Did you know that India is consistently featured in the top five countries when it comes to the number of vehicles sold? That’s right, Indians – love buying a car, and for many of us, buying a car is a life goal.
Whether you want a fast, compact car to make your commute easier or need a comfortable SUV for family road trips, there is something in the market for you. To cater to the consumers’ needs, car manufacturers divide cars into segments, based on their dimension.
Here are the different types of car segments in India, with some popular models.
#1 A-Segment (Mini Hatchbacks)
A-Segments are the smallest hatchback cars available in India. They range somewhere between 3 and 4 meters in length, have small engines, and are perfect for city commutes. They also have very simple designs and features, which helps keep the maintenance costs low.
Some examples of cars in this segment are Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, Renault Kwid, and Datsun Go.
#2 B-Segment (Small Hatchbacks)
The B-Segment hatchbacks or small hatchbacks are slightly longer than A-Segment cars. Small hatchbacks possess a length of just under 4 meters. Plus, they are also slightly taller and wider than mini hatchbacks.
The engines of B-segment cars can range anywhere from 1.0- liter turbo petrol to a 1.2- liter 4 cylinder engine. While A-segment cars are only available in petrol variants, you can find diesel as well as petrol engines for B-segment cars, depending upon the car manufacturer.
B-segment cars also have more features than A-segment cars, and also boast of higher quality interiors. So, if you are looking to upgrade from a mini hatchback while still retaining the convenience, you can take your pick from this segment.
Popular car options in the B-segment include Maruti Suzuki Swift, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and Honda Jazz.
#3 C-Segment (Small Sedans)
C-segment cars or small sedans are also called “family cars”. They are a vast range of spacious, comfortable, and budget-friendly cars. They are divided into the following sub-segments:
1. Sub-Compact Sedans
These are the 4-meter sedans that are similar to B-segment hatch and use the same platform for their build, albeit they offer more safety and comfort. Some examples of sub-compact sedans are Hyundai Aura, Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Dzire.
2. Small Sedans
Small sedans are defined by spacious interiors. Unlike sub-compact sedans, small sedans are manufactured from the ground up and do not share the same platform as hatchbacks. They are also larger in size, and have a bigger engine ranging from 1.5 L to 1.6 L. and come in both petrol and diesel variants. To add to the convenience and comfort, small sedans also offer an automatic transmission.
The most popular cars in this segment include Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Toyota Yaris, and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.
#4 D-Segment (Mid-Sized Family cars or Sedans)
Mid-Sized family cars or sedans are more expensive and feature-rich as compared to smaller C-Segment sedans. They are longer than C-Segment cars, which makes them a little challenging to maneuver in cities.
In India, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and BMW 3-series are some of the popular cars in this segment.
#5 E-Executive Segment (Executive Luxury Cars)
If you want more luxury and exuberance, this is the segment you should look for. They are long, wide, and spacious enough for you to lounge. Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, and BMW 7-series are fan-favorites when it comes to this segment.
#6 M- Multipurpose cars (MPVs)
The MPV segment is a vast segment and includes cars of all shapes and sizes. These multipurpose cars also further segmented based on their size. Thanks to their large seating capacity, they offer a great bang for your buck.
1. Small MPVs
These are the smallest cars in this segment. Here is a quick overview of their features:
- The length of these vehicles is around 4 meters. This makes them ideal for city traffic.
- They require a smaller engine which makes them a bit cheaper to run and maintain.
- The seating capacity can range anywhere from 6-7 seats.
- Not ideal for highway cruising
- Some examples are Renault Triber and Honda BR-V.
2. Medium MPVs
While the seating capacity of Medium MPVs is the same, the overall leg and headroom are the differentiating factors. These MPVs are relatively easy to maneuver, but still have a disadvantage in tight spots.
Some examples of Medium MPVs are Mahindra Marazzo and Toyota Innova.
3. Large MPVs
Large MPVs offer high seating capacity, luxury, and comfort. They are also called ‘minibus’ vehicles and offer features like TVs and mini refrigerators. They have a large width, automatic transmission, and are well-suited for travelling long distances.
If you’re looking to buy a large MPV in India, you can choose from cars like Toyota Vellfire and Kia Carnival.
In Conclusion
To summarize, the car market in India has something to offer to consumers with all needs, budgets, and locations. If you’re looking to buy a new or used car for yourself, Tata Capital is here for you. Visit our website to learn more.
07 March 2024
5 mins read
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