Types of cars in India

   
India's car market has evolved rapidly in the last few decades. We have seen a variety of changes in the market and many new types of vehicles are also shorty arriving. There are a number of body shapes available as well as their subdivisions but in this article, we will be discussing the four major segments.   

Starting with the most favorite.....The Hatchbacks 

Hatchbacks are the most popular as well as the most preferred type of cars in India. The most common reason to get a hatchback is city driving, As we all know that the traffic in big cities is increasing at a rapid rate and maneuvering a big SUV or sedan is not an easy task. Hatchbacks can also be parked in comparatively smaller parking spaces. Another big reason why we prefer Hatchbacks is because of the practicality they offer. I mean it's so easy to get more cargo space in a hatchback, just fold the rear bench and you are good to go. Some hatchbacks like The Honda Jazz and VW Polo gives more space than a mid-size sedan.  

Every carmaker in India has one or more than 1 offering in the hatchback segment. Like Maruti Suzuki has its every charming Swift as well as Baleno, Hyundai has Elite i20, Santro and the Grand i10, VW has the ravishing Polo and Honda is kicking in with the vtec powered Jazz. Some manufacturers like Tata and Kia will join this league with there Altroz and Rio in the upcoming time period. 

Next up are the comfortable Sedans

 

Words like elegance, comfort, class, and luxury can be used in the definition of sedans but these machines are much more than that. So why sedans, the main reason behind their success is the riding comfort they offer which in most cases is necessary when you are using your car on a daily basis. Sedans also provide a better confidence level and stability during higher speeds on highways. The 3rd reason is the better NVH ( Noise, Vibration, and Harshness ) levels which a sedan will serve you better than any other segment.

In the Indian car market, the sedans are further divided into various categories like compact sedans, mid-size sedans, full-size sedans, luxury, and ultra-luxury sedans. The range goes all the way from a Tata tigor to Rolls Royce Phantom. Manufacturers like Audi, BMW, and Merc are offering their performance sedans. and Not to forget that most sedan offers the best interior in their price range.  

Now its Time for the Rugged SUV's    

They are heavy, they are big and have the capability to go anywhere whether its tarmac or gravel, sludge or sand, these machines walk over it like its a piece of cake. These things have a lot of space in them and can easily carry 5 to 7 persons with their luggage. SUVs are preferred because of their go-anywhere ability. They also provide a comparatively higher driving position which gives him/her a commanding feels and can easily look for the traffic. Another thing about SUVs is that they are seen as a safer vehicle which is not necessary. it is proven in the various crash test that a hatchback or sedan can be as safer as SUV.

What a person will not like in an SUV is its driving & handling balance. as most of the full-size SUVs are based on ladder platform (body over chassis ) which gives them a lot of body roll while cornering. Although now we have a compact SUV segment in India in which cars are based on the monocoques platform and are much lighter. You can get an SUV from around 10 lakhs to over a few crores.         

Another segment which is growing up fast is of the MPV's

The MPV or Multi-purpose vehicle segment started in India back in the '80s with the launch of legendary Maruti Omni, the car which we all have seen and nickname as the " Kidnapping car " of Bollywood. These cars are similar to SUVs but they don't have the offroading capability. These are becoming quite popular in India as they can carry the roots and practicality of an SUV and still returns the efficiency of a sedan. Mostly these vehicles are used for commercial purposes. 

MPV's can give you a big car feel without putting a big hole in someone's pocket.  Most manufacturers are focusing on this segment as it has become the 4th most preferred type which people are looking for. The main advantages of a Multi Utility Vehicle are space, efficiency, and a comfortable ride. And as most of these vehicles are based on a monocoque platform they will give a better ride and handling balance.