely single-volume. If you are planning a trip with a large group, you can use rental minivan.
  • Compact van — a smaller version of a minivan, built on the basis of a B or C-class passenger car. It features a high ceiling and a roomy interior.
  • Microvan — a compact five-door car with two side doors and one rear door. Capacity varies from 2 to 9 passengers. The category has restrictions on length, width and height.

Additional classification of bodies

According to their purpose, cars are divided into:

  • Passenger
  • Freight
  • Cargo and passenger
  • Special (eg ambulances, fire trucks, police)

According to the type of body construction, there are:

  • Bearing — the main option for passenger cars and crossovers, bearing the entire load and resistant to corrosion.
  • Frame (semi-supporting) — use a reinforced frame to distribute the load (SUVs, trucks).
  • Unloaded — the body carries only passengers and luggage, and the chassis takes the main load.

Division by hardness:

  • Frame — have a rigid frame and cladding.
  • Semi-frame — partially reinforced with frame elements.
  • Frameless - use the rigidity of shapes and profiles for strength.

Modern cars are developed taking into account many factors: safety, convenience, aerodynamics and aesthetics. Each body type has its own advantages and is selected depending on the driver's needs.

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