Convertible / Cabriolet- A car with a folding roof (either fabric or metal) that can be lowered and stowed behind the rear seats, allowing for open-top driving.
Coupé- A sporty car with an elegant, sloping roofline. Originally always with two doors, though “4-door coupés” exist today. Boot space and rear seat headroom are often limited by the design.
Crossover (CUV)- A mix between a standard passenger car and an SUV. It is slightly taller than a traditional car but typically built on a regular car platform, making it more agile and economical than a large SUV.
Estate / Station wagon- An extended version of a passenger car with a large, boxy boot and a vertical tailgate. Ideal for families, pushchairs, and holiday luggage.
Hatchback- A popular and practical car type with a sloping rear door that is hinged above the rear window and includes the window when opened (e.g., VW Golf or Peugeot 208). Perfect for city driving.
MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle)- A very spacious and practical family car (also called a people carrier). Maximises interior cabin space over boot space, and often features 7 seats and sliding doors.
Pick-up- A vehicle (often with a tall and rugged design) with an open cargo bed at the rear. Frequently used as a work vehicle or for off-road driving.
Saloon / Sedan- A classic car shape divided into three distinct 'boxes': engine bay, cabin, and a closed boot that opens without the rear window moving (e.g., VW Passat saloon or Tesla Model 3).
SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle)- A tall and spacious car with good ground clearance, often with four-wheel drive (though available without). Provides the driver with a commanding view of the traffic and easy entry and exit.