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EspañolCAR CLASSIFICATION
'Car classification' is subjective since many vehicles fall into multiple categories. Not all car types are sold in all countries and names for the same vehicle can differ by region. The following are commonly used classifications. Where applicable, the relevant EuroNCAP classifications are shown.
Main articles: Microcar, Bubble car
Straddling the boundary between car and motorbike, these vehicles have engines under 1.0 liter, typically seat only two passengers and sometimes unorthodox in construction. Some microcars are three-wheelers, while the majority have four. Microcars can be associated with post-war Europe, where their appearance led them to be called 'Bubble cars'. A contrast to the traditional microcar is the modern Smart Fortwo.
Examples of microcars:
★ Isetta
★ Messerschmitt microcar
★ Subaru 360
Main articles: Hatchback, Sedan, Station wagon
Main articles: City car, Kei car
A city car is a small automobile intended for use in urban areas. Unlike microcars, a city car's greater speed and occupant protection are safer in mixed traffic environments and weather conditions. While city cars can reach highway speeds, that is not their intended use. In Japan, city cars are called kei cars. Kei cars have to meet strict size and engine requirements: engines have a maximum displacement of 660 cc and the car's length must be under 3400 mm.
Examples of kei cars:
★ Autozam AZ-1
★ Daihatsu Copen
★ Honda Beat
★ Suzuki Cappuccino
Examples of city cars:
★ Fiat Cinquecento
★ Peugeot 107
Main articles: Supermini car, Subcompact car
This class is known as 'supermini' in Europe, 'subcompact' in North America. These vehicles are the smallest cars sold in the North American market. Superminis have three, four or five doors and are designed to seat four passengers comfortably. Current supermini hatchbacks are approximately 3900 mm long, while sedans and station wagons are around 4200 mm long.
In Europe, the first superminis were the Fiat 500 of 1957 and the Austin Mini of 1959. Today, superminis are some of the best selling vehicles in Europe.
In Australia, motoring press tends to distinguish between a 'light car' such as the Daihatsu Charade or early models of the Holden Barina, and slightly larger models such as the Ford Fiesta which is considered to be a 'small car.' As the general size of vehicles in this class has gradually increased, the category of 'light car' has almost disappeared.
Examples of superminis / subcompact cars:
★ Austin/MG/Rover Metro
★ Ford Fiesta
★ Nissan Micra
★ Volkswagen Polo
★ Peugeot 205
★ Fiat Uno
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Superminis'.
Main articles: Small family car, Compact car
Compact cars refer to the longest hatchbacks and sedans and station wagons with similar size. They are approximately 4250 mm long in case of hatchbacks and 4500 mm in the case of sedans and station wagons. Compact cars have room for five adults and usually have engines between 1.6 and 2.2 liters. These are the most popular vehicles in most developed countries.
Examples of hatchback small family cars / compact cars:
★ Austin/MG/Rover Maestro
★ Ford Focus
★ Honda Civic
★ Fiat Tipo
★ Peugeot 307
★ Toyota Corolla
★ Volkswagen Golf
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Small Family Cars'. In Australia, this class is generally referred to as being 'Small-Medium' sized cars.
Main articles: Large family car, Mid-size car
Mid-size cars have room for five adults and a large trunk. Engines are more powerful than compact cars and six-cylinder engines are more common than in smaller cars. Car sizes vary from region to region; in Europe, large family cars are rarely over 4700 mm long, while in North America and Australasia they may be well over 4800 mm.
Examples of large family cars / mid-size cars:
★ Austin/MG/Rover Montego
★ Citroen C5
★ Ford Mondeo
★ Vauxhall/Opel Vectra
★ Toyota Avensis
★ Volkswagen Passat
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Large Family Cars'. These are known in Australia as 'Medium' sized cars.
Main articles: Full-size car
These term is used most in North America and Australia where it refers to the largest sedans on the market. Full-size cars may be well over 5000 mm long and are the roomiest vehicles.
Examples of full-size cars:
★ Buick Lucerne
★ Chrysler 300
★ Hyundai Grandeur/Azera
★ Toyota Avalon
Main articles: Compact executive car
These are luxurious equivalents to large family cars and compact cars. Powerful six- and eight-cylinder engines are common, but rear seat room and trunk space are more reduced than in "non-luxury" models since the extra room is needed to accommodate the larger engine.
Examples of compact executive cars / entry-level luxury cars:
★ Alfa Romeo 159
★ Audi A4
★ BMW 3 Series
★ Lexus IS
★ Mercedes-Benz C-Class
★ MG 7
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Large Family Cars'.
Main articles: Executive car
An executive car or mid-luxury car is larger than a compact executive car/entry-level luxury car. They are usually very roomy, powerful and luxurious, making them more expensive than "standard" sedans.
Examples of executive cars / mid-luxury cars:
★ Alfa Romeo 166
★ BMW 5 Series
★ Ford Granada/Scorpio
★ Jaguar S-Type
★ Mercedes-Benz E Class
★ Renault Safrane
★ Rover 800
★ Saab 9000
★ Vauxhall/Opel Omega
★ Volvo S80
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Executive Cars'.
Main articles: Luxury car
A full-size luxury car is typically a four-door sedan. These are the most powerful sedans, with eight and twelve-cylinder engines and have more equipment than smaller models.
Examples of full-size luxury cars:
★ Audi A8
★ BMW 7 Series
★ Jaguar XJ
★ Lexus LS
★ Mercedes-Benz S-Class
★ Rolls Royce Phantom
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Executive Cars'.
Main articles: Hot hatch, Sport compact
A 'hot hatch' or 'sport compact' is a high-performance small car, usually a hatchback, based on standard superminis or small family cars with improved performance, handling and styling. Hot hatches are very popular in Europe. In North America, sport compacts are usually sold as sedans or coupés rather than hatchbacks.
Examples of sport compacts:
★ Acura Integra
★ Nissan Sentra V-spec
★ Subaru Impreza WRX STi
Examples of hot hatches:
★ Citroen Saxo VTR
★ Fiat Punto HGT
★ Ford Escort RS Turbo
★ Honda Civic Type R
★ MG ZR
★ Nissan Almera GTi
★ Peugeot 205 GTI
★ Renault 5 Turbo
★ SEAT León Cupra R
★ Vauxhall Astra GTE
★ Volkswagen Golf GTI
Main articles: Sports sedan
These are high performance versions of sedans. Originally homologated for production based motorsports (touring cars) and like regular sedans, seats four or five people.
Examples of sports sedans / saloons:
★ Audi RS4
★ BMW M3
★ BMW M5
★ Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
★ Honda Accord Type R
★ Lotus Carlton
★ Mazdaspeed 6/Mazda 6 MPS
★ Mercedes C43 AMG
★ Vauxhall Vectra VXR
Main articles: Sports car
This small lightweight class combines performance and handling. Often inspired by racing vehicles, this class ranges from sporty vehicles such as the Mazda Miata/MX-5 to derivatives of true racing thoroughbreds such as the Lotus Elise.
Examples of sports cars:
★ Alfa Romeo Spider
★ Austin-Healey 3000
★ Honda NSX
★ Lotus Elise
★ Mazda Miata/MX-5
★ MG TF
★ Porsche 911
★ Vauxhall VX220
Main articles: Grand tourer
Larger, more powerful and heavier than sports cars, these vehicles typically have a FR layout and seating for four passengers (2+2). These are more expensive than sports cars but not expensive as supercars. Some grand tourers are hand-built.
Examples of grand tourers:
★ Aston Martin DB9
★ BMW 6 Series
★ Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
★ Honda NSX
★ Jaguar XK8
★ Lotus Esprit
★ Maserati Coupé
★ Mercedes-Benz SL
★ Mitsubishi GTO
★ Nissan 300ZX
★ Nissan Skyline
★ Porsche 911
★ TVR Cerbera
★ Vauxhall Monaro
Main articles: Supercar
Supercars are ultra-high performance cars, typically very expensive, luxurious and exceptionally fast. Supercars typically contain cutting-edge technology and are usually assembled by hand.
Examples of supercars:
★ Bugatti Veyron
★ Chevrolet Corvette
★ Ferrari 550
★ Lamborghini Murciélago
★ McLaren F1
★ Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
★ MG SV
★ Porsche Carrera GT
★ TVR Cerbera Speed 12
★ Dodge Viper
Main articles: Muscle car
The 'Muscle car' term was coined in United States. Classic muscle cars appeared in the mid-1960s and disappeared because of the 1973 energy crisis. Muscle cars became popular in Australia during the 1980s. These cars shoe-horned giant engines into mid-sized cars straight from the factory. Handling took a backseat to straight-line acceleration.
Examples of American muscle cars:
★ AMC Javelin
★ Chevrolet Camaro
★ Dodge Challenger
★ Dodge Charger
★ Ford Mustang
★ Mercury Cougar
★ Pontiac Firebird
★ Pontiac GTO
Examples of Australian muscle cars:
★ Ford Falcon
★ Holden Monaro
★ Valiant Charger
Main articles: Cabriolet, Convertible
Also called an open saloon, roadster or drop-head coupe, this type of car has a roof (fabric, vinyl, metal or glass) which can be folded away. Convertibles were very popular in hotter places before the advent of automotive air-conditioning. 2-seat convertible sports cars are commonly named roadster or spyder.
Examples of convertibles:
★ BMW 3 Series Cabriolet
★ Fiat Barchetta
★ Mercedes-Benz SLK
★ Nissan Micra CC
★ Peugeot 206 CC
★ Porsche Boxster
★ Reanult Megane CC
★ Volkswagen Eos
★ Volvo C70 Cabriolet
Main articles: Sport utility vehicle
Sport utility vehicles are off-road vehicles with a body-on-frame chassis, four-wheel drive and true off-road capability. SUVs can be troublesome in accidents. A high center of gravity gives SUVs means SUVs rollover more easily than automobiles.
Examples of 4x4s / SUVs:
★ Ford Explorer
★ Honda CRV
★ BMW X5
★ Daihatsu Fourtrak
★ Hyundai Santa Fe
★ Kia Sorento
★ Lada Niva
★ Land Rover Discovery
★ Mitsubishi Shogun/Pajero
★ Nissan Patrol
★ Suzuki Samurai
★ Toyota Land Cruiser
★ Vauxhall/Opel Frontera
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Large Off-Roaders'.
Main articles: Crossover SUV
Crossover SUVs have a monocoque construction and lower ground clearance than SUVs. Some of them have traction control and adjustable suspension to improve off-road capabilities.
Examples of crossover SUVs:
★ Fiat Sedici
★ Nissan Qashqai
★ Peugeot 4007
★ Renault Koleos
★ Toyota RAV4
★ Volvo XC90
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Small Off-Roaders'.
Main articles: Minivan
Also known as people carriers, this class of cars resemble tall station wagons. Larger minivans may have seating for up to eighth passengers.
Being taller than a family car improves visibility for the driver (while reducing visibility for other road users) and may help access for the elderly or disabled. They also offer more seats and increased load capacity than hatchbacks or station wagons.
Examples of mini MPVs:
★ Daihatsu Grand Move
★ Fiat Idea
★ Ford Fusion
★ Hyundai Matrix
★ Nissan Note
★ Renault Modus
★ Suzuki Wagon R
Examples of compact MPVs:
★ Chrysler PT Cruiser
★ Citroën Picasso
★ Daewoo/Chevrolet Tacuma
★ Fiat Multipla
★ Ford C-Max
★ Honda Stream
★ Kia Carens
★ Mazda5
★ Nissan Almera Tino
★ Peugeot 3008
★ Renault Scenic
★ Seat Altea
★ Toyota Corolla Verso
★ Vauxhall/Opel Zafira
★ Volkswagen Touran
Both categories are equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Small MPVs'.
Examples of large MPVs / minivans:
★ Chrysler Voyager
★ Citroen Synergie/Evasion
★ Citroen C8
★ Fiat Ulysse
★ Ford Galaxy
★ Honda Shuttle
★ Hyundai Trajet
★ Kia Sedona
★ Lancia Zeta
★ Mazda MPV
★ Mitsubishi Space Wagon
★ Mitsubishi Grandis
★ Nissan Serena
★ Peugeot 806
★ Peugeot 807
★ Renault Espace
★ SEAT Alhambra
★ Ssangyong Rodius
★ Toyota Previa
★ Vauxhall/Opel Sintra
★ Volkswagen Sharan
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'MPVs'.
Main articles: Van
In some countries, the term 'van' can refer to a small ''panel van'' based on a passenger car design (often the station wagon / estate model); it also refers to light trucks, which themselves are sometimes based on SUVs or MPVs. (But note that those retaining seats and windows, while being larger and more utilitarian than MPVs, may be called 'minibuses'.) The term is also used in the term 'camper van' — equivalent to a North American recreational vehicle.
In the United States, the term 'van' refers to vehicles that, like European minibuses, are even larger than large MPVs and are rarely seen being driven for domestic purposes — except for 'conversion vans'. These possess extremely large interior space and are often more intended for hauling cargo than people. Most vans use body-on-frame construction and are thus suitable for extensive modification and coachwork, known as conversion. Conversion vans are often quite luxurious, boasting comfortable seats, soft rides, built-in support for electronics such as television sets, and other amenities. The more elaborate conversion vans straddle the line between cars and recreational vehicles.
Examples of North American 'vans':
★ Dodge Ram Van
★ Ford E-Series
★ GMC Savana
Examples of European 'vans':
★ Fiat Ducato
★ Ford Transit
★ Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
★ Nissan Vanette Cargo
★ Peugeot Partner
★ Renault Trafic
★ Talbot Express
★ Vauxhall Movano
★ ACRISS Car Classification Code
★ Automobile
★ Car safety and road safety
★ Car body style
★ List of recent automobile models by type
★ Vehicle size class
★ EuroNCAP classifications
Microcar
Smart
Main articles: Microcar, Bubble car
Straddling the boundary between car and motorbike, these vehicles have engines under 1.0 liter, typically seat only two passengers and sometimes unorthodox in construction. Some microcars are three-wheelers, while the majority have four. Microcars can be associated with post-war Europe, where their appearance led them to be called 'Bubble cars'. A contrast to the traditional microcar is the modern Smart Fortwo.
Examples of microcars:
★ Isetta
★ Messerschmitt microcar
★ Subaru 360
Hatchbacks, sedans and station wagons
Main articles: Hatchback, Sedan, Station wagon
City car
Main articles: City car, Kei car
A city car is a small automobile intended for use in urban areas. Unlike microcars, a city car's greater speed and occupant protection are safer in mixed traffic environments and weather conditions. While city cars can reach highway speeds, that is not their intended use. In Japan, city cars are called kei cars. Kei cars have to meet strict size and engine requirements: engines have a maximum displacement of 660 cc and the car's length must be under 3400 mm.
Examples of kei cars:
★ Autozam AZ-1
★ Daihatsu Copen
★ Honda Beat
★ Suzuki Cappuccino
Examples of city cars:
★ Fiat Cinquecento
★ Peugeot 107
Supermini / Subcompact car
Ford Fiesta
Main articles: Supermini car, Subcompact car
This class is known as 'supermini' in Europe, 'subcompact' in North America. These vehicles are the smallest cars sold in the North American market. Superminis have three, four or five doors and are designed to seat four passengers comfortably. Current supermini hatchbacks are approximately 3900 mm long, while sedans and station wagons are around 4200 mm long.
In Europe, the first superminis were the Fiat 500 of 1957 and the Austin Mini of 1959. Today, superminis are some of the best selling vehicles in Europe.
In Australia, motoring press tends to distinguish between a 'light car' such as the Daihatsu Charade or early models of the Holden Barina, and slightly larger models such as the Ford Fiesta which is considered to be a 'small car.' As the general size of vehicles in this class has gradually increased, the category of 'light car' has almost disappeared.
Examples of superminis / subcompact cars:
★ Austin/MG/Rover Metro
★ Ford Fiesta
★ Nissan Micra
★ Volkswagen Polo
★ Peugeot 205
★ Fiat Uno
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Superminis'.
Small family car / Compact car
Main articles: Small family car, Compact car
Compact cars refer to the longest hatchbacks and sedans and station wagons with similar size. They are approximately 4250 mm long in case of hatchbacks and 4500 mm in the case of sedans and station wagons. Compact cars have room for five adults and usually have engines between 1.6 and 2.2 liters. These are the most popular vehicles in most developed countries.
Examples of hatchback small family cars / compact cars:
★ Austin/MG/Rover Maestro
★ Ford Focus
★ Honda Civic
★ Fiat Tipo
★ Peugeot 307
★ Toyota Corolla
★ Volkswagen Golf
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Small Family Cars'. In Australia, this class is generally referred to as being 'Small-Medium' sized cars.
Large family car / Mid-size car
Main articles: Large family car, Mid-size car
Mid-size cars have room for five adults and a large trunk. Engines are more powerful than compact cars and six-cylinder engines are more common than in smaller cars. Car sizes vary from region to region; in Europe, large family cars are rarely over 4700 mm long, while in North America and Australasia they may be well over 4800 mm.
Examples of large family cars / mid-size cars:
★ Austin/MG/Rover Montego
★ Citroen C5
★ Ford Mondeo
★ Vauxhall/Opel Vectra
★ Toyota Avensis
★ Volkswagen Passat
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Large Family Cars'. These are known in Australia as 'Medium' sized cars.
Full-size car / Large car
Lincoln Town Car
Main articles: Full-size car
These term is used most in North America and Australia where it refers to the largest sedans on the market. Full-size cars may be well over 5000 mm long and are the roomiest vehicles.
Examples of full-size cars:
★ Buick Lucerne
★ Chrysler 300
★ Hyundai Grandeur/Azera
★ Toyota Avalon
Compact executive car / Entry-level luxury car
Main articles: Compact executive car
These are luxurious equivalents to large family cars and compact cars. Powerful six- and eight-cylinder engines are common, but rear seat room and trunk space are more reduced than in "non-luxury" models since the extra room is needed to accommodate the larger engine.
Examples of compact executive cars / entry-level luxury cars:
★ Alfa Romeo 159
★ Audi A4
★ BMW 3 Series
★ Lexus IS
★ Mercedes-Benz C-Class
★ MG 7
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Large Family Cars'.
Executive car / Mid-luxury car
Main articles: Executive car
An executive car or mid-luxury car is larger than a compact executive car/entry-level luxury car. They are usually very roomy, powerful and luxurious, making them more expensive than "standard" sedans.
Examples of executive cars / mid-luxury cars:
★ Alfa Romeo 166
★ BMW 5 Series
★ Ford Granada/Scorpio
★ Jaguar S-Type
★ Mercedes-Benz E Class
★ Renault Safrane
★ Rover 800
★ Saab 9000
★ Vauxhall/Opel Omega
★ Volvo S80
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Executive Cars'.
Full-size luxury car
Main articles: Luxury car
A full-size luxury car is typically a four-door sedan. These are the most powerful sedans, with eight and twelve-cylinder engines and have more equipment than smaller models.
Examples of full-size luxury cars:
★ Audi A8
★ BMW 7 Series
★ Jaguar XJ
★ Lexus LS
★ Mercedes-Benz S-Class
★ Rolls Royce Phantom
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Executive Cars'.
Sports cars and grand tourers
Hot hatch / sport compact
VW Golf GTI Cabriolet
Main articles: Hot hatch, Sport compact
A 'hot hatch' or 'sport compact' is a high-performance small car, usually a hatchback, based on standard superminis or small family cars with improved performance, handling and styling. Hot hatches are very popular in Europe. In North America, sport compacts are usually sold as sedans or coupés rather than hatchbacks.
Examples of sport compacts:
★ Acura Integra
★ Nissan Sentra V-spec
★ Subaru Impreza WRX STi
Examples of hot hatches:
★ Citroen Saxo VTR
★ Fiat Punto HGT
★ Ford Escort RS Turbo
★ Honda Civic Type R
★ MG ZR
★ Nissan Almera GTi
★ Peugeot 205 GTI
★ Renault 5 Turbo
★ SEAT León Cupra R
★ Vauxhall Astra GTE
★ Volkswagen Golf GTI
Sports sedan / sports saloon
Main articles: Sports sedan
These are high performance versions of sedans. Originally homologated for production based motorsports (touring cars) and like regular sedans, seats four or five people.
Examples of sports sedans / saloons:
★ Audi RS4
★ BMW M3
★ BMW M5
★ Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
★ Honda Accord Type R
★ Lotus Carlton
★ Mazdaspeed 6/Mazda 6 MPS
★ Mercedes C43 AMG
★ Vauxhall Vectra VXR
Sports car
Main articles: Sports car
This small lightweight class combines performance and handling. Often inspired by racing vehicles, this class ranges from sporty vehicles such as the Mazda Miata/MX-5 to derivatives of true racing thoroughbreds such as the Lotus Elise.
Examples of sports cars:
★ Alfa Romeo Spider
★ Austin-Healey 3000
★ Honda NSX
★ Lotus Elise
★ Mazda Miata/MX-5
★ MG TF
★ Porsche 911
★ Vauxhall VX220
Grand tourer
Jaguar XK8
Lamborghini Gallardo
Main articles: Grand tourer
Larger, more powerful and heavier than sports cars, these vehicles typically have a FR layout and seating for four passengers (2+2). These are more expensive than sports cars but not expensive as supercars. Some grand tourers are hand-built.
Examples of grand tourers:
★ Aston Martin DB9
★ BMW 6 Series
★ Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
★ Honda NSX
★ Jaguar XK8
★ Lotus Esprit
★ Maserati Coupé
★ Mercedes-Benz SL
★ Mitsubishi GTO
★ Nissan 300ZX
★ Nissan Skyline
★ Porsche 911
★ TVR Cerbera
★ Vauxhall Monaro
Supercar
Main articles: Supercar
Supercars are ultra-high performance cars, typically very expensive, luxurious and exceptionally fast. Supercars typically contain cutting-edge technology and are usually assembled by hand.
Examples of supercars:
★ Bugatti Veyron
★ Chevrolet Corvette
★ Ferrari 550
★ Lamborghini Murciélago
★ McLaren F1
★ Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
★ MG SV
★ Porsche Carrera GT
★ TVR Cerbera Speed 12
★ Dodge Viper
Muscle car
Main articles: Muscle car
The 'Muscle car' term was coined in United States. Classic muscle cars appeared in the mid-1960s and disappeared because of the 1973 energy crisis. Muscle cars became popular in Australia during the 1980s. These cars shoe-horned giant engines into mid-sized cars straight from the factory. Handling took a backseat to straight-line acceleration.
Examples of American muscle cars:
★ AMC Javelin
★ Chevrolet Camaro
★ Dodge Challenger
★ Dodge Charger
★ Ford Mustang
★ Mercury Cougar
★ Pontiac Firebird
★ Pontiac GTO
Examples of Australian muscle cars:
★ Ford Falcon
★ Holden Monaro
★ Valiant Charger
Convertible
Main articles: Cabriolet, Convertible
Also called an open saloon, roadster or drop-head coupe, this type of car has a roof (fabric, vinyl, metal or glass) which can be folded away. Convertibles were very popular in hotter places before the advent of automotive air-conditioning. 2-seat convertible sports cars are commonly named roadster or spyder.
Examples of convertibles:
★ BMW 3 Series Cabriolet
★ Fiat Barchetta
★ Mercedes-Benz SLK
★ Nissan Micra CC
★ Peugeot 206 CC
★ Porsche Boxster
★ Reanult Megane CC
★ Volkswagen Eos
★ Volvo C70 Cabriolet
Off-roaders
Sport utility vehicle
Main articles: Sport utility vehicle
Sport utility vehicles are off-road vehicles with a body-on-frame chassis, four-wheel drive and true off-road capability. SUVs can be troublesome in accidents. A high center of gravity gives SUVs means SUVs rollover more easily than automobiles.
Examples of 4x4s / SUVs:
★ Ford Explorer
★ Honda CRV
★ BMW X5
★ Daihatsu Fourtrak
★ Hyundai Santa Fe
★ Kia Sorento
★ Lada Niva
★ Land Rover Discovery
★ Mitsubishi Shogun/Pajero
★ Nissan Patrol
★ Suzuki Samurai
★ Toyota Land Cruiser
★ Vauxhall/Opel Frontera
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Large Off-Roaders'.
Crossover SUV
Main articles: Crossover SUV
Crossover SUVs have a monocoque construction and lower ground clearance than SUVs. Some of them have traction control and adjustable suspension to improve off-road capabilities.
Examples of crossover SUVs:
★ Fiat Sedici
★ Nissan Qashqai
★ Peugeot 4007
★ Renault Koleos
★ Toyota RAV4
★ Volvo XC90
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Small Off-Roaders'.
Minivans / Multi-purpose vehicles
Main articles: Minivan
Also known as people carriers, this class of cars resemble tall station wagons. Larger minivans may have seating for up to eighth passengers.
Being taller than a family car improves visibility for the driver (while reducing visibility for other road users) and may help access for the elderly or disabled. They also offer more seats and increased load capacity than hatchbacks or station wagons.
Citroën Xsara Picasso
Examples of mini MPVs:
★ Daihatsu Grand Move
★ Fiat Idea
★ Ford Fusion
★ Hyundai Matrix
★ Nissan Note
★ Renault Modus
★ Suzuki Wagon R
Examples of compact MPVs:
★ Chrysler PT Cruiser
★ Citroën Picasso
★ Daewoo/Chevrolet Tacuma
★ Fiat Multipla
★ Ford C-Max
★ Honda Stream
★ Kia Carens
★ Mazda5
★ Nissan Almera Tino
★ Peugeot 3008
★ Renault Scenic
★ Seat Altea
★ Toyota Corolla Verso
★ Vauxhall/Opel Zafira
★ Volkswagen Touran
Both categories are equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'Small MPVs'.
Dodge Grand Caravan
Examples of large MPVs / minivans:
★ Chrysler Voyager
★ Citroen Synergie/Evasion
★ Citroen C8
★ Fiat Ulysse
★ Ford Galaxy
★ Honda Shuttle
★ Hyundai Trajet
★ Kia Sedona
★ Lancia Zeta
★ Mazda MPV
★ Mitsubishi Space Wagon
★ Mitsubishi Grandis
★ Nissan Serena
★ Peugeot 806
★ Peugeot 807
★ Renault Espace
★ SEAT Alhambra
★ Ssangyong Rodius
★ Toyota Previa
★ Vauxhall/Opel Sintra
★ Volkswagen Sharan
This category is equivalent to the EuroNCAP class 'MPVs'.
Van
Main articles: Van
Dodge Ram Van
In some countries, the term 'van' can refer to a small ''panel van'' based on a passenger car design (often the station wagon / estate model); it also refers to light trucks, which themselves are sometimes based on SUVs or MPVs. (But note that those retaining seats and windows, while being larger and more utilitarian than MPVs, may be called 'minibuses'.) The term is also used in the term 'camper van' — equivalent to a North American recreational vehicle.
In the United States, the term 'van' refers to vehicles that, like European minibuses, are even larger than large MPVs and are rarely seen being driven for domestic purposes — except for 'conversion vans'. These possess extremely large interior space and are often more intended for hauling cargo than people. Most vans use body-on-frame construction and are thus suitable for extensive modification and coachwork, known as conversion. Conversion vans are often quite luxurious, boasting comfortable seats, soft rides, built-in support for electronics such as television sets, and other amenities. The more elaborate conversion vans straddle the line between cars and recreational vehicles.
Examples of North American 'vans':
★ Dodge Ram Van
★ Ford E-Series
★ GMC Savana
Examples of European 'vans':
★ Fiat Ducato
★ Ford Transit
★ Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
★ Nissan Vanette Cargo
★ Peugeot Partner
★ Renault Trafic
★ Talbot Express
★ Vauxhall Movano
See also
★ ACRISS Car Classification Code
★ Automobile
★ Car safety and road safety
★ Car body style
★ List of recent automobile models by type
★ Vehicle size class
References
External links
★ EuroNCAP classifications
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