Cars - Car classification

Home > Listing Index > Cars > Car classification

	Cars - Car classification

Car classification is a somewhat subjective subject, as many vehicles fall between classes or even outside all of them. Not all car types are sold in all countries and names differ in some cases between British and American English. The following are commonly used classifications within the Wikipedia. Where applicable, the relevant EuroNCAP classifications are shown.

Microcar

:See main article: Microcar

Straddling the boundary between car and motorbike, these vehicles have engines of only a few hundred ccs, typically seat only 2 people, and are generally unorthodox in construction. Many only have three wheels. They are especially associated with post-war Europe, where their appearance led them to called Bubble cars. A contrast to the traditional microcar is the modern Smart.

Examples of microcars

CLEVER
Copen
Fend Flitzer
Messerschmitt microcar
Isetta
Goggomobil
Heinkel microcar
Trojan (automobile)

Hatchback

:See main article: Hatchback

City car

:See main article: City car

A city car is a small car intended for use in urban areas. Unlike microcars, city car's greater speed and occupant protection allow relative safety in mixed traffic environments and in all weather conditions. While it may be capable of freeway speeds this is not the main purpose of the car.

In Japan, a specially restricted type of these (under 3.40m long) are called the keicar, where taxes and insurance are lower.

Examples of city cars

Supermini / Subcompact car

:See main article: Supermini car :See main article: Subcompact car

This class, known as superminis in Europe and subcompact cars in North America, covers the not-so-small hatchbacks and the smallest sedans. These vehicles are the smallest cars widely sold in the North American market. They have usually three, four or five doors and are designed to seat comfortably four adults and a child, but can take five adults. Current supermini hatchbacks are around 3.90m long and sedans 4.20m long.

In Europe, the first superminis were the Fiat 500 of 1957 and the Austin Mini of 1959. Today, superminis are some of the biggest selling cars in Europe.

Examples of superminis / subcompact cars

Austin Metro
Austin Mini
BMW MINI
Citroën AX
Dacia Logan
Fiat Punto
Fiat Palio
Fiat Uno
Ford Fiesta
Kia Rio
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
Nissan Micra/March
Opel Corsa
Peugeot 205
Renault 5
Renault Clio
Rover Metro
Volkswagen Polo

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Car classification ]

This page is based on the copyrighted Wikipedia article Car classification; it is used under the GNU Free Documentation License. You may redistribute it, verbatim or modified, providing that you comply with the terms of the GFDL.

Searches on eBay