Car Model Terminology — What Does it All Mean?

Clarifying car model names

Whether you’re new to the market for a used car, or you’ve been searching for an upgrade for a while now, you’ve probably got a vision in your head of the car you want. What does it look like? 

Car model technology may be baffling you in your quest for a new car, and understandably so - there’s a lot to take in. Below we’re explaining what each body type means, and what you can expect from each model… 

Superminis 

You might also know these small, sweet cars as ‘city cars’, thanks to their nippy handling and dinky dimensions. These cars are designed for short, around-town journeys, so a smaller engine is all they need - they’re fun to drive, and they’re economical. These models are usually best suited to solo motorists, particularly those that commute in urban areas, and they’re great for those on a budget too; they’re cheap to run, and usually affordable to buy too. 

Examples of the supermini include the Kia Picanto, and the Vauxhall Adam. 

Hatchbacks

A hatchback is a car with a tailgate (a boot) that flips up and allows access to the cargo area through the ‘hatch’. Whilst some hatchbacks can share their smaller frames with supermini, the hatchback brings a little more versatility to the table, with some smaller models to larger, family-style vehicles.

Examples of a hatchback include the BMW 1 Series, Toyota Yaris, and Kia Ceed. 

Convertibles 

If you’re a fan of having the wind in your hair on a summer’s day, a convertible allows you to do just that; you can drive with the retractable roof down.

Whilst many convertibles are sporty two-seater models, you can enjoy the spaciousness of a larger convertible, such as the Mercedes-Benz E Class, and the convertible BMW 1 Series. 

Saloons

An easy way to identify a saloon is by the boot; you won’t be able to access the rest of the car through the boot, like you can in a hatchback. These vehicles are usually sleek and stylish models, and are sometimes known as ‘executive cars’, which means you can generally expect a smooth and quiet ride. 

Examples of saloons include the Mercedes-Benz CLA, and the BMW 5 Series.

Coupés

Coupés share their sloping roofs with saloons, but the presence of only two doors can help you tell the two apart. These cars look a bit sportier, and they’re best suited to those often looking to travel alone in style. 

Good examples of the coupé body type are the BMW 4 Series, and the Audi TT. 

Estates

With practicality built in, estate body types offer growing families and those who enjoy outdoor pursuits such as mountain biking or golf serious boot space. Estates are essentially long hatchbacks, with lots of space for luggage, and plenty of legroom.

To see examples of estates, take a look at the estate versions of the Mercedes-Benz C Class, and the Skoda Octavia.

Crossovers 

Crossovers combine the boxy build of an SUV with the nippiness of a hatchback; while these vehicles can look like rugged SUVs, it’s built on the chassis of a car, and is therefore lighter. Driving one is the best of both worlds! 

Examples of crossover cars include the very popular Nissan Qashqai, Toyota C-HR, and the Kia Stonic. 

SUVs 

Short for Sports Utility Vehicles, SUVs are a model type that have rocketed in popularity over the past few years, appealing to families for space and practicality reasons - they look pretty impressive too! SUVs are wider than a hatchback, not to mention higher, allowing the driver an elevated position on the road. 

Explore SUVs at Avalon by taking a look at our extensive range, with highlights including the Peugeot 5008, Volvo XC40, and the Ford Kuga. 

4x4 

4x4 were built to tackle anything, with the wheels sharing equal power as opposed to just the front or rear two doing all the work. They’re more expensive off-roaders, with a body type that looks similar to an SUV, so if you need a car that’s going to be tough and ready for anything, you’ll want to be on the lookout for a 4x4. 

MPVs (Multi-Person Vehicles) 

if you regularly carry a few more passengers than the average car, you may want to look into getting an MPV; they offer an additional row of seats. They’re usually home to between 7-9 seats, depending on the model that you go for.

Keen to see an MPV? Take a look at the ones we have in stock at Avalon. 

Find a model you love at Avalon Motor Company, the place for used cars in Somerset

Whatever shape and size you want your next car to be, we’ll have something to fit the bill here at Avalon Motor Company. Our stock page on our website and our forecourt are bursting with lots of the models we’ve mentioned above - it’s time to explore online or at our dealership. Don’t forget we offer finance too.

We’re located close to Wells, Shepton Mallet, Yeovil, Taunton and more. Come and see us!