Different Types Of Cars Available In India:
A Simple Guide From An Automobile Expert
Let’s say you’re in the market for either a new car, used car or just want to gain an understanding into the different types of cars that are available in India. You shall quickly understand that the options are too many. With the Indian automobile market now as diverse as ever, it may seem confusing to almost everyone to decode all the different jargons relating to the auto world and eventually try and figure out which may be the best option for them.
That’s my cue. As an automobile enthusiast for the past 15+ years and with previous experience as a “Product Expert” with Mercedes Benz India, I will be your one stop shop to understand the most common car types in detail, via this blog.
Fasten your seat belts and let’s start your first driving lesson.
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Hatchback –
Compact and city-friendly cars, they are most suited for our city traffic. They are easy to drive and manoeuvre, cheaper to buy and maintain and are usually the first preference for new drivers who want to learn how to drive, barring a few high-performance hatchbacks, which are purely designed for the enthusiasts, because of the sheer fun driving experience they provide.
Most common examples of hatchbacks in India:
• Hyundai i10 and i20
• Maruti Suzuki Swift and Baleno
• Tata Altroz
• Volkswagen Polo -
Sedan/Saloon –
Sedans, or Saloons in some other markets, are your go-to for a more upmarket and premium experience. These are generally packed with more comfort and sporty features compared to their hatchback counterparts. And since these are longer in length and width, they also offer the passengers more space and comfort on the inside. Ideal to be used for long distance commutes, owners that are chauffeur driven and for professionals who want a sleek and stylish looking set of wheels.
Most popular examples of sedans in India:
• Volkswagen Virtus
• Skoda Slavia, Octavia and Superb
• Hyundai Verna
• Mercedes C-class
• BMW 3-series
• Audi A4 -
SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle) –
The highest growing segment of cars in India at the moment, you are sure to be having friends, relatives or colleagues around you who are currently owning one or are planning to purchase one in the near future. These cars are usually equipped with 4X4 (4-wheel drive or 4WD) drivetrains and high ground clearance to help them take on the rough stuff, like off-roading, long distance cruising, and heavy load carrying. But with their gaining popularity amongst users and the evolving nature of the diverse needs of their owners, SUVs have been made more friendly to use and maintain by people across various territories like cities, towns and remote villages. SUVs offer huge amounts of space for passengers and their luggage that they would like to move around with. Making them extremely practical for long term usage. Also, as time progresses and the family size of the individual/owner increases, they become increasingly more convenient for the needs of the family. Not compromising on their capabilities of taking on the rough terrain and long drives while at it.
Common examples of SUVs in India:
• Mahindra Scorpio and XUV 700
• Tata Harrier and Safari
• Skoda Kodiaq
• Toyota Fortuner
• MG Hector and Gloster
• BMW X5 and X7
• Mercedes Benz GLE and GLS
• Land Rover Defender and Range Rover -
Compact SUV / Crossover –
This is a fairly recently developed segment which has evolved out of the traditional SUVs and is gaining popularity amongst car buyers at an unprecedented rate. These fit perfectly into the evolving nature of car usage of the average buyer in India, being able to tend to needs such as daily commuting to work in our busy city streets and also to be able to pack in enough luggage for a family of 4-5 and head off for a weekend trip. They deliver excellently well in terms of space and practicality. Also, from a service and aftersales experience POV, these are considerably easier to maintain and service over long periods of time. The primary reason for car buyers to opt for compact SUVs though, especially in India, is the lack of good road infrastructure. Theses compact SUVs are more than able to comply with bad roads without being too massive in size to be used in our traffic packed city streets. Thus, making them the ideal purchase in today’s time. They’re a big time hit also with users who are looking to upgrade from a hatchback or sedan and for professionals who are looking for a stylish upgrade with more ground clearance without going too big.
Best-selling compact SUVs in India:
• Hyundai Creta and Tucson
• Kia Seltos
• Tata Nexon
• Volkswagen Taigun
• Audi Q3
• BMW X1
• Mercedes Benz GLC -
MPV / Minivans (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) –
These are for the most practical buyers out there. MPVs are the best suited for owners that intend to use their vehicle for multiple needs at once. They offer loads of space inside to safely carry big families over long distances, with their luggage. Or even for the elite class of owners who want to lounge inside their luxury van/MPV with a TV screen and reclining chairs. As I said, these can suit a host of needs for their owners, as per their requirements.
Current crop of MPVs and minivans on sale in India:
• Maruti Suzuki Ertiga
• Kia Carens and Carnival
• Toyota Vellfire
• Mercedes Benz V-class
• Lexus LM 350h -
Coupes and Convertibles –
With this we enter the high-performance territory. Coupes and convertibles, also known as supercars in India, are the go-to choice for automobile enthusiasts with the primary motive to drive cars for the experience of it. Usually equipped with low-slung, head-turning designs and engine specifications that appeal to serious driving enthusiasts. These cars boast of high power and torque figures and are capable of reaching the 0-100 kmph mark in a matter of seconds. This can vary from 2.3 seconds to 7 seconds, depending on the sub-category of performance cars they belong in. These are available in 2-door and 4-door options and some of the modern ones can actually also be considerably practical to be used and owned for daily use. Apart from the 0-100kmph dash, these cars are mind-blowingly fun to be driven on the racetrack under a controlled environment and can match lap records set by some very serious sportscars on the same racetracks.
Some serious competitors in this segment of cars:
• BMW M series and Z4
• Mercedes Benz AMG series
• Ferrari 296 GTB and SF90 Stradale
• Porsche 911, Taycan and Panamera
• Lamborghini Huracan
• Aston Martin Vantage and DB12 -
Pick-up trucks –
A segment which has been away from the Indian shores for quite some time, pick-up trucks have proven to be not the most popular amongst car buyers. But to the intended user, they make a huge amount of sense and the owners seriously vouch for these cars. The pick-up truck is extremely handy to car users who use it to transport a lot of stuff along with them while they travel. These are also used by serious off-roaders who frequently like to go on off-roading adventures along with their buddies. Pick-up trucks are also used by folks who want to carry around their dirtbike/adventure bikes along with them while on such adventurous journeys. The extremely high ground clearance, 4X4 drivetrain and rugged build quality of these cars make them seriously capable for the purposes demanded by their users.
Some pick-up trucks available for sale in India:
• Toyota Hilux
• Isuzu V-cross
• Scorpio Getaway.
Final takeaway:
The Indian Automobile market today is dynamic and is growing at a rate of knots. It is broader, bolder and more buyer-friendly than it ever has been. There is literally something for everyone! Whether you are a car enthusiast, an amateur wanting to learn how to drive or you just want a reliable and no-nonsense car for your everyday needs. Trust me, there is a car out there with your name on it.
Get to know them. Research, speak to experts and head out to the nearest showroom and experience the car for yourself. Don’t just rely on the popular choices. Instead, identify and get yourself a ride that suits your lifestyle. The way the car drives, the kind of features it offers and the amount of space you need the car to have. There is an answer for everything. Also, do connect with me on email or on my contact in case you need the extra help.
Here’s wishing you safe & happy motoring!
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