With over 300 different car models on the UK market, understanding body types helps narrow the search before you even look at specific badges. Here is a clear guide to car body types explained.
Hatchback
Hatchbacks feature a rear door that opens upward, giving direct access to the storage area from the passenger compartment. They’re compact, efficient and manoeuvrable, making them the default choice for UK city driving. The VW Golf and Ford Focus are classic examples.
Saloon (Sedan)
Saloons are the classic four-door family car, with a separate trunk that doesn’t connect to the passenger compartment. Their three-box design and aerodynamic shape typically deliver better fuel economy than larger vehicles.
Estate
Estates extend the saloon shape with a longer roofline stretching to the rear, dramatically increasing boot space while retaining car-like handling and running costs.
SUV
SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles) offer a higher driving position, increased ground clearance, and often four-wheel drive options. They currently dominate UK sales, with 7 of the 10 best-selling cars in 2024 falling into this category.
Coupe
Coupes are sleek, typically two-door cars designed primarily for style and performance over outright practicality, with a low roofline and sportier proportions.
Convertible
Convertibles feature a retractable roof, either fabric or hardtop, for open-air driving. They typically sacrifice boot space and rear passenger room for this flexibility.
MPV
MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) prioritise interior space and flexibility above all else, with boxier proportions designed for carrying passengers and cargo.
Car Body Types at a Glance
| Body Type | Best For | Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchback | City driving, efficiency | Limited boot space |
| Saloon | Comfort, fuel economy | Separate trunk less flexible |
| Estate | Maximum boot space | Larger footprint |
| SUV | Higher driving position, practicality | Higher running costs |
| Coupe | Style, performance | Poor rear space |
| Convertible | Open-air driving | Reduced boot and rear seats |
| MPV | Maximum flexibility | Less stylish |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a saloon and a hatchback?
A saloon has a separate, enclosed trunk, while a hatchback’s rear door opens upward, giving direct access from the passenger compartment to the storage area.
Which body type is best for families?
Estates, SUVs and MPVs are generally best for families, offering the most usable boot and passenger space, though the right choice depends on budget and specific needs.
Related reading: comparing SUVs and MPVs specifically? See our guide on MPV vs SUV boot space.
Written by the Apriliapartsbuyer editorial team, covering UK car buying guides.
