If you ask an amateur motorist about what types of car bodies he knows, then most likely he will not be able to list more than five options. For example, a pickup truck, station wagon, hatchback, sedan, convertible ... Maybe some people will remember the names “hartop” or “roadster”, although they are unlikely to be able to talk about the features of these models. In reality, there are more than a dozen completely different variations of the bodies, and without taking into account buses and trucks.
Classification of cars by body type
Sedan
This is the most popular body type. It provides two rows of seats and can be
both 4-door and 2-door.
Station wagon
This type of passenger car body is similar to a sedan, but its roof is longer and smoothly passes into the tailgate. The station wagon is mainly equipped with 2 rows of seats, but there are also 3-row models. The first production of cars with this type of body was mastered by the Ford company back in 1928.
Van
Passenger car with one row of seats in the form of a heel, designed for transportation of goods. Initially, in its body, separated from the passenger compartment by a partition, there were no windows. Since the mid-80s, these types of car bodies began to be equipped with removable seats and side windows, although “deaf” models are still available.
Hatchback
Station wagon is ideal for transporting goods, but the appearance of these cars
car somewhat reminds a truck that not everyone likes. In this regard, the designers had the idea of creating a car that would look stylish and compact and the trunk would have an impressive. So the existing types of car bodies were replenished with another option - a hatchback. It is characterized by a short rear overhang and virtually no luggage compartment. Hatchbacks are three-door (2 main doors + trunk door) and five-door (4 + 1).
Coupe
These models are distinguished by an elegant sports case. They have two doors and a second row of seats, which can not boast of comfort because of the low roof and tapering to the rear of the cabin.
Roadster
Cars with one row of seats and a soft convertible top. The greatest
They are popular in countries with hot climatic conditions.
Cabriolet
Models with an open body type with a folding roof, as well as with fixed frames of doors and side windows. Thanks to this design, the cabriolet body differs from the chaise by its bearing capacity.
Limousine
These cars belong to the executive class, have at least two rows of seats, and the compartment for service personnel (for the driver) and the passenger compartment for VIPs are separated by a rigid partition.
Pickup
It is characterized by a two-seater, "cut" in half passenger car body, one part of which is the driver and passenger compartment, and the second is an open cargo. The appearance of a pickup truck resembles a small truck. A kind of boom cars of this type are now experiencing in America. They are not only very popular among farmers, but also among young people.
Minivan
Domestic motorists minivans are often called minibuses. Still, these types of car bodies are considered universal wagon with increased capacity. The main feature of minivans is the possibility of maximum cargo and passenger load with compact dimensions.
Crossover
The main features of these cars are their high landing, high ground clearance and high ceiling. Most often, crossovers are equipped with all-wheel drive, but they are not intended for difficult terrain, for which they are called "SUVs."