Understanding Car Body Style Types

08 Oct 2025

Understanding Car Body Style Types: A Guide for UK Drivers

When it comes to choosing your next car, understanding the different car body styles can help you to find something that suits your lifestyle. From compact hatchbacks to spacious estate cars, each body type of vehicle offers unique advantages in terms of comfort, practicality, and driving experience. 

In our guide, we’ll explain what each body style of a car means, explore its key features, and highlight what you could consider before making your choice.

What We Mean by ‘Car Body Style’

The phrase ‘car body style’ refers to the overall shape and structure of a vehicle. It includes how it looks on the outside and how the space is arranged inside. This includes things like the number of doors, the shape of the passenger compartment, and the size of the boot space.

Understanding car body style types can be really useful when you’re buying a car, as it can help you compare how each vehicle might fit your needs. For example, a saloon body style may appeal to you if you prefer a more traditional shape and a comfortable driving position, while a hatchback could suit families who need extra cargo space.

If you’re just starting your search for a vehicle, you might also find our blogs on questions to ask when buying a used car and which car is right for a low budget helpful.

The Main Types of Car Body Styles

Here’s a quick overview of the most common car body styles that you might find on UK roads:

-Hatchback - One of the most popular UK car body styles, the hatchback is compact, efficient and offers good fuel economy. Offering easy parking and decent boot space, it’s an ideal choice for city driving.

-Saloon - Also known as a Sedan, is a strong choice for people who often make long journeys, as it generally provides a smooth driving experience. The saloon body style offers comfort and refinement, with a separate boot compartment.

-Estate - Similar to the saloon, but with an extended rear, an estate car offers greater boot space and a spacious interior. A good choice for families or people who often carry a lot of bulky items, like golf equipment. 

-SUV - The Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), is a taller car body style that combines the practicality of an estate car with the robust feel of a larger vehicle. The SUV is a good family choice, but it can be more expensive to run.

-Convertible - A less practical option than other types, but ideal for people who value style and enjoy open-air driving. This car features a retractable roof, but has a smaller boot space and may not have rear seating.

-MPV - The Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV), also known as a people carrier, is designed for passenger comfort. It’s a great choice for families or shared travel, as this car type can often seat between 5-7 people.

-Coupe - If you value sleek and sporty design in a car, then this could be the car for you. Usually, this car type comes with less cargo and rear passenger space, so not an ideal choice for families.

How Body Style Can Affect Practicality

The body style of a car can influence more than just the appearance. It can also affect fuel economy, space, and your overall driving experience. For example, a hatchback usually offers excellent fuel efficiency, which makes it a popular choice for city drivers looking for lower running costs. However, a Saloon car is usually valued by commuters who prefer a comfortable, smooth drive.

The type of car that suits you will depend on how you plan to use it day to day. If you favour practicality and more space, then an estate or MPV might be a good choice. For something more compact and efficient, a smaller city car, like a hatchback, could be more suitable.

How Body Style Can Affect Practicality

When you’re comparing car body styles, think about your driving habits and lifestyle. Do you often travel long distances? Do you need extra space for family or large equipment? Are you mostly driving around town or on motorways?

Your typical driving routine can help you find the right fit:

-City cars - Great for tight spaces and shorter driving distances.

-Family cars - Balance between fuel economy, comfort, and passenger space.

-Four-wheel drive vehicles - Useful if you often drive on uneven terrain or need extra stability in bad weather.

-Used cars - A good way to access more body style options within your budget.

What’s the Difference Between an Estate and a Hatchback?

Hatchbacks are smaller, with a boot door that’s part of the main cabin, making them ideal for urban use and smaller families. On the other hand, estates have longer bodies and more boot space, suitable for bigger families or people transporting sports equipment.

If you carry a lot of luggage or need extra space for prams or pets, an estate could be a practical choice. However, if large boot space isn’t a high priority for you, then consider a hatchback for better fuel economy.

What’s the Difference Between a Sedan and a Saloon?

This is a common question people often ask, as the terms ‘Sedan’ and ‘Saloon’ are often used interchangeably. The reason for that is that they’re the same thing! ‘Sedan’ is the term most commonly used in the US, while in the UK, ‘Saloon’ is the preferred phrase. 

Final Thoughts

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to body types of vehicles, the option you choose depends on what you value the most. Boot space and passenger comfort are typically important considerations for people, as well as fuel economy. 

Ultimately, try to choose a vehicle that balances performance with comfort to provide you with greater peace of mind. If you’re comparing finance options for your next vehicle, you can explore our guides to PCP finance, HP finance, and Leasing. 

Ready to apply? Get a quote from one of our lenders today.

Autodosh is a credit broker, not a lender.

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