Buying a vehicle is an important decision. Not only because of the high investment involved but also because it will be your mode of transportation, you and your loved ones will be using it regularly. Due to this, a lot of time and energy is used trying to narrow down on the vehicle of your choice. To do this, it is recommended to look at the various ways you will be using the vehicle. Is it going to be used for your everyday work and errand journeys, or is it going to be used over the weekends to go camping with the family? This will narrow down your choice to the type of vehicle that will be best for you.
Sedan Cars
A sedan is a traditional car. It has a three-box configuration – one for the engine, one for passengers and driver and one for cargo. It is the type of car that we all saw growing up. Usually, this type of vehicle comes with four doors and the cargo area – the boot or trunk is separated by the passenger seats. This car also has relatively less cargo space than other vehicles. Honda Civic and Honda Accord are some of the examples in this category.
SUVs
Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) typically also have four doors, but they are usually bigger and heavier than a common sedan car. They can be used on uneven and irregular terrain; however, they are usually used on straight paths such as highways and regular roads. They share some similarities with a truck, meaning they can tow things like a pickup truck. Furthermore, their interiors are roomier, and the cargo space is not divided as found in the sedan cars. Also, bigger SUVs can sometimes have another row of passenger seat at the back. The Pilot Honda is a great example of a spacious mid-size SUV.
Hatchbacks
These look similar to an SUV, except for the back. Towards the back of the vehicle, they have a door that lifts like a hatch, hence the name: hatchbacks, thus providing easier access to the rear or the trunk of the car. These vehicles are often considered a three-door or five-door vehicles as the trunk door is also counted. They can also sometimes have passengers’ seats that can be folded to make more room in the cargo area of the vehicle. The Honda Civic comes in a hatchback version that is quite popular and affordable.
Crossovers
These are a crossover between an SUV and Hatchbacks but has specifications such as a better fuel economy and a high ground clearance that is similar to a sedan car. Unlike the SUVs, these vehicles are not meant to survive the uneven and irregular terrains. They are meant to be driven on even roads but are capable of towing heavy loads, just like the SUV. Honda CR-V is a good example of a crossover vehicle.
These are the classic division of cars. However, as technology is becoming more and more advanced, the concrete line dividing one type of vehicle from the other is becoming blurred. Before the manufacturing of the Crossovers was very specific, but now some companies are similarly manufacturing the SUV.
It is important that you look for vehicles that suit your need. Remember to test drive the vehicles that you have shortlisted to get the actual feel of the car, as you are likely to be driving it regularly. It’s also important to consider the type of route you take and if the vehicle can ride it. It is equally important to consider the number of passengers that are likely to be in the vehicle and the typical items is usually carried. If you have multiple car seats or big signs board you carry regularly, then a bigger car such as an SUV or hatchback might be better. However, if you have a long commute, then something with better fuel economy will be a better fit such as a sedan car or a crossover.
