| Type | Typical shape | Pros | Cons | UK notes / common use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hatchback | 2–5 doors, rear hatch opens with glass | Practical, easy to park; versatile boot opening | More cabin/road noise; shorter rear overhang can feel twitchier at speed | Very common in the UK (e.g., small/medium cars) |
| Sedan / Saloon | 4 doors, separate boot (3-box) | Stable, quiet, efficient; good motorway comfort | Less boot access vs hatch; lower driving position | “Saloon” is the UK term; common as family/company car |
| Estate / Wagon | Like a saloon but extended roofline + big rear boot | Huge cargo space; lower than SUV → often more efficient | Longer body can be harder to park | UK term: “Estate”; great for luggage, dogs, bikes |
| SUV | Taller body, higher ground clearance; often 5 doors | High seating position; easier access; good visibility | Usually heavier → worse economy; more body roll; wider for tight streets | Popular; watch width for narrow roads/parking bays |
| Crossover | Car-based SUV style (often smaller/lighter than SUV) | Higher seat than hatch; easier around town | Not as spacious/off-road capable as it looks | Common “small SUV” category in UK listings |
| Coupe | 2 doors (or “4-door coupe” styling), sloping roof | Sporty look; often nicer handling | Rear seats/visibility can be worse; less practical | Insurance can be higher; check rear visibility for manoeuvres |
| Convertible | Folding roof (soft/hard top), usually 2 doors | Open-top driving experience | Less boot space; more wind noise; security/weather concerns | UK weather limits use; ensure roof seals/drains are healthy |
| MPV / People carrier | Tall roof, flexible seating (5–7 seats) | Best passenger space; flexible seats | Not sporty; can be wide/tall | Good for families; watch height restrictions (car parks) |
Car dimensions
These numbers help you judge whether the car will fit (parking bays, narrow roads, height barriers), and how it will feel in tight manoeuvres (turning, corners, kerbs).
Where to find them
- Owner’s manual / manufacturer spec sheet
- Vehicle listing page (dealer/AutoTrader)
- Door-jamb / tyre placard (tyre size and pressures)
| Spec | What it means (simple) | Why it matters for daily driving |
|---|---|---|
| Overall width (no mirrors) | Body width only | Narrow lanes, parked cars, tight multi-storeys; mirrors are extra width |
| Overall width (with mirrors) | True “max width” on the road | Most relevant for squeezing through gaps; helps avoid clipping mirrors |
| Overall length | Bumper to bumper | Parking bay fit; parallel parking; judging space when pulling in/out |
| Wheelbase | Front axle to rear axle distance | Longer wheelbase = often smoother ride but bigger turning circle / harder tight turns |
| Front overhang | Front axle → front bumper | Kerbs, ramps, nose clearance; judging the “front end” you can’t see |
| Rear overhang | Rear axle → rear bumper | Risk of swinging wide when turning (rear end “cuts out”); reversing close to walls |
| Overall height | Roof height | Car park height limits; roof boxes; some ferry/parking restrictions |
| Ground clearance | Lowest point to the road | Speed bumps, steep driveways, potholes; scraping underside |
| Turning circle (kerb-to-kerb) | Smallest U-turn diameter | U-turns, tight junctions, multi-storey ramps |
| Tyre size (e.g., 205/55 R16) | Tyre width / profile / wheel diameter | Affects grip/comfort; helps when checking tyre compatibility or replacing tyres |