One of the most important criteria that guides when choosing a car is the type of body. The number of car body types has almost doubled over the past 15-20 years. Manufacturers are increasingly trying to combine several body types in one car at once. Distinguishing one option from another is becoming increasingly difficult, but we will do it anyway.

Let's understand the classification of car body types

To begin with, we divide all body types into 3 groups: three-volume, two-volume and one-volume.

Three-volume

Three-volume body has a protruding hood and trunk. Three-volume bodies are among the least versatile bodies due to the limited possibility of transforming the interior and trunk. This group includes sedans, coupes, convertibles and pickups.

Sedan, coupe.

The main difference between a coupe and a sedan is a two-door body. A coupe (from the French "couper" - cut off) is usually built on the basis of a sedan and has a sporty bias (lower body, powerful motors). The coupe does not always have a pronounced three-volume body and often resembles a three-door hatchback in shape. But the hatchback always gives out a vertically located tailgate, which the coupe tries to make as horizontal as possible.

Convertible, coupe-cabriolet, roadster.

A convertible is a coupe with a "soft" canopy roof that folds behind the rear seats and rises if necessary.

But the soft top did not allow the car to be used all year round, so in the late 90s it began to gain popularity. new version open body- coupe-cabriolet. At first glance, it looks like a normal coupe, but just press the right button, and the hard metal roof rises and neatly folds into the trunk, turning the coupe into a convertible.

A two-seater convertible (without a second row of seats) is called a roadster.

Roadster Porsche Boxster Roadster Audi TTS

Pickup.

Pickup Mitsubishi L200

A pickup truck is a body with an open cargo area separated from the cabin by a rigid partition. Simply put, this is a reduced copy of an ordinary truck. Most often, this body is confused with a van. In order not to be mistaken, it’s enough to remember that Pick-up in English means, among other things, “pick up”, “pick up”, that is, throw it into the body in a quick way ... Most pickups are built on the same platform as SUVs and have good patency. Both here and throughout Europe, pickup trucks are not very popular, but in the USA they are crazy about them.

Two-volume

With a two-volume body there is no protruding trunk, and its lid opens only with glass and is considered another door.

Two-volume bodies include hatchbacks, station wagons, as well as crossovers and SUVs created on their basis. Two-volume bodies are distinguished by the most capacious trunks (station wagons) and compact dimensions (hatchbacks - “hatchback”, you can translate English as “rear door”). At the same time, both station wagons and hatchbacks have a folding rear seat, which allows you to significantly increase the volume of the trunk and the characteristics always indicate its minimum (i.e. with the seats unfolded) and maximum (with the seats folded) value.

Hatchback, station wagon.

Hatchback Skoda Fabia New and station wagon Skoda Fabia New Combi

The main difference between a hatchback and a station wagon is the size (length) of the trunk.

liftback Skoda Octavia New

except conventional hatchback, there is still a liftback - a hatchback with an almost three-volume body. In a liftback, the trunk lid has a small protrusion and resembles a sedan, but opens along with the rear window.

Hatchbacks are very popular in Europe, but in our country they are only gaining popularity, and that is mainly due to liftbacks (due to their similarity to sedans).

The main advantage of a hatchback is its compactness and maneuverability, but the station wagon always wins in terms of trunk volume.

SUV.

The crossover, although it tries to look like an SUV, can not boast and imposing and very often inferior to an SUV in height. Sometimes they are called "SUVs", probably with a hint that such an "SUV" is suitable for driving on parquet, and not on real off-road...

Crossover Nissan Qashqai

In addition, more and more crossovers are created on the basis of hatchbacks and differ from them only in an increased ground clearance and big wheels.

Recently, the popularity of crossovers around the world has grown tremendously. Despite the fact that the first crossovers appeared relatively recently (mid-90s), almost every manufacturer already has in its model range such a body or plans to add it in the near future.

Single-volume

Single volume the body does not have a far protruding hood and trunk - the engine and luggage compartment are practically in the cabin. Monovolume bodies are proud of the huge number of options for transforming their spacious interiors.

The "single-volume vehicles" include the "youngest" body types: minivans, compact vans, microvans - that is, almost all buses of any size. These body options can be distinguished by the size of the car and the number of rows of seats.

Minivan.

A compact van is between a microvan and a minivan in size, with a length of 4.2 to 4.5 meters. At the same time, some compact vans may have a third row of seats. The first "compacts" saw the light in the mid-90s. In fact, this is a slightly reduced (compact) version of the minivan.

Microvan

Microvan Nissan Note

A microvan is simply an oversized (height) hatchback with more spacious interior. The microvan does not have a third row of seats. The length does not exceed 4.2 meters. The first microvans appeared only 5-7 years ago, but they are already rapidly gaining popularity in Europe and even on our roads they can be found more and more often.

Differences are getting smaller

Gradually, the difference between the types becomes less noticeable. What is only a hatchback sedan Skoda Superb(the trunk lid opens with and without glass) or almost one-volume Honda Civic hatchback.

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The car has long ceased to be a means of transportation. Now the car is also a stylish addition to the image, an indispensable tool for recreation and travel. The world's leading manufacturers offer motorists a wide variety of brands from budget models to business class cars.

What to choose? A typical sedan that is a city car or a powerful crossover that supposedly is not afraid of off-road? In any case, an unambiguous choice: a crossover or a sedan is impossible due to the fact that a car enthusiast buys a car according to his personal preferences and beliefs. Ukrainian marketers, for example, promote crossovers, convincing buyers that one simply cannot live in the urban jungle without such a parquet jeep. But is it really so?

Vehicle Specifications

It will be quite difficult to identify the leader, considering the technical aspects of the crossover and sedan. After all, it depends on the brand of the car, its characteristics, factory and additional options and price category. A crossover differs from a sedan in that it is a large-sized car with a high degree of cross-country ability. Although this degree of patency cannot be compared with Suzuki Jimny or Jeep Wrangler. Now any car is equipped with parking sensors, navigators, sensors, and a reliable automatic transmission. But the crossover has four-wheel drive which allows for good traction.

capacity

What better sedan or a crossover? We evaluate the capacity of the car. Traditionally, the crossover is positioned as family car. On it you can safely maneuver through the streets of the city, or go with the whole family on a trip to the sea. At the same time, the crossover has similarities with station wagons. The rear seats or passenger seats can be folded down. You can’t fit an oversized wardrobe in a sedan, but easily in a crossover. So the crossover is more roomy than the sedan.

patency

The difference between a crossover and a sedan is also in the degree of cross-country ability of the car. It is unlikely that you will be able to drive off-road in a sedan, because most of these cars are produced on automobile factories already with low ground clearance. Even in the city, if there are pits and potholes on the road, there is a possibility that you will damage the suspension. The crossover is an all-wheel drive car, it is not afraid of curbs and pits, it has a high ground clearance. Deep puddles, snow ruts - all this is on the shoulder of a crossover, and a sedan can safely get bogged down even in a small puddle.

Fuel consumption

At first glance, the advantages of a crossover over a sedan are obvious. But there are times when the sedan stands head and shoulders above the crossover. This is, for example, fuel consumption. Gasoline in the country is by no means cheap, and even the most inexpensive SUV consumes quite a lot of it. Three-liter sedan engine in 250 Horse power allows you to save fuel even when driving fast. But the crossover has different power characteristics. Uneconomical fuel consumption is explained by the dimensions of the car and the all-wheel drive system. Therefore, in this regard, crossovers are not quite economical cars.

The choice of car body

Parquet jeeps are actively popularized. The buyer thinks about the possibility of overpaying another hundred thousand hryvnias and actually buying reliable car? Yes, and many believe that the larger the car body, the more prestigious and solid it is. The crossover is more often inferior on the road. But there are also disadvantages. Although the sedan has a smaller body, its handling and maneuverability are much better. It's easier to park shopping center. Of course, in crash tests, the body of a sedan cannot compete with a parquet jeep. Choice of body cars not great. Typically, buyers purchase a station wagon, sedan or hatchback. And among the crossovers you can pick up more interesting models such as sports coupe, convertible style cars.

What is safer? Sedan or crossover?

Let's talk about which is safer: a sedan or a crossover? And here the crossover wins a confident palm. Numerous crash tests have shown excellent crossover reliability. Force is mass times acceleration. Crossovers are heavier than sedans and therefore more stable on the road. The crossover is not only more comfortable than the sedan, but also more reliable. insurance institute road safety(IIHS) has noted this time and again. According to the results of the main research of the institute as a result of frontal collision the survival rate for crossover passengers is ten times higher than the survival rate for sedans.

In a serious accident, the crossover simply moves passenger car crushing her crushingly. And a large mass plus acceleration actually leaves no chance for an ordinary sedan. The study analyzed 83,522 fatal accidents that occurred from 1995 to 2010.

What is better sedan or front-wheel drive crossover?

Many experts unanimously argue that front-wheel drive crossovers are much more convenient and more reliable than sedans. Such a machine will perfectly cope with off-road, although it consumes quite a lot of gasoline. The main advantages and disadvantages of a front-wheel drive crossover versus a sedan:

• Although front-wheel drive makes the crossover more maneuverable, it is still inferior to a passenger car in its handling;
• On the front wheel drive missing cardan shaft, which means that you do not risk bending it on a bump, unlike a sedan;
• The front-wheel drive crossover is even more roomy than the regular one. It's big, powerful and reliable. He has a high degree of permeability. Although mobility is significantly lower than that of a sedan. A front-wheel drive crossover is better than a sedan in this regard.

Well, one more minus, front-wheel drive crossovers are more expensive than sedans. Although there are business class sedans, the price of which is simply sky-high. Which car to choose, decide, of course, the buyer.

What is better crossover or business class sedan?

Thinking of buying a car? Business class sedan or front-wheel drive crossover? The choice is not entirely clear. Although passenger cars business class have additional systems safety, crammed with the latest electronics and are quite expensive, anyway they are inferior in some respects even to budget crossovers.

The business class sedan is far from basic equipment. In addition to power accessories, climate control, swivel headlights, ESC, there are many additional options. Yes, and a prestigious car attracts. But when buying a car, determine what you need it for. If you spend a lot of time in the city, then a business sedan will do just fine. Do you often go out of town, like hunting or fishing? Then the crossover will be for you ideal option. Consider also the safety of the car. The crossover is heavier, respectively, it is more reliable. Well, you can read interesting information on automotive topics or learn about new cars on AUTO.RIA No. 1 among auto sites in Ukraine. Here is the largest database of cars among other sites. And 1,400 cars a day are sold here.

The choice of car depends on personal preferences. But don't forget about comparisons. technical specifications that will help you decide.

Passenger or crossover. What to choose brother?

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Oh, if Toyota knew what a storehouse of opportunities they are opening with the release of the first generation RAV4! Those first “ravchiks” that run along the roads will soon hit “twenty”. Consider that this is the age of crossover cars in a modern applied form. Today, their diversity is dazzling, and the choice of an iron horse turns into real flour. What to give preference to - classic sedans with hatchbacks or still a crossover?

Marketers. It is they who make you rack your brains in an attempt to determine whether the car belongs to a particular class. It was they who imagined themselves to be engineers and trendsetters at the same time. Twenty years ago, there were few marketers. They were considered outcasts who get in the way with their focus groups, and that is why you clearly knew what car you were driving and what it was actually intended for. Then there were telephones to make calls. Don't think I'm a snob - the very idea of ​​multifunctionality has the right to be implemented, but are there so many real functions in the current generation of crossovers compared to familiar cars?

The initial concept was correct - spacious load-bearing body, high ground clearance and four-wheel drive. To grab on a muddy primer or park in a snowdrift is just that. No frames, handouts, complex differential locks and extra weight. The crossover is intended to be the choice of those who really don’t have enough opportunities for a “passenger car”, but there is no need to own a serious SUV. And it’s not scary that you have to sacrifice controllability to some extent. If you are not obsessed with this, then you will survive, if, on the contrary, you are passionate about it, in this case, the crossover is simply not your car. Of course, among all-terrain vehicles there are cars that can be set as a model of drive, but this is achieved, rather, through compromises and to the detriment of the main idea.

It’s for nothing that most of the representatives of the class are built on the platforms of existing sedans and hatchbacks and have the same range power units. The increased weight and more complex transmission lead to increased fuel consumption compared to passenger counterparts, and you have to pay for high ground clearance with buildup and rolls in corners. True, as a reward, you get the opportunity to not so closely monitor the condition of the roadway. Relevant, given that for the entire time of independence, we have not been able to connect the cities of our country with some decent highways. "SUV" does not yet give you the feeling of complete protection from the mediocrity of road services, but it will definitely help to get to your destination and not shake your whole soul. For the same reason, I don’t understand why crossovers are needed in Europe, and why do crossovers need Europe? If in Ukraine the responsible organizations for maintaining the deplorable state of the streets and highways, it seems, even the manufacturers themselves pay extra, stimulating sales of crossovers, then in the Old World the demand for them is clearly created by advertisers.

Of course, the presence of an all-wheel drive transmission inspires a certain confidence behind the wheel. However, one should not forget that the vast majority of cars of this class under normal conditions are practically monodrive (more often with front axle drive). Part of the torque is transmitted to the second axle “on demand” using a multi-plate clutch, when the drive wheels lose traction and slip into slip, or during heavy acceleration. At the same time, manufacturers often equip SUVs with the function of forced clutch locking for obviously difficult conditions “overboard”. This scheme has its advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, the presence of a permanent drive on only one axle allows you to save fuel on daily trips, and the nature of handling remains unambiguous. On the other hand, the automatic traction distribution mode often operates with a slight delay, which is sometimes enough for the car to dig into loose or damp soil and turn into real estate. In addition, viscous couplings are prone to overheating during prolonged slippage, and as a result, complete shutdown. Then wait until it cools down and restores performance. But if you do not experiment with forays into mud baths, then in all other cases you can rely on automation - it will insure both on snowy and wet surfaces. Although there is an alternative: on the Ukrainian market you can find crossovers with "honest" permanent all-wheel drive, where the torque between the front and rear axle share almost equally (eg Subaru cars).

I deliberately do not focus on curbs and sidewalks, the conquerors of which can easily become behind the wheel of an SUV, because driving on them looks bad, unless you are taking your wife to the hospital through city traffic. Traditional machines do not do this kind of exercise so easily. But they are more pleasant to drive on normal roads, they are more economical, more maneuverable, faster, what else is there? Cheaper! It is natural that passenger models are less burdensome for the wallet when buying than crossovers built on their basis (even at car washes they will “flatter” you and say that “you are a jeep”, but you will have to pay an increased rate for this toadying). Yes, and with the choice of a body, everything is clear here - sedan, hatchback or station wagon. And in these "SUVs" now go figure it out! Again, the machinations of marketers who will make you believe whatever you want: for example, that in front of you is not a crossover at all, but at least a sports coupe (). Well, there are their own hatchbacks and minivans. What about a convertible? - Yes please! Suffice it to recall a promising concept with open top based on ... or .

In case the "parquet" image for some reason does not suit you, but you really want to have all the presenters, the manufacturers have another solution in store. And in it, in my deep conviction, there is a very rational grain. We are talking about traditional cars that are equipped with an all-wheel drive system, and often with increased ground clearance. The companies themselves call them whatever they like -, Alltrack. The essence is the same: no damage driving performance get a car on which you can “overwinter” without hysteria, and drive on the nearest country road without much fear. I think that this is how, by and large, the “bad roads” package in the Ukrainian interpretation should look like. For such tasks, neither an SUV nor an SUV is needed. For those motorists who do not want to climb “a floor above”, some manufacturers also took care and implemented all-wheel drive technology as part of their passenger platforms. Now many dealers can offer you a sedan or hatchback with all the leading ones.

Mikhail Gorbachev - master of sports and USSR champion in auto racing, trainer-instructor, creator of modern sports and safe driving programs:

Crossover (English crossover, abbr. x-over, literally transitional or matching device, border or transitional phenomenon, intersection, etc.) - a collective name referring to various concepts and objects: type of car from cross-over - driving rough terrain. Station wagon (hatchback) off-road, passenger car, with all-wheel drive.

Any car dealer will tell you that half of the buyers ask for crossovers, or "SUVs", as they are also called. Today they are in fashion. But, many crossovers do not have all-wheel drive. Why? Because the look of the crossover is fashionable, not its filling. I sit high, I look far away. And most pedestrians consider me wealthy and successful in life! They do not see the difference between a real expensive SUV and an SUV. Car drivers let go! Nice! That is why they are in fashion! Let's put the emotions aside and see if you need a crossover. I do not take those who are prevented from getting to the dacha by those notorious 600 meters of mud. Everything is clear here! I take car owners who, in principle, are not going to move off the asphalt. Do they have an advantage if they decide on a fashion purchase? Except for the capacity. A simple station wagon is not fashionable, but a crossover, in fact, the same station wagon is still fashionable ... In operation, a crossover is more expensive than a passenger car. Everything is more expensive: tires, maintenance, consumables, fuel. What about manageability? The car is designed for movement, they drive it, and do not admire how solid it looks! But there are only minuses here: a high center of gravity and hence roll in corners, smeared steering reactions and poor feedback on the steering wheel due to the large side slips of high-profile tires. Increased braking distance due to greater mass. Sluggish dynamics. Difficulty in maneuvering in narrow parking lots and in dense city traffic. All this indicates a significant decrease in the degree of pleasure from driving such a car. Does it matter to you? And for me it is very important! That's why I only drive passenger sedans or coupe. I don't want to be a slow truck driver. And, you readers, decide for yourself!

If you hesitate to answer the question why you decided to give up the advantages of cars in favor of a crossover, or even answer empty “because you like it”, you can stop reading. In the event that the choice of a crossover is predetermined by the real need to be somewhere a little further than the rest, then we will try to highlight those aspects that you should pay attention to when buying. Ditch the "top-end" large-size wheels with low-profile tires and leave them for poseurs who "because you like it." No matter how wonderful they are appearance, you will definitely not see the desired comfort when driving on our roads. Pay attention not only to the ground clearance of the "SUV", but also to the front and rear overhangs, which predetermine the angle of entry into and exit from an obstacle. The shorter they are, the more opportunities you have on rough terrain and the safer the bumper. It does not hurt to make sure that there is a forced lock of the clutch and that the stabilization system can be turned off. On some surfaces this is necessary, but not all cars of this type have this functionality. Do not give up on such electronic assistants as a descent assistance system and imitation of cross-axle differential locks. However, do not forget that the main assistant is common sense, which should tell you whether you really need all this or is the Golf better? ...

Discussion of the article

Green 7 years

Very good article! We started signing photos - it's nice =) Vladislav, we are waiting for more articles !!

291 Nm - enough for a light 7 years

Do you know where I had all these sedans and hatches? OUR ROADS ARE NOT MADE FOR THESE MACHINES. Especially for well-controlled cars (the pleasure of driving is called a plus). Good handling is associated with a short suspension travel, specific steering settings, in which even small bumps can provoke a bite of the tongue. As a result of pleasure "0". To save fuel, you need to take a diesel. The issue of lack of SUV for our people is only a matter of money. And for sober-minded people, this is not a show-off, but a real necessity. Even a multi-wheel drive all-terrain wagon is a justified choice. Our choice is a four-wheel drive shed, and everyone comes to this sooner or later. And Ponty is a separate topic about individual people.

+2 -3

wavan 7 years

I agree 10000%, you look at a cool foreign car like a Porsche or a BMW on our roads, it’s tantamount to letting a beautiful blonde in high heels across a collective farm field, the 21st century and the roads have remained in the past, like Otto Bismarck said that the country’s economy begins with roads, but alas, this is not about us!

+1 -1

Vano 7 years

100% true. And about not using all the capabilities of SUVs in everyday driving - you never know where and what awaits you around the corner - a pit, milling from road repairs or a primer. By analogy with sports - why do people need bodybuilding? It is unlikely that a bodybuilder will go to work physically, but in which case - ...

+1

sergey, Kyiv 7 years

all good health. the article is interesting, but we decide for ourselves which car to buy. from my point of view, where will you drive, in the city or everywhere. if in the city, a small car. if everywhere, cars d class with high ground clearance. you travel by yourself or with a company. it depends on the body type. gasoline or diesel: if you drive a little, 10t.km. in year. petrol. if 30 t.km and more, diesel. when buying a car, find out the cost and you will know whether this car suits you or not. about the make of the car. Unfortunately, even famous brands suffer from quality. now spare parts are made in china, india, turkey and... even expensive cars collected in these countries. decide for yourself for whom you are buying a car. For yourself or for a neighbor. Sincerely.

+2

Sergei 7 years

The correct answer is: there should be two cars in the family! one for everyday trips in the summer (subcompact) and the second is the right crossover (for example, nissan x-trail)!

+1 -3

Victor 7 years

Sergey, there are 2 reasons why I decided to unsubscribe, if a person has the opportunity to maintain 2 cars, then he will not take a crossover, but will take a full one, frame SUV, instead of NISSAN X-trail (for the same money) supported patrol or Toyota LC 80. This is my personal opinion!

+1 -1

the guest 7 years

X-trail is positioned as an SUV. Marketing, of course, but still .. take it, you have to be ready for repairs, sometimes not ordinary, in general, for an amateur

-2

the guest 7 years

somehow a lot of subjective in the article now, the handling of crossovers is almost the same as sedans, all the same electronic systems, not even hydro anymore, but electric power steering, etc. Yes, weight, consumption, maintenance are more expensive, but the suspension is stronger and safety is higher and easier in winter, etc.

-1

the guest 7 years

I sold an old sedan, bought a SUV that is not the most expensive, but not the cheapest either. Impressions are only positive, both for me and for my family, I do not regret it. This is a choice for our country. There will be "extra" money, I will buy a small car (not a sedan) for the city, for work.

Dmitry 7 years

In general, all these disputes are of a philosophical nature. Gorbachev said everything correctly and wisely, but the sedan doesn’t suit me - I’m not a taxi driver, a station wagon with good ground clearance would fit, but the appearance is boring, the crossover is more fun and the size, etc. but the fuel consumption, damn it, the hatch is just a fairy tale, and the parking is good for you, but the roominess, damn it, I liked the updated Renault Kengo, but the look is funny, whatever one may say perfect car it’s no easier to find than an ideal woman, but about Farce or “panty”, you can buy a penny at the age of 18 and feel like a god. I am most afraid of such drivers on the road. people who have nothing to lose - scary people in Japan they are called. "samurai" and expensive is a responsibility. just like buying a car is a serious and responsible step, and most importantly an individual one.

thinking 7 years

I have two Beha 3 cars for the summer season in the city and long-distance driving on the highway in the spring-summer season and a pazhderik for all other moments. I am sure to make EXCELLENT one machine for everything is not realistic. Sedan on the highway - there is a sedan)

Dmitry 7 years

I agree with the previous comments that there is a choice for everyone and an explanation for that choice. I drive a sedan myself (Hyundai Grandeur). Completely satisfied. Clearance in 162 is enough, but I don’t drive off-road. Have multiple cars? Great idea, especially cars of different classes. Although, on the other hand, I can’t imagine myself in the summer, in the heat of 40 degrees, driving a small car 1.2-1-4. For me, the work of climate control will be insufficient (rather just air conditioning in this class, if you do not take the top version). Consumption will be almost the same as on my 3.3. Again, I take into account my personal dislike for high temperatures and compare the experience of driving VW Polo 1.4. The route is similar. Speed ​​over 100 and above, rpm 2000, consumption 8.5-9.0. In the city, the numbers are also different. Huge interior and trunk, etc. Again, someone does not like this car. Pajero? Patency, solid appearance, etc. If gasoline, get ready to waste. As for me, then for this big car salon is cramped. bmw 3? Manageability, ergonomics, comfort - class! Someone is too small and expensive, but the pleasure of driving! What about M3? The beast! The above is my personal opinion, I respect the choice of everyone. Ford Kuga diesel? S class? Supra? Yes, even a Muscovite or an Indian Hindustan ... There are a million options! It remains to wish everyone good health and the presence of a sufficient number of banknotes, and there are at least 10 cars: a sedan, a luxury sedan, a crossover, a station wagon, an SUV, a stockcar, a roadster, a bus, a bus, ... And a travel card, just in case :-)

+2

the guest 7 years

I myself live in Yaremche. In winter I go every day to work in Bukovel. I have a Peugeot 308. In the summer I drive on 18 wheels - in the winter on 16. For 3 years I had no problems even with the heaviest snowfalls and frosts, but believe me, we have them. I can even boldly say that in all the time I have never pecked my nose. If friends have a bunch of SUVs, I realized one thing - there really is a lot of space and a large carrying capacity, but otherwise all the pluses are only for cars (IMHO)

+3

Andrey 7 years

My wife has a Peugeot 107. They put spacers on the racks + 2 cm, and in winter the tires are a little more + 1 cm. And for the transportation of things there is a service Partner. But I dream of a SUV ... (I think such cars are universal)

+1

Andrey 7 years

According to our roads, not only the SUV, but also the GAZ 66 with difficulty. How insulting and painful it was to look at the shabby bumper and broken fog of your comfortable sedan when you got into a puddle on the road in the CENTER of the city. In our country, so far only cars with cross-country ability, and the sport coupe is only for TOP GEAR so far, much to our regret.

Boris 7 years

A mono-drive SUV is a show-off, a desire to seem like a "cool jeeper" against the backdrop of cars. All-wheel drive SUV - the hope that you will not get stuck in muddy snow or primer. But hope is weak if you hit a specific off-road. Most car owners drive on asphalt, albeit a broken, but hard surface. Muddy snow comes across a couple of times during the winter, a primer - even less often. If you have extra money - you can overpay for the "show-off". And so - the choice is for a passenger car: sedan, hatchback or station wagon. Again - according to need and taste.

-1

eric 7 years

I read all the discussions and thought, because I have three cars skoda superb diesel, nisan x trail petrol and ford tanzit, you are all right in your own way!!! I don't know which is better! all cars are good in their own way!

Sergei 7 years

Thanks for the good article ... Although I drive SUVs, I’m thinking of switching to a sedan.

+2

... 7 years

Garne car in the first photo - AMC Eagle Wagon 1987 rock. Exter "єr richly cutting for the bagats of today.

-1

Michael 7 years

Nobody argues, the sedan is cheaper, more economical, softer. A real driver driving for a long time and in large quantities, of course for a sedan. But lately, mostly blondes (frightened) have been driving SUVs. And smart marketers have caught the trend or created it themselves, when when they don’t buy consumer qualities and beautiful shiny blue, red, but show-off.

Usually, a car is chosen based, first of all, on the capabilities of the wallet. As a rule, for about the same money that a car dealer of a particular brand asks for, you can buy a sedan - one and a half times larger than the model being considered for purchase all-wheel drive car. Let's make a reservation that we are not talking about the premium segment, where the criteria for the buyer when choosing a car are somewhat different. And in the more "mundane" segments of the car market, the choice is, for example, between Mazda CX-5 and Mazda6, Volkswagen Tiguan and Passat, KIA Sportage and Optima.

It immediately catches the eye that, unlike the sedan, it boasts all-wheel drive and higher ground clearance. Actually, adherents of crossovers mainly appeal to these advantages of their cars. In their opinion, it is simply impossible to drive through a modern city in winter without these technical attributes. At the same time, it becomes unclear how the owners of millions of single-wheel drive sedans manage to do this every day.

In fact, all-wheel drive really sometimes helps out only those owners who get out into nature, on light off-road conditions. But even that is rare. The vast majority of owners of modern all-wheel drive cars will not even think of going off-road, which is too tough for a large ordinary sedan. Because the car is a pity!

And electronics with its anti-slip, anti-skid and other “anti-…” systems installed on modern ones “eats up” almost half of the off-road capabilities of these cars. And if, God forbid, the clutch that provides all-wheel drive to our crossover suddenly overheats, then it will turn into an ordinary mono-drive station wagon.

Another advantage of the crossover is the high landing of the inhabitants of its cabin above the road. The farther ahead the driver views the road, the better in terms of safety. But there is also a downside. Ceteris paribus, sitting in the seats of a sedan (especially a large one) is much more comfortable than in.

Yes and wheelbase a large sedan is longer than that of a cross. Thanks to this alone, trips in a sedan, especially over long distances, are an order of magnitude less tiring than in a crossover. In general, there is much more space for passengers and the driver in the cabin of a large sedan than in. But in the latter, you can "fill up" the backs rear seats and load into the car, for example, a bicycle.

Few people notice, but this is a fact: rear-view cameras, all-round visibility and all kinds of electronic parking assistants first appeared on SUVs. Simply because it is on them, and not on sedans, that these electronic “assistants” are more in demand, since sedans, for the most part, are much better with visibility and a sense of dimensions.

The introduction of the body as a supporting part of a passenger car made it possible to significantly expand the number of body types. But among the whole variety of body types, there are the most popular among motorists. The leader among the types of the bearing part is the sedan, but recently it has been competing with the hatchback body. Each of them has its own differences, as well as positive and negative sides. We will try to figure out what are the features of sedan and hatchback bodies, as well as what are their advantages and disadvantages.

Sedan

Classic hatchback and sedan

The main difference between the sedan is a three-volume layout, in which the design is divided into three parts - engine compartment, passenger compartment and luggage compartment. Between themselves, these parts are separated by partitions, which makes each volume of the body separated from the other. As for the number of doorways, this type of door body can have either two or four.

As the automotive industry developed, different versions sedans with certain features in the body structure. The main types of body type "sedan" are:

1. classical;
2. hardtop;

Video: Which is better, a sedan or a hatchback?

The difference between a classic sedan is approximately the same dimensions engine and luggage compartments. Over time, in order to reduce the parameters of the car, which were usually significant for the "classics", the length of the luggage compartment began to be reduced, while increasing its height to compensate for the usable volume. This eventually led to the wedge-shaped body shape that all modern sedans now have. There are a lot of representatives of classic sedans, since this body type is the most popular. Examples in the domestic automotive industry are all the "classic" VAZ models (except for the VAZ-2102 and 2104 station wagons), VAZ-21099, 2110, 2115, all Volga models.

Of foreign cars, representatives of sedans are Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer, BMW 5th, 7th series. In general, sedan cars are produced by almost all automakers.

Mercedes-Benz CL-class hardtop

A feature of the "hardtop" body was the absence of the central pillars of the saloon compartment. If in the classic version the front and rear doors were separated by a rack stretching from the floor to the roof, then it was removed from the hardtop. In this case, usually the doors did not have glass frames, or they were retractable along with the glass into the door. Cars with a hardtop sedan body have not been found to be particularly popular, and now they are practically not produced. A striking representative of cars in this body is the Chevrolet Impala and Cadillac de Ville Hardtop.

It is noteworthy that two-door versions of "hardtops" are still found, but most of them are classified as "coupe".

The “fastback” body differed from the “classic” and “hardtop” by a very weakly expressed third compartment in the silhouette of the car - the trunk. This was achieved thanks to a very smooth transition from the roof of the car to the rear. At the same time, the luggage compartment, although it was separate, outwardly it was, as it were, integrated into the cabin. The representative of the car with this body is GAZ Pobeda.

In modern automotive industry, there is another body type - "liftback", which is a transitional model between a sedan and a hatchback. Its main difference is hidden in the fact that outwardly there is a pronounced luggage compartment, but the body itself is two-volume and the luggage compartment is located inside the cabin. From modern cars, produced in a liftback body, Skoda Superb can be noted.

Of the positive qualities of cars in the sedan body, it is noted:

1. more presentable and solid appearance of the car;
2. the presence of a separate trunk;
3. faster heating of the cabin in winter due to the small volume;
4. better safety for passengers in a rear impact (the trunk acts as a buffer).

But there are also disadvantages, of which the most obvious are:

• worse maneuverability of a car due to large dimensions;
• complicated parking due to the worst feeling of the dimensions of the car;
• limited luggage space;
• lower body strength due to the large rear overhang.

Video: Lesson 2 - car types, hatchback, sedan, station wagon, body types, SUV, crossover, SUV

hatchback

Let's move on to hatchbacks. His main distinguishing feature comes down to a two-volume layout, that is, there is only the engine compartment and interior. Moreover, the latter combines both a place for passengers and a luggage compartment. If the sedan uses a special cover to access the trunk, then the hatchback is equipped with an additional rear door. At the same time, it is generally accepted that only cars with a sloping rear door belong to hatchbacks. But there are also versions with a vertical position. back door(VAZ "Oka", Daewoo Matiz). Due to the presence of an additional door in the design, their total number in hatchback cars is unpaired (3 or 5 doors).

This body layout made it possible to reduce the rear overhang and, as a result, the dimensions of the car itself. Moreover, it is the overhang that allows you to visually determine what type the body belongs to. For example, one of the main differences between a hatchback and a station wagon is precisely the size of the rear overhang.

A type of hatchback is a liftback. The main difference between a liftback and a hatchback is the same overhang length, the former has a slightly larger one. Additionally, on some liftbacks, the luggage compartment may be slightly pronounced, which visually gives such a car the appearance of a sedan, but with a shortened trunk. And here the main difference from the sedan is the back door. For liftbacks, it is one-piece and includes rear glass. An example of such a liftback is ZAZ Slavuta, in which the rear of the car visually has a trunk, but it is closed with a stepped rear door. The already mentioned Skoda Superb on some generations uses a two-section rear door - you can open only part of the door that closes the trunk, or completely raise the door, along with glass.

The advantages of hatchbacks are:

1. the presence of sports notes in appearance;
2. easy access to the trunk due to the large dimensions of the rear door;
3. the possibility of transporting oversized cargo (after folding back row seats, which allows you to use part of the cabin as a luggage compartment);
4. improved maneuverability of the car due to smaller overall dimensions.

But there are also enough disadvantages for this type of body:

• increased noise in the cabin (can give a shelf separating the luggage compartment from the passenger compartment, a massive rear door, the cargo itself, since it is, in fact, located in the cabin and is separated only by the back rear seat and shelf);
• when opening the back door to the cargo department, air from the outside also enters the cabin (this drawback is especially evident in winter);
• the need for more time to warm up the cabin due to its increased size).

Hatchback representatives are Toyota Yaris, Seat Leon, Nissan Micra and etc.

As you can see, each of the considered car body types has its own characteristics. positive qualities, so negative properties. When purchasing a car, everyone decides for himself which car suits him best.