Car Insurance

A Detailed Guide to the Different Car Types

By Juhi Walia
31 August 2022, 5:10 PM

A car is always the best option for commuting to remote places with the family. It is also a stepping stone for some people to achieve their dream by investing in a vehicle. Since car companies offer an extensive range of cars at various prices, buying a car is common and affordable. Still, owners must be very conscious about everything before buying a car, as one will pay a considerable amount for it. Aside from this, your job does not end with buying a car; you must also buy the best car insurance policy to avoid undesirable situations. Driving your car without a valid car insurance policy is a punishable offence.

The automobile market in India is complex, with car manufacturers developing unique types of cars for their customers. If you are unaware of the different types of vehicles, you may end up buying the wrong one. So, you must choose a car based on various requirements such as car size, family size, budget, fuel type, and more. However, to help you comprehend things better and select the correct type of car, here is a list of different kinds of vehicles available in India.     

1. Hatchback 

A hatchback is a type of car which Indians most commonly prefer to buy. This small car is best for small families with five members and has four doors, a hatch-type rear door, and a boot. The door of this car opens upwards to allow more space for luggage. Besides other benefits, the hatchback has tremendous fuel efficiency and better mileage. This car is best for congested regions and allows for convenient parking.

Car insurance policy costs of hatchback cars are usually the lowest. However, the downside of this car is that hatchbacks do not carry high-volume packages.

Some common examples of the hatchback are: 

  • Ford Figo
  • Tata Tiago
  • Maruti Suzuki Swift
  • Chevrolet Spark
  • Hyundai i20
  • Volkswagen Polo

2. Sedan 

Most car owners love to own sedans due to their various features. A sedan is best for 4 to 5-seaters with separate boot and passenger space. It is well-developed with three different configurations: cargo, passenger, and engine. It has two seating rows, a closed physique, and a rear quantity of 33 cubic ft. The sedan is also known as notchback or saloon, and its further categories are subcompact, compact, or fastback.

Following are some examples of the sedan:

  • Honda Metropolis
  • Maruti Suzuki Ciaz
  • Skoda Octavia
  • Toyota Etios
  • Volkswagen Vento
  • BMW 3-Series

3. SUV 

SUV is an abbreviation for Sports Utility Vehicle, which is well-known for its powerful and colossal body. The manufacturers built this car with a combination of off-road features and passenger-friendly capabilities. An SUV is the best option to drive on rough grounds as they are large and have four big wheels. 

Some of the examples of SUVs are: 

  • Ford Escape
  • Mahindra Scorpio
  • Tata Safari
  • Hyundai Creta
  • Range Rover
  • Jeep Compass

4. CUV 

CUV is an abbreviation for Crossover Utility Vehicles, a sum-up of two types of cars- hatchbacks and SUVs. This type of car has soft off-roading features, but it does not function like an SUV.

Some of the examples of a CUV are:

  • Volvo V40 Cross Country
  • Honda WR-V
  • Tata Tiago NGR
  • Hyundai i20 Active
  • Ford Freestyle

5. Micro Car 

It is difficult for every Indian with little income to own a car. So, a reputed automotive manufacturer designed an excellent product that offers practical driving at affordable prices. A microcar is the best option if you want a vehicle with lower prices. This type of car is best for small families and convenient for congested areas.

The most suitable example of a micro car is: 

  • Tata Nano

6. Coupe 

If you are a fan of stylish and luxurious cars with a sporty stance, you should go with this type of car. The coupe is rarely found on Indian roads, but its features make it a worthy investment. This is a compact car with usually two doors and a fixed sloping roof. It has a robust engine that allows the best performance, two seats, and sometimes smaller rear seats.

Following are examples of coupes: 

  • BMW i8
  • xAudi R8
  • Ferrari 488 Spider
  • Mercedes Benz GLE Coupe
  • McLaren 720S

Significance of a Car Insurance Policy 

If you buy a car, you also need to know the significance of a car insurance policy. In India, third-party car insurance is obligatory to purchase and acts as a legal requirement. Alongside legal obligation, a car insurance policy covering its damage helps provide financial cover after the car meets with any accident. There are different types of car insurance policies in India that you can choose to protect your vehicle from unfortunate events. The policyholder can choose from third-party(mandatory to buy at least), standalone own damage, comprehensive car insurance, and pay-as-you-drive car policy. 

Conclusion 

Hopefully, the information mentioned above will help you understand the types of cars, and you will choose the right vehicle for yourself. But remember, being late is always better than choosing the wrong car. So thoroughly inspect every aspect of your option and then take any decision. Moreover, after buying a car, you also need to focus on the most convenient type of car insurance to drive on Indian roads freely. 

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FAQs
1. How many types of cars are present in the market?

Around 400 different types and models of cars are present in the market. However, the most common cars in India are SUVs, hybrids, convertibles, hatchbacks, MUVs, coupes, electric vehicles, and pickup trucks. 

2. What to consider while buying a new car?

If you are going to buy a car for yourself, ensure you evaluate all these factors about the car- reliability, safety, quality of build, suitability for family, cost, incentives, different features, etc. 

3. Which is the best type of car - SUV or sedan?

Both types of cars have their features; the capability of SUVs tends to be more than sedans, while sedans provide a better and more comfortable ride. If you want a car for severe weather and rough roads, go for SUVs; otherwise, sedans are best for comfortable riding in urban areas. 

4. Why is the coupe the rarest type of car found in India?

The coupe is well-known for its sporty stance, but it usually has only two doors and is less effective than other cars. Indian families need a car that offers them more seating and luggage space, but a coupe does not have these features. Moreover, the cost of a coupe is also not for every car buyer. 

5. What makes a hatchback so well-liked?

The hatchback is compact, which makes it best to drive in city traffic and congested areas. It offers wider luggage space and huge fuel capability, making it the most well-liked type of car.