All types of car bodies. Types of car bodies

Now in the production of vehicles are made different types car bodies... This parameter largely determines the cost of the car, as well as the target audience of its buyers, operating conditions and physical capabilities.

Car body types

Therefore, from a design point of view, the body type is one of the most important nuances when designing.

Different types of bodies are differentiated depending on the layout, the level of loading of a particular part or the structure itself. If we talk about the body passenger carmobile, then it will most likely be a passenger or cargo-passenger with a semi-frame or, in general, frameless, layout.

The following types of cars are differentiated by layout:

• One-volume... Here, both the engine and all the people who are inside, as well as the cargo transported in the car, are inside a single spatial system.
• Two-volume... The power units are located separately (as a rule, under the hood), and all passengers, together with the driver, and the goods transported in the car, are together.
• Three-volume... This type of body is characterized by the compartment of the power devices, as well as the luggage compartment - they are located in different spatial systems, and all passengers in their own.

Two-volume car view

Based on the principle of load distribution within the vehicle, all bodies are classified as follows:

• Carriers. Take on the entire load at once.
• Semi-bearing. They take only part of the load, and the frame takes over the rest.
• Unloaded. Only the weight is accepted, which is in total all passengers and transported goods.

Today, each body type in a car or truck has its own unique name. However, not all of them are understood throughout the world. For example, in certain states, some types of car bodies have their own endemic names. The list below will focus on the most popular types of car or truck bodywork.

Sedan

The body of this type is a system with a three-volume layout. They all involve 4 doors and 2 rows of seats. In this case, the height of the roof should not change along its entire length.

It should be noted that sedan cars are currently the most popular model in the world. Therefore, they have many subtypes and subspecies from various automakers. Also, the sedan has alternative names in some states. For example, in the British Isles it is called "saloon", in Italy - "Berlin", and in France - simply "Berlin". Noteworthy is the fact that some cars with a sedan body type have an extended base. Most often these are business category cars. In their name you can also find the Latin letter L. This is an abbreviation for the word Long.

Car body type - sedan

Coupe

Such a body implies the presence of 2 or 4 seats, located in 1 or in a couple of rows. Wherein rear seats are used quite rarely (this is the reason for their extremely small dimensions).

The layout of such cars is 3-volume, but at the rear the roof is rather sloping, which makes this type of body more sporty compared to the sedan described above. In everyday life, such cars are often referred to as "two plus two" because of the rare use of rear seats. There is also a special variety this bodycalled hardopoupe. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that there is no pillar between the front and rear side windows, and therefore, when they are opened, one large car window is formed. The name of the type "Coupe" is relevant in all countries of the world with the exception of Italian-speaking - they use the name "Berlinetta".

Car body type - coupe

Limousine

Initially, this type of car body, like a limousine, was a closed model with a three-volume layout. Also, classically, limousines have several rows of seats (3, 4, 5 or more).

One of the notable features of this type is the presence of a transparent or opaque partition that separates the driver from the rest of the cabin, where the passengers are while driving. It is also worth noting that a limousine can be either an independent type of car body, or a highly elongated and modified variety of such popular types as a sedan, an SUV or a hatchback. In most countries it is customary to call this model the French word for limousine. However, the Portuguese prefer their own name, Espada.

Car body type - limousine

Hatchback

The main feature of a car body called a hatchback is the presence of 1 or 2 pairs of doors with one additional one. All hatchbacks have a two-volume layout and are equipped with one row of seats or a paro (in the first case, there are 3 doors, and in the second, 5).

The additional door is a modified luggage compartment lid, which, by the way, in some cases can be made in a curved shape and resemble the trunk lid of the most ordinary sedans (in the United States of America, such bodies are called "nightback"). Today, hatchback cars are the most popular in Europe and are presented in the categories - "Hey", "B", "C" and "D" standard european classification... It is not surprising, because the hatchback is an incredibly comfortable model of a passenger car and is perfect for family trips. This is a cross between such types of car bodies as a station wagon and a sedan - it is more practical than a sedan, and less overall than a station wagon. It is also worth noting that the body structure of hatchback-type vehicles can be easily converted and turned into its own cargo-passenger version - all you need to do is remove the partition between the trunk and rear seats and place it on the floor of the car.

Car body type - hatchback

Station wagon

Station wagons are quite similar to the hatchbacks described in the previous paragraph. They also have a two-volume layout, 2 rows of seats, and the number of doors is 3 or 5.

However, there are several nuances due to which they can be distinguished from hatchbacks. For example, comparable with vehicles sedan type length as well as greater window tilt angle back door... Nevertheless, in many cases, these parameters for station wagons of one brand do not differ from identical indicators for hatchbacks of another manufacturer. So in any case, the privilege to choose the type of body of a particular model remains with the designer who developed this model. It is worth noting that the station wagon (like the hatchback) can also be turned into a utility vehicle. To do this, you just need to fold the seats from the back row.

Station wagons have different names depending on the location. For example, in Great Britain they are called "Estate Car", in France - "Brick", in Portugal - "Karinha", in Italy - "Giadinetta", in Germany - "Combi", and in Denmark - "Stationkar" The variant of this model, widespread in the United States, in which the rear seats are dismantled and there are no rear side windows, is called the "Dilivery Sedan". Among automakers, it is also quite fashionable to call station wagons by their proper names. For example, the so-called station wagons of the following brands:

• "Audi" - "Avant";
• BMW - "Touring";
• Opel - Caravan;
• "Peugeot" - "SV";
• Rover - Tourer;
• Siat - Vario;
• Skoda - Combi;
• Volkswagen - Option.

"Audi" - "Avant"

Cabriolet

Convertible (bagtop) is a 3-volume model of a body with a folding roof (solid or fabric). At the same time, convertibles with a removable roof bear their own name - the hardtop.

In addition, there is a separate version of the convertible called the roadster. It is a shortened version of the convertible model with 1 row of seats and a soft roof. In Italy (unlike all other countries), this sporty version of the convertible is called "Barchetta".

There are also two types of car body that are very close to convertibles in design, namely: targa (a car with 1 or 2 rows of seats, in which part of the roof is dismantled), and brogam (a car with 2 rows of seats, in which the roof is folded back) just above the driver's seat and the one next to it).

Car body type - convertible

Minivan

Minivan (or as it is called in Europe - "People Carrier") is a special type of car body, which has a single-volume layout and is designed to carry 6 (or even more) people. It is distinguished by a higher roof, as well as the presence of 3 or 4 rows of seats in the cabin, which accommodate passengers.

There is also a common type of minivan, which was developed on the basis of van type bodies. She got her own name - "Minibus" and is designed to transport 10-16 (or even more) people. As a rule, all passengers enter the interior of the minibus through a door that opens from the side (especially in those models that are used as units public transport).

Car body type - minivan

Van

They do not have side windows at the back, but there is a special transparent or opaque partition separating the cab, in which the driver sits and the compartment where the cargo is located. The North American version of the van is called the Ven. In fact, the same hatchbacks or station wagons in which the rear seats were dismantled or folded, and the side windows near these seats are absent, can be classified in the category of cars with a body type "van".

Car body type - van

Pickup

Pickups are cars with a 3-volume layout, in which, instead of the trunk and passenger seats, there is a large platform for transporting goods (in the vast majority of cases, it is open). In this case, the driver's cabin is separated from this platform by a partition.

As a rule, all pickup models that are assembled today were created on the basis of standard types of passenger cars or SUVs. Pickups distinguish high cross-country ability, large wheels and a decent floor height above the ground. Largely due to these features, pickups have gained great popularity in the United States of America, Australia and other countries, whose residents often have to move impressive loads in off-road conditions or on country dirt roads.

Car body type - pickup

SUV

Off-road vehicles (jeeps) are cars with a 2-volume layout with a passenger body type. In this case, inside an SUV, as a rule, there can be 3 or even 4 rows of seats, as well as 3 pairs of doors (less often - 5).

The main difference between an SUV and all other body types is its large size and the ability to drive almost anywhere. All his systems are configured accordingly. Therefore, SUVs are usually purchased by those motorists who often have to drive through the wilderness, through forests, fields and swamps. In fact, an SUV is a station wagon equipped with off-road vehicles on rough terrain. Along with pickup and van type cars, the off-road car has a completely unloaded body - the frame of the car has to take on most of the weight.

Car body type - SUV

Crossover

Crossovers are a smaller variety of SUVs.

In addition to their dimensions, they differ in a redistributed load (in this case, most of it falls on the body, and not on the frame of the car), as well as reduced ground clearance parameters. Basically, all crossovers that are now produced by automakers are based on golf cars. Popularly, crossover cars are often called SUVs.

Car body type - crossover

Not so long ago we spoke with you, but today I want to talk about body types. At first glance, it may seem that there are not so many car body types, well, maybe also a station wagon, well, that's it! But no, there are a lot of them! Interested? Read on ...

It is the type of car body that determines its belonging to a particular class, also affects the price of the car, its performance characteristics, transportation of goods, cross-country ability, etc.

There are about 13 main types of passenger cars, now in detail ...

Sedans

The most widespread type in the whole world, according to statistics, even here in Russia, sedans account for more than half of sales. Such a structure has two rows of seats, four full doors, a separate trunk and a hood that do not touch the space with the interior. Closed with a rigid non-removable roof.

Hatchbacks

Second in polarity. Again, according to statistics, such cars are sold in large quantities, but still inferior to sedans. They have front and rear seats, four full-fledged doors and the so-called fifth door (for the luggage compartment), the hood does not come into contact with the interior space, but the trunk is located in this space, behind the rear seats. The roof is rigid, non-separable.

Station wagons

Third in our ranking, sold less than sedans and hatchbacks and are in third place. There are two rows of seats, the hood is not in contact with the interior space, but the trunk has a common space. There is also a hard roof. Very similar to hatchbacks, with a slight difference. The station wagon body is much longer and the rear suspension is stiffer. Everything so that you can transport large loads and bulky items. And if you fold the rear seats, the volume of the luggage compartment increases significantly, in the literal sense of the word you can transport a refrigerator.

Coupe

It is somewhat similar to sedans, but almost always has two large doors. And also there are not always two rows seats, in some there is only one row for the driver and the passenger side by side (in front). The same versions that have two rows, the rear passengers in their seats (second row) make their way through the folding front backrests. The hood and trunk are not in contact with the interior of the car; there is almost always a rigid upper part.

Cabriolet

Very similar to a coupe, the same location of the trunk and hood (not in contact with the interior), there is also either one row of seats, or two (passage through the first row). However, there is no fixed roof, here it is removable, made of soft or hard materials. On such a car, it is possible to move with both a closed and an open roof.

Roadster

Separately, I would like to talk about the roadster, this is a shortened version of the convertible, designed for only two front passengers, they do not have two rows of seats. Many roadsters also don't have a trunk, either the engine or a folding roof. The front is also insulated. In essence, roadsters are powerful and "charged" convertibles.

Minivan

This type is designed for more passengers than, say, a sedan, hatchback or station wagon. There are at least three to four rows of seats that can accommodate 6 to 9 passengers to fit into the B category. The body is large, as a rule luggage compartment is in contact with the interior space (like a hatchback or station wagon), or is completely absent. The engine is also not always isolated, sometimes it is in the car (remember at least our UAZ "loaf"). The roof is rigid and non-removable.

Minibus

The next branch of the minivan is very similar. There may also be no luggage compartment (almost always not), the engine sometimes comes into contact with the interior space (access is through the interior). The body is even larger than that of a minivan. Maximum amount carried passengers up to 22 people. Closed with a rigid non-removable roof. The brightest representatives in Russia are our Gazelle. To drive a minibus (according to Russian law), category "D" is required.

Van

This type is designed for the transportation of goods, it can be installed both on a passenger chassis, as well as on a minibus chassis. Almost all usable space is reserved for the cargo (cargo space). In front there are only seats for the driver and passenger (sometimes for two), which are separated by a partition from the load. Closed with a rigid non-removable top.

SUV

As a rule, it has large dimensions, two to three rows of seats and five to six doors. Such a machine has four-wheel drive and high ground clearance for off-road driving. The engine does not come into contact with the passenger compartment, but the luggage compartment is located behind the last row (like a hatchback and station wagon). Closed with a metal non-removable top.

Pickup

The SUV, however, has a cargo-passenger body type. The rear part is lengthened, the open one has sides and is designed mainly for cargo. There is also a main body with four doors and a division into front and rear seats. The engine is isolated from the passenger compartment. There is a metal non-removable roof. Pickups as well as SUVs mainly have four-wheel drive and high ground clearance.

Crossovers or SUVs

Derivatives from SUVs. It is positioned as cars with improved off-road characteristics, but in reality this is not always the case. Their main habitat is the city. Not always large, there are also compact options. Five doors (the fifth at the trunk), five seats (two in front and three in the rear), a metal fixed roof. The engine is isolated from the passenger compartment, and the luggage compartment is not.

Limousines

And the last, the rarest and one of the most expensive car body types, are limousines. The body of this car is very long, designed for a large number of people, but not exceeding 15 people. Four to five doors, all-metal body with non-removable roof. The driver's front seats (small compartment) are separated from the larger part (passenger) by a metal partition with lifting glass (almost always tinted). The use of a limousine - meeting guests at a high level. It should be noted that limousines are not an independent branch, as a rule, they are built on the basis of sedans, hatchbacks or SUVs, respectively, they are different in structure - many craftsmen are so freaked out that they make carriages out of cars, it looks .... Little …. ridiculous! Although someone likes it. Now a small form of such a craft!

These are the most basic body types of passenger cars, as you can see, quite a few! I hope my article was interesting to you. Therefore, read our car site, subscribe to updates on social networks. I'll be very thankful.

The classification of passenger cars by body type is based on overall dimensions and cannot claim to be unambiguous. Despite the clear principles, confusion exists in the names.

The most obvious criterion for classifying body types is spatial composition, a combination of three volumes: passenger compartment, engine and luggage compartment. The presence of a roof and B-pillar, the number of seats and doors are also important.

Types of body structures

Bodies with a fixed roof are called closed. There are nine main types in this group.

	- a three-volume passenger body with two or three rows of seats, two, four or six side doors.
	- a two-volume or three-volume passenger body with two side doors and two rows of seats. The back row can have limited landing dimensions.
	- a two-volume or three-volume passenger body without a central side pillar, with two (hardtop coupe) or four (hardtop sedan) side doors and two rows of seats.
	- a two-volume passenger body with a roof sloping back smoothly. The trunk lid starts from the bottom edge rear window... Bodies of this type were common in the thirties of the last century. Currently, they are practically not used.
	COMBI (hatchback) - a two-volume cargo-passenger body with a roof that slopes gently back and a large rear door. The rear row of seats and the shelf behind them, as a rule, can be folded down to increase the usable volume cargo compartment... The liftback can be viewed as a kind of hatchback, characterized by the shape of the rear of the body, made like a sedan, only much shorter.
	- a two-volume cargo-passenger body with a door in the rear wall of the body, having a permanent cargo space, not separated from the passenger compartment by a stationary partition.
	- a three-volume passenger body with four to six side doors and a partition behind the front row of seats. With a three-row cabin layout, the second row of seats is either folded or rotated in the direction of travel.
	- two-volume cargo-passenger body with one or two rows of seats. Side doors - two or three. One of them is intended for access to the cargo compartment, separated from the driver's seat by a stationary partition. In the back of the body there is another door. The part of the body reserved for the cargo space may be higher than the cab.
	SINGLE VOLUME (carriage) - a single-volume cargo-passenger body. Typically, the center of the steering wheel is in front of the front axle of the vehicle.
	- a passenger body without a roof with one row of seats and two side doors. In some designs, side doors may be missing. The windshield is minimal in height, folding or may not be installed at all.
	ROADSTER (spider) - passenger double body with a folding cab top. Options with two rows of seats (2 + 2) and a removable hard top are available.

Cars without a roof, with a convertible top or a removable hardtop are called open cars. This group includes four types of bodies.

	- a passenger body with a folding top and lowering side windows. Modifications are possible: convertible-limousine - with a partition behind the first row of seats, pho-convertible - with a retractable pillar between the side windows.
	- a passenger body with a folding top and removable side windows.
	- a passenger body with a folding or removable roof section above the front row of seats. Has four or six side doors.

Passenger cars with a partially folding or partially removable top are called combined. These include four body types.

	- a passenger body with a folding or removable roof section above the rear row of seats. A smaller version with a rear seat for two is called Landaulet.
	- a coupe-type passenger body with a folding or removable roof section over the first row of seats.
	PIKAP is a cargo-passenger body with a closed cab for the driver and passengers and an open platform for cargo. The cab can be single or double row. The cargo platform has a tailgate, soft top or hard top.

The above classification by body type is understandable and quite simple, but cannot be considered universal, if only because in other countries these types of bodies may have their own names.

Hello dear blog readers website... Today we will discuss with you such a parameter for choosing a car as body type... Really, car body type - this is one of the most important parameters when choosing a car, so let's figure out what you need to know when choosing car body... By choosing a type passenger car body , it is necessary to take into account the purposes for which the car will be used, in what conditions it will work and what tasks you will set for it, first of all. So what are the types of car bodies?

Friends! All of you probably know that galvanized body car more resistant to corrosion (practically does not rust). Thereby car with galvanized body in future easier to sell dear - the car loses in price more slowly. Most modern auto manufacturers use galvanized bodywork, but these technologies are different and do not always provide good protection... Recommend you before buy a car, check whether the body of this model is galvanized and what kind of galvanizing technology is used.

Car body types there are quite a few, but now, understanding, which body to choose, we will list only the most common types of car bodies.

Types of car bodies

So, in order to choose car body type, let's consider each car body view in details.

Body type sedan

Body type sedan - this is the most popular of all car body options. Sedan has four doors and two full rows of seats. The back door is missing, instead sedan trunk lid.

The sedan looks elegant and personable... With all his appearance, he shows that this car designed to carry passengers, not to transport a refrigerator or kitchen set. Generally, sedan really looks solid, especially for executive cars F-class.

Main purpose sedans Is work in the city and on the highway, so sedans, usually, are quite low and are not adapted for off-road in any way. Sedans noticeably longer hatchbacks, which makes parking a little more difficult.

The following simple example will allow us, dear friends, to understand what is the difference between a hatchback, a sedan and a station wagon... What is the difference between a hatchback, a sedan and a station wagon, consider the example of the most popular model of a passenger car Opel astra:

What is the difference sedan, hatbcheck and station wagon You can also understand with an example Chevrolet cruze:

Compact cars class-A with body sedan not released, because the main thing in this class is compactness. But in small class-B sedans do quite a lot.

Medium is another matter class-C and big D-class, here sedans great amount. In business class ( class-E) there are models that are produced only in the body sedanand the representative F-class Is exclusively sedans.

Rear glass on sedans almost never equipped with a janitor, because on sedan it stays clean in any weather. Also, to the benefits sedan can be attributed to the fact that in winter windy weather, when the trunk is opened, the car interior remains sealed, maintaining comfort inside the car. In the event of a rear-end collision, the trunk of the sedan absorbs the impact energy and this somewhat increases safety, but only in comparison with hatchback.

By trunk volume, sedan much inferior to wagonbut wins for this indicator at the hatchback... When transporting wheels, in the trunk hatchback fits 1-2 wheels, while in sedan and station wagon all four enter freely. For example, let's compare the trunks of a sedan, hatchback and station wagon of the same car model.

This is what the trunk looks like sedan Lada granta with a set of rubber. As you can see, all four wheels fit and there is still free space.

And this is the trunk hatchback Lada Kalina... There is much less space here - only two wheels fit, and the whole set can be kneaded only by folding the rear seats, that is, not in the trunk, but in the cabin.

Finally, the trunk station wagon Lada Kalina, in which the entire set of wheels can easily fit, and there is still quite a lot of free space.

Sedan exactly fitif you need a car solid and respectable, you plan to use it in the city and on the highwayand climb into the dirt and transport you do not plan large-sized cargo on it.

Let's list the advantages of the sedan body type:

• Appearance solid and personable
• Roomy trunk
• Rear window does not get dirty
• Higher safety than a hatchback

Disadvantages of a sedan:

• Harder to park than a hatchback
• Mediocre patency

Coupe body type

Coupe body type looks like sedan, but differs from it in that it has two doors instead of four. Besides, classic coupe equipped with with only two seatsbut modern version often has a second row. Also, there is a variant of the salon called 2+2 when the second row of seats is very compact and long trips it is not very convenient on it. Both doors car body coupe - much wider than sedantherefore getting in and out of the driver and front passenger is more comfortable.

In terms of convenience, body type coupe not very optimal, since landing on the back row is very difficult in it. Coupe chosen by people who need a car to move by oneself, maximum - together, therefore, not all car manufacturers produce models with coupe body type.

From a technical point of view, coupe body type is torsionally stiffer, which increases the vehicle's cornering stability. Now this body type marketers use to highlight sports car character.

Coupe will suit you if you plan to drive a car alone or together, and bring rear passengers only occasionally. In general, keep in mind that getting in and out of such a car will be a task requiring great skill for second-row passengers.

So, let's list again, the pros and cons coupe body type.

Advantages of the coupe body type:

• Wide doors - comfortable fit for two
• Increased body rigidity
• Coupe looks very stylish

The lack of a coupe body is, in fact, one:

• Inconvenience of landing on the second row of seats

Main advantage body type hatchback - this is compactness. Hatchback shorter sedan or station wagon, and therefore it is much easier to maneuver and park on it. However, the short length hatchback is achieved by reducing the luggage compartment, so the trunks in hatchbacks usually not too bulky.

The main purpose of hatchbacks - be compact and agileso you won't meet body type hatchback among cars premium and business classthat focus on comfort. But the compact cars class-A on the contrary, they are performed only in the back hatchback... Due to the shorter length, hatchbacks have increased compactness and maneuverability, that's why they can be considered ideal body type for the city.

Hatchback tailgate can be viewed as advantage And How disadvantage of this body type... One side, large back door strong simplifies loading, allowing you to easily place rather large objects in the salon. On the other hand, opening the rear door in cold and windy weather can create some inconvenience for passengers in the rear row of seats. In addition, the soundproofing of the shelf above the hatchback trunk is slightly inferior to the deaf, sealed shelf of the sedan.

Hatchbacks there are five-door and three-door. It's clear that three-door hatchback less convenient, because access to the second row of seats in it is difficult.

- will become for you ideal optionif you want to get compact and agile vehicle, which is easier to survive in the urban jungle. For the same reasons body type hatchback fits good novice drivers, as well as representatives of the fair half humanity.

So, the advantages of the hatchback body type include:

• Compactness and maneuverability
• The ability to load large items into the salon

The hatchback has only one obvious drawback:

• Small trunk volume

Body type liftback

Body type liftback combines advantages sedan and hatchback... Externally liftback looks like like a sedan, but the trunk lid opens with the rear window, like a hatchback... Convenient loading liftback comparable to a hatchback body type, and the trunk volume is comparable to a sedan.

To distinguish liftback from a sedan, with a closed trunk - not easy. But there is one characteristic feature: liftbacks, like hatchbacks, are equipped with a rear window wiper. Whether it is a plus or not is up to you, dear readers.

We list the best sides of the liftback body type:

• Solid appearance of the sedan
• Trunk volume like a sedan
• Ease of loading like a hatchback

Liftback disadvantages I honestly tried to find it, but I failed to do it. Here's another example of a liftback trunk.

This car body type - the most practical. Station wagonsare usually the same length as sedans, but in addition to that, they also have a vertical tailgate, like a hatchback. Thus, the volume of the luggage compartment station wagon at least double the boot capacity of a sedan or hatchback of the same make and model.

Roomy for many car enthusiasts station wagon is the ideal body type, others on the contrary - refers to the station wagon with a smile, for the impressive volume of the cabin, calling it a "barn".

Station wagon suitable for everyone who cares practicality and, first of all, spaciousness car. If you plan to sometimes transport bulky goods, such as a refrigerator or washing machinethen station wagon - that's what you need. Will appreciate the convenience station wagon travel lovers and long journeys by car, because the huge trunk of the station wagon allows you to easily place all the "necessary things" in it. The family man will be satisfied with his wagonby placing a stroller and many other things in it without difficulty.

Body type minivan

Body type minivan is in many ways similar to the station wagon, and many models with body type minivan designed based on station wagons and hatchbacks... For example, the popular minivan Opel Zafira created on the basis of the equally popular station wagon Opel Astra.

For minivan all strengths station wagon, only they are even more pronounced. Spaciousness at minivan even more, the luggage compartment allows you to load almost anything your heart desires into it, and many modern models minivans equipped with third row of seats.

Availability two additional passenger seats can be a good plusif you like to travel by car big family or with friends.

Typical for minivans high waist some drivers consider it a plus, others, on the contrary, a disadvantage, but the fact remains, high seating is safer... With a high seating position, the driver has much better view , and in the event of an accident, the driver who sits higher is more protected. Besides, minivans are safer also because they heavier ordinary cars.

Large minivans are not very convenient when maneuvering and parking, so you should not choose such a car to learn how to drive. Another disadvantage minivan is an high center of gravity, that is, overturn minivan, turning to high speedsomewhat simpler than a station wagon, sedan or hatchback. However, if you do not plan, on your minivan, to participate in races, then this disadvantage can be neglected.

Here are some more examples of cars with body type minivan.

it compact van Nissan Note... It is similar in size to regular hatchbacks. C-class, but the volume of the cabin easily gives odds to each of them.

Model minivan Volkswagen Sharan can be classified as medium in size. In such cars, the third row of seats is not uncommon.

And this is Toyota Sienna - one of the largest minivanswhich are very popular in the American market. The third row of seats is a must here.

And the last thing. Because minivans some heavier than station wagons, then fuel consumption they have higher... Whether this is a serious drawback or not is up to you.

Let's call the pros of a minivan again:

• Very large capacity
• Third row of seats (possible)
• Enhanced security

Disadvantages of the minivan body type:

• The center of gravity is higher than that of a conventional passenger car
• Little increased consumption fuel
• Quite large dimensions (applies to large minivans)

Body type SUV (crossover, jeep)

- this is the same hatchback or station wagon, but much higher and endowed with increased cross-country ability. Exactly passability is the main advantage sUV, compared to others body types.

To achieve this cross-country ability, body type SUV differs from hatchback and station wagon by two required parameters. First, the body sUV is always higher than that of a hatchback or station wagon and is characterized by high seating position of the driver... And secondly, sUVs always have high ground clearance (18-22 cm and more).

To size, sUVs are very different. They can be conditionally divided into compact, average and full-size... The difference between them is about the same as between a hatchback and a station wagon, that is, what sUV the longer, the more difficult it is to operate, the heavier it is, and the higher the fuel consumption.

Accordingly, the more sUV, the higher it is spaciousnesswhich is the second advantage sUV before others body types, and in this the SUV is like a minivan.

The biggest sUVs, like minivans, are equipped with third row of seats, and the most compact ones, on the contrary, have three doors instead of five.

SUVs heavier, taller and longer than conventional passenger sedans, station wagons and hatchbacks, so they outperform them in terms of security... On the other hand, an SUV has a higher center of gravity, and therefore they prone to overturning... If you need a car for sports driving, but with increased cross-country ability, then it is better to choose not an SUV, but one of crossoverswho nevertheless better suited to the roadsthan off-road.

And the last: not only because of the large weight, sUVs consume a lot of fuel, so in addition they are usually equipped with four-wheel drive, which further adds to their appetite.

Let's list the advantages of the SUV body type:

• Increased cross-country ability
• Interior and trunk roominess
• High security

Disadvantages of an SUV:

• Increased fuel consumption
• Tendency to roll over when cornering

SUV ideal if you need a car that is tall, passable, spacious and safe, but if the main thing for you is efficiency and maneuverability, then it is better to look at something else.

It looks a lot like an SUV, but instead of a luggage compartment, in the back, it has a real body like a truck. Pickup - this is a small truck, and transportation of goods is its main purpose, so most pickups have in rear suspension springs instead of springs.

The springs allow these robust men to carry very decent loadbut this suspension is less comfortable for passengers. Most modern pickups have two spacious rows of seats, but there are models with one row of seats. Pickup trucks - this is one of body typesthat are never compact. The smallest pickup, in size, comparable to a large sedan, so a car with body type pickup not worth considering as the first car.

Most pickups equipped with four-wheel drive and they are not afraid to leave the road. But for racing pickups not intended - a high center of gravity increases rollover... And in general, choosing a car with body type pickup, it is better not to forget that even though it is small, but anyway truck.

Characteristic feature pickup is an open body, which allows you to transport a variety of items in it and simplifies loading... On the other hand, things placed in such a trunk are almost not protected from theft, and many owners pickupsto solve this problem, cover the body with a special cover - kungom... In general, consider an open body as a plus or a minus pickup - you decide.

The advantages of the pickup body type are quite obvious:

• Roomy body
• Large lifting capacity
• Great off-road capabilities

Disadvantages of the pickup body type:

• Tendency to roll over
• High fuel consumption
• Large dimensions

Car with body type pickup can become you an excellent assistant in transportation any large cargo... However, due to its impressive size, pickup not recommended as a first car.

Usually has only one row of seats, but there are models with two rows, where the number of seats reaches seven! Behind at van the cargo compartment is located, this is the main difference van from minivan and minibus.

Advantages of the van body type – capacity and lifting capacity, and his shortcomings are the same as those of all large and tall cars - large dimensions, tip-over tendency and higher than that of light vehicles, fuel consumption.

Unlike pickup, the cargo compartment of the van is securely closed from bad weather and from strangers. In principle, this can be considered an advantage vanand its disadvantage. Otherwise, the vans are completely identical. minivans and minibuses.

- this is the same van, but without a cargo compartment, fully equipped for comfortable transportation of passengers. From minivan body type minibus it has higher ceilings and more seats (more than 9 seats, including the driver's seat). A person of average height, in a minibus can stand in full height, and there are from 9 to 16 or even more seats in a minibus, but in general, the border between minibuses and full-fledged buses is very blurred.

The minibus is safer low cars, because it is heavier, taller and longer. On the other hand, he has high center of gravity, and because of this, minibuses are very easily toppled on their side.

Unlike a minivan, for driving by minibus You you need category D rights and it can be considered disadvantage of this body type. On the other hand, one must understand that minibus - this is commercial mode of transportdesigned to carry a large number of passengers.

Buy minibus only for personal needs - meaningless. Therefore, you can recommend its purchase only if you plan to seriously engage passenger transportation.

Advantages of the minibus body type:

• Large number of seats and high capacity
• Enhanced security

Disadvantages of a minibus:

• Large dimensions
• High fuel consumption

Body types convertible and roadster

Roadster and convertible - these are exotic for our northern country, body types, and they are similar in that both have folding roof... Wherein convertibleslike coupes, they have two rows of seats (the second row can be very compact).

And here roadster Is an open top car, exclusively for two, that is, the second row of seats is not there at all.

To the pluses roadster and convertible can be attributed the ability to fold the roof and ride with the breeze. On the other hand, in winter period, this feature acts as the main disadvantage these body types. In winter, driving such a car is not comfortable. These luxurious cars are very good in the mild Mediterranean climate, but in our northern country you can enjoy a trip with the top down only a few times a year.

Body type: choose a car body

What car should a novice driver buy?
If you have no driving experience, then you should not buy right away big car... Much better for first choose hatchbackor small sedan or station wagon.

What kind of car to buy a girl? What kind of car should a woman buy?
Suitable for the fair sex not too big by size hatchback (class-A, class-B or C-class), and if funds allow, then let it be crossoverlike more safe and passable.

What kind of car should a guy buy?
Active young people stylish fast fit crossover, sedan or hatchback, C-class or class-B.

For people seeking look solid you should opt for a rather large sedan or sUV... Traditionally, it is believed that men OK big and powerful cars fit, and the higher the class, the better. Ideally it should be medium or full size. crossover, sUV or class-C sedan and higher.

For a large family, it is better to opt for station wagon, minivan or crossover, moreover, preferably larger, and with the third row of seats.

If planned transportation of large cargo, then you have to choose between by pickup and by van, although rather large items can be carried, if desired, in the cabin of a large sUV/crossover.

What kind of car to buy for travel?
Travel lovers by car and active rest you can recommend the most roomy body types: minivan, van, sUV or pickup.

For active driving the best option will become light but charged hatback, sedan or crossover... But if for you what matters most is safety, it is better to choose a tall and heavy car, for example, a full-size crossover/sUV or at least minivan.

Dear friends! This is how I got a "mini" instruction of choice car body type... I sincerely hope that after reading all this, you will understand what car do you need and you can choose the one car body type, which the will suit you perfectly! Thank you for your attention and wish you good car choice!

Modern cars come in a variety of body styles. Their designation is not always the same; in some cases, the use of several interpretations is evident. In our article we will analyze the main body types of passenger cars.

Auto bodies: their purpose and types

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Over the past 20 years, auto designers in advanced countries have managed to introduce many original body types into production. More and more often there are those who group in themselves the selective qualities of several car bodies. If earlier there were much fewer of them, today the number of individual body types has not only increased, but they have become a decisive link in determining the price and size of the car produced.

15 samples of a modern car body - this number is called by experts. And not every fan can boast that he knows the names of modern bodies, their purpose, advantages and disadvantages.

What determines the body, why is it so important and why so much is needed different types? All motorists know that the body is the main element of the car, which determines its shape and makes it possible to transport people, goods, and so on. The body determines how many passengers can fit into the cabin, what can be put in the trunk, etc.

If we consider the grouping of body models in the automotive industry specifically, the differences relate to the following:

• Purpose;
• Design features;
• Loading parameter;
• Complete set, layout and so on.

Note. You should know that "passenger cars" have bodies of a passenger frameless or semi-frame design.

As for the layout of the body, today the following types are distinguished:

• 1-volumetric, which imply the location of passengers, luggage and the engine in a single spatial volume;
• 2-volumetric, meaning finding luggage and people in the cabin, and the internal combustion engine under the hood. These types of bodies are characterized by convenient dimensions and the presence of a large, roomy luggage compartment;
• 3-volume. In this case, the cabin provides for the presence of people, under the hood - the engine, and the trunk is intended for the cargo. They are considered to be less versatile among other types of bodywork, since their transformation is limited to the protruding front and rear.

As for the degree of loading:

• Distinguish load-bearing bodydesigned to take on all loads;
• A distinction is made between a semi-bearing body that takes up only those loads that fall on the frame;
• Distinguish between an unloaded body, which takes only cargo and the mass of passengers.

Body types: closed and open

Category of cars with a closed body

This group includes the classic sedan, hatchback and its subtypes, limousine, coupe, minivan and other vehicles that imply a closed structure.

Sedan

The most common sedan body type. It can be 2 or 4 doors, although in some cases it is also 5 doors. Among distinctive features of this body we note:

• Mandatory presence of two full-size rows of seats;
• The trunk of sedans is structurally separated from the passenger compartment; the car does not have a liftgate at the rear;
• The sedan is a typical 3-volume body.

Sedans are rightfully called classic cars and today they are in production line most auto concerns. The popularity of them is great among consumers; it is difficult for cars with a different body type to compete with them.

Sedans can be assembled on an extended base. In this case, they are marked with the letter L and designated as a luxury class.

Note. Additional varieties of the sedan include the tudor. This design is equipped with 2 doors, but differs from the coupe in the presence of 2 full-size rows of seats. Our legendary Zaporozhets also belongs to such machines.

Hatchback

2-volume cargo-passenger hatchback body, equipped with 2nd, 5th or less often 3rd doors. This closed body type has the following parameters:

• Has a door at the back and differs from the station wagon by a shorter rear overhang;
• The tailgate of hatchbacks always has a slight slope;
• They are considered the most popular body types in Europe. There they are produced in almost any class;
• Among the main advantages of hatchbacks are their compactness compared to sedans and maneuverability compared to station wagons.

Hatchbacks are easily transformed by removing their rear shelf that covers the luggage compartment. Folding the additional rear seats, we get a roomy extra seat.

Note. Microvans are usually called a kind of hatchback subtype. At the same time, the name does not at all mean that these cars are smaller. On the contrary, this is an enlarged sample of a hatchback with spacious salon... Recently it has become more and more popular in Russia.

Station wagon

The station wagon has the same door options as the hatchback. Features of the following order distinguish it:

• This is a cargo-passenger 2-volume body, assembled on the basis of a sedan, only with a tailgate, like a hatchback. The rear overhang of station wagons is similar to the sedan one or made even longer;
• The trunk of the station wagon is always large and combined with the salon.

Note. To easily convert a passenger station wagon into a utility vehicle, it is enough to fold the rear seats.

For the first time, a station wagon was produced by the legendary Ford company. Of modern cars of the Russian car industry, these include Lada Largus.

Liftback

A liftback is a body type that is a cross between a hatchback, a station wagon and a sedan. Highlights:

• From the hatchback - the longer the rear;
• From the rest of the 2-volumetric structures - a special slope of the roof (Skoda Octavia).

Note. There is an opinion that the secret of high sales of liftbacks is their some similarity with a sedan.

Coupe

Another body type in this category is called a coupe. Differs in the following features:

• The presence of only one row of seats (if the coupe is equipped with a second row of seats, then the seat is always with poor capacity - 0.93 cubic meters of free zone);
• 3-volume cars of this type often look like sports, although there are also luxury models of an executive coupe (Porsche 911, Cadillac Eldorado).

Similarity with Sport coupe also gives the oblique silhouette of the roof at the back Cars with a coupe body type are very elegant and prestigious, but it is difficult to call them comfortable because of their tightness.

Limousine

The limousine also belongs to the closed 3-volume body types. Here are its features:

• This is the car of the highest, executive class, assembled on the basis of a sedan, but with a longer wheelbase;
• Limousines always have a partition behind the front seat, but long wheelbase sedans do not.

Limousines are produced in 4-door, several rows of seats are provided in the cabin.

Minivan

The minivan is 1-volume, less often 2-volume. Here are its features:

• The body of this car is a cross between a station wagon and a small bus (it is often called a high-capacity station wagon);
• The door to the second row of seats is usually sliding;
• Minivans are also called cabover bodies or a small van (translated from English);
• Minivans can also be equipped with a third row of seats (Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna).

The advantage of minivans is called them dimensions and spaciousness. Ideal family carfirst released in the 80s.

Note. There is also a body called a compact van. This is a kind of middle peasant, similar to both a minivan and a microvan (a copy of a hatchback). These cars are equipped with a third row of seats. The exterior of the compact van looks at times more accurate than that of a minivan. A new type of body, which began to be produced only in the early 90s.

SUV

One of the popular cars of the beginning of the new century. The features of the body are as follows:

• 2-volume body is equipped with 5 or 6 overall doors;
• The presence of rows of seats - 2 or 3.

In principle, an SUV is the same station wagon, but it is distinguished by technical features: four-wheel drive, huge dimensions and high ground clearance. Ideal car for off-road passage.

Crossover

A kind of SUV, but with differences:

• Lower clearance height;
• Great compactness.

Crossovers have been very popular lately. They are more and more bought for the urban jungle, because compact car makes it easy to maneuver under traffic lights and move even on low-quality asphalt.

Pickup

3-volume body type with an open cargo area. Rather, it refers to the cargo-passenger variants of the car, and not to the passenger ones. Differs in the following features:

• The trunk (cargo area) is separated from the passenger compartment by a rigid partition;
• Cars with such a body are super passable.

Favorite workhorses of American and Australian farmers. Today's cars with this type of body are mostly assembled on the basis of an SUV.

Open body car category

This group includes cars such as convertible, roadster, brogam and others.

Cabriolet

Open car 3-volume body. It looks like a coupe, but differs from it in the presence of a soft awning roof that folds down behind the rear seats.

Other features:

• The roof is folded so that the doors and side windows remain stationary;
• A striking example of such cars is the Peugeot 206 SS.

Note. It is also customary to distinguish between coupe-convertibles. These cars have a metal roof instead of a tent roof, and it folds into the trunk.

Roadster

Open 3-volume body, like a convertible. The following features distinguish it:

• The presence of one row of seats and a soft opening roof;
• A striking example of such cars is the Mini Cooper Roadster.

Phaeton

It is a 4-door body with a folding soft top. Its other features:

• Designed for 5-6 seats;
• Does not have side lifting windows.

Note. Phaetons are often confused with high-end 4-door convertibles.

Brougham

A type of 3-volume body, characterized by the following:

• The presence of a closed top zone. It is designed for rear passengers;
• The presence of free space above the driver's head.

Coupe de ville, as brogam is often called, is not so popular in our time. But if desired, it is made to order.

Targa

A type of 3-volume body, rarely seen on the roads. Distinctive features:

• It is considered one of the variants of a 2-seater roadster of the Sport type, but with a rigid fixation of the windshield and the presence of a cylindrical frame behind the seats;
• Open, foldable into the trunk, the middle part of the roof. The rear of the top of the body is completely covered with glass;
• A striking example is the Porsche 911 Targa.

Note. The Targa is a passenger body with a very powerful B-pillar.

In addition to the open body types described, spider, landau and shooter break are also known.

So, having learned a lot about the types and varieties of car bodies, the reader can make the right choice. I would like to remind you that in addition to the above information, it would be useful to study the articles, which describe in detail the advantages and disadvantages of various design features a certain car, as well as instructions for caring for the body with your own hands.