Different Car Segments Explained (A,B,C,D,E,M,J)

In India people are fond of cars, be it for their use in daily commutes or travelling, being fond of them, or even owning ones that show power or are signs of luxury.

Till today, it’s proven that there’s no one category of cars, as you can find them in different segments. Also, many online portals prove that with features and looks the segments of cars differ.

There might have rested the eyes on terms like C-segment sedans or subcompact SUVs, or the one most popular these days, crossovers.

It is important to know that there are various segments, and these segments satisfy a different purpose or provide different requirements of power, performance, hauling people and cargo, or sheer luxury.

So for all the demands, there are different segments of cars that will surely fulfil them.

But unlike in other countries, in India car segmentation is slightly different. Well here below is the following list to explain.

In India, car segments are every time size or dimension-oriented, which explains that they are segregated on the basis of their size and lengths.

Table of Contents

Hatchback Car Segments in India

This are car segment types into different categories:

A-segment (mini-hatchbacks)

The first and foremost category in the list of car segments in India is the A1 entry-level hatchback segment, which comprises bare-basic models like the Maruti Alto, Renault Kwid, and Datsun Redi-GO.

These are the most affordable cars anyone can buy right now and offer a no-frills mode of transport that can take anyone from point A to point B.

B-Segment (small hatchbacks)

This is a segment of cars that falls under hatchback. The class B category is an upgraded version of the hatchback. In this category, you can find vehicles such as Hyundai Grand i10 Nios and Maruti Swift.

These cars provide a variety of features and compare to other cars in their line, these are more powerful.

Also, the Swift is even the most exciting mainstream hatchback anyone can purchase on the market, while the Grand i10 Nios is one of the most comfortable hatchbacks and provides users with class-leading comfort.

C-Segment (Small Sedans or Family Cars)

All Cars in this C-Segment are always in high demand. This segment in Car Segments in India always consists of the majority of first-time car buyers.

C-Segment cars possess wide choices so this segment is divided into different categories:

Sub-Compact Sedans

This segment gives extra luggage space because such cars are sub-4 meters. They share almost the same platform as B-segment hatchbacks. There is no compromise on the safety and comfort of the vehicle.

Small Sedans

Participants in this car segment used to be modest, with a completely manageable in-city commute and manoeuvrability, however, this is no longer the case now. Small sedans consist of headroom and legroom with more significant space in comparison to subcompact sedans, and they don’t share platforms with other segments.

Like the sub-compact sedans were competing with tiny hatchbacks.

Instead, they have made their platforms from the ground up. They have a lot of room due to their length and size, but it may be a bit difficult to drive into the city and search for a parking spot.

The powertrain and drivetrain are also identical to their hatchback counterparts. Looks-wise the Sub Compact Hatchbacks look almost proportioned and some look more like a box than a car.

D-Segment (mid-sized family cars or sedans)

These are sedan cars or ones for a mid-size family.

You can find these cars in large numbers. In the Indian market, D-segment vehicles are in high demand and fall under the top 3 selling cars.
Here we are discussing luxury cars or sedans. As the name suggests, they are very expensive and offer much more than compact or small C-Segment sedans. The owners of such sedans spend much of their time in the back seat relaxing.

Honda City, Hyundai Verna, Skoda Rapid, Volkswagen Vento, and BMW 3-series are some examples of cars that are a part of this family.

E-Segment (executive luxury cars)

The E-Segment takes luxury to the next level. It interior space is the best in the business in the sedan segment. It is also much longer than mid-sized sedans. The E-Segment cars in India are the BMW 5-series, BMW 7-series, Audi A6, etc.

The E-Segment cars are not longer and wider than any other sedan cars. It also comes with advanced safety features. The Long wheelbase results in the car in suitable interior space, especially for rear passengers.

It is also known as a business-class car due to its luxurious interior and classy looks. It has powerful engines that are over 2 litres.

M Segment (multi utility vehicle)

The MUV is a car segment that consists of vehicles that are every time confused as being SUVs. Typically a MUV is a multiutility vehicle which is also seldom called a people carrier. It has a capacity of seating five to seven people. There is a higher version of cars for passengers known as MPVs which are designed to take passengers from one place to other comfortably.

A MUV always offers a less powerful and more fuel-efficient engine when it is compared to SUVs that are identically sized. The most typical dimensions of a MUV range from 4 meters to up to 5.5 meters whereas the engine capacity offered the range between 2.0 to 2.5 litres.

Therefore, if you want a practical and fuel efficiency ruggedness in cars along with off-road capabilities, then a MUV can be the perfect choice for a buyer.

J-Segment (SUVs- sport utility vehicle)

J-Segment cars are one of the most popular categories of vehicles. SUVs come in different sizes and shapes. In Below more details of the J-Segment vehicles

The J-Segment has to be four type vehicle segment:

Sub-Compact SUV Segment

It is India’s one of the most popular SUVs segment.
It is affordable or compact.
It cars measure less than 4 meters in length.
You can choose from petrol and diesel variants, also the option of a manual or automatic gearbox.
It is essential for safety and creature comfort features.

Compact SUV Segment

It is slightly bigger than sub-compact SUVs.
They also provide praiseworthy value for money.
It measures just over 4 meters in length.
The dimensions make them suitable for both highway and urban driving.
The Compact SUV Segment with powerful engines and offer an engaging driving experience.

Mid-size SUV Segment

It has larger body proportions making them ideal for cruising on highways.
They can easily accommodate 5 to 8 people.
It also gets the latest technology and advanced safety equipment.
It gets higher capacity petrol and diesel engines mated to a manual or automatic transmission.
They offer good interior space.

Large/Full size SUV Segment

It also performs very well in extreme off-road conditions.
It measures close to 5 metres in length.
They have a huge body proportions.
It gets powerful diesel under the bonnet.
It also comes with a high-ground clearance.

Final Remaks

If you are in the market to purchase your new car, the number of vehicles segment types in above. Where India has now got a range of powerful models on sale. So you can easily choose your car segment in India of high-performance.

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