Before getting started, it’s important to note that the segments are divided based on their size or dimension.

1. A-Segment (Mini Hatchbacks)
   

   

   Are you looking for a perfect city car? Well, look nowhere else but the A-Segment. These are the smallest hatchbacks that are available in India.

   •  Hatchbacks in this segment are under 4 meters in length, perfect for city driving.
   •  Equipped with small, efficient petrol engines, these cars are well-suited for urban commutes.
   •  Many models offer an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) for easier handling.
   •  They provide essential features without extravagance, maintaining affordability.
   •  Examples include the Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, Renault Kwid, and Datsun Go.

2. B-Segment (Small Hatchbacks)
   

   

   The B-Segment is tailored for city travel and occasional long-distance trips. These cars are small hatchbacks, slightly larger than those in the A-Segment.

   • B-Segment hatchbacks are typically just under 4 meters in length. They are also wider and taller compared to A-segment cars, offering more space.
   • These cars feature decent-sized engines, ranging from 1.0-litre turbo petrol to 1.2-litre 4-cylinder options. Both diesel and petrol engines are available, depending on the manufacturer.
   • There’s a choice of different transmissions, including traditional automatics like Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), as well as Automated Manual Transmission (AMT).
   • B-Segment cars stand out with their premium features and high-quality interior designs, offering a more luxurious feel.
   • This segment includes cars like the Tata Altroz, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and Honda Jazz, among others.

3. C-Segment (Small Sedans or family cars)
   

   Cars from the C-Segment are consistently in high demand, offering a wide variety of sedans. Due to this extensive range, the segment is further divided into several subcategories

   1. Sub-Compact Sedans
      

      

      One who needs a sedan for carrying that extra luggage and wants to commute through the cities should get a sub-compact sedan. Diving a bit deep, here is what this segment offers.

      • Typically, these are sub-4-meter sedans that often share the same platform as B-segment hatchbacks.
      • Despite their compact size, these vehicles maintain high standards of safety and comfort.
      • Similar to their hatchback counterparts, these sedans have comparable powertrain and drivetrain configurations.
      • The appearance of these subcompact sedans varies; some have well-proportioned designs, while others may look more box-like.
      • This sub-compact car segment includes models like the Hyundai Aura, Honda Amaze, and Maruti Suzuki Dzire.

   2. Small Sedans
      

      

      This segment marks the beginning of challenges in maneuvering due to the larger size of small sedans. These vehicles offer spacious interiors and exteriors, which contribute to a luxurious experience inside. Let’s delve deeper into this segment.

      • Small sedans in the C-Segment are uniquely built from scratch, without sharing platforms, making them distinct.
      • These cars are over 4 meters in length, offering ample space but posing a challenge for city driving.
      • They come with larger engines, between 1.5 to 1.6 liters, in both diesel and petrol options.
      • For enhanced driving ease, they offer automatic transmissions, including torque converters, DCTs, and CVTs.
      • This segment includes cars like the Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Toyota Yaris, and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.

4. D-Segment (Mid-Sized Family cars or Sedans)
   

   

   Stepping up a notch in terms of luxury are the Mid-Sized family cars or sedans. As the name suggests, they are more expensive and offer a lot more than the smaller C-Segment sedans. Here is what you get in this segment.

   • Bigger better and larger is what defines this D-segment sedan. Yes! C-segment sedans are long, but these sedans are even longer making them harder to manoeuvre.
   • In this segment, the emphasis is less on the powertrain and drivetrain and more on luxurious interiors and features, catering to owners who prioritize comfort, especially in the back seat, during city commutes.
   • Honda Civic, Skoda Laura, Hyundai Elantra, and BMW 3-series are some of the cars that are a part of this family.

5. E-Executive Segment (Executive Luxury Cars)
   

   

   If the current level of luxury isn’t enough, the Executive segment is your next step. These cars are akin to 5-star hotels on wheels, offering every conceivable feature available in the modern automobile industry.

   • These luxury sedans are longer and wider, offering expansive interior space. A person over 6 feet tall can comfortably stretch their legs in the rear seats, thanks to the long wheelbase.
   • With their luxurious features, these cars are a favorite among the business class, embodying the essence of excellence.
   • Discussing engines for these cars almost doesn’t do them justice, as they pack significant power for rapid acceleration
   • Maneuvering these large vehicles in city traffic requires careful planning and skill, given their size.
   • This segment includes high-end cars like the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, and BMW 7-Series.

6. M- Multipurpose cars (MPVs)
   

   The MPV segment offers a diverse array of multi-purpose vehicles, varying in shape and size. Known for their value, these cars can comfortably transport a minimum of six people and are categorized based on their size.

   1. Small MPVs
      

      

      Starting with the small MPVs, as the name suggests these sit at the very bottom of the size chart. Being small lets them have many advantages over their bigger family members.

      • These small MPVs are about 4 meters in length, making them easy to maneuver in city traffic.
      • Their compact size allows for smaller engines, resulting in lower running and maintenance costs.
      • The seating capacity can range anywhere from 6 to 7 seaters depending upon the car and its manufacturer.
      • Depending on the model and manufacturer, they can seat between 6 to 7 passengers.
      • While great for city driving, their smaller engines may be less suited for high-speed highway cruising.
      • Currently, models like the Renault Triber and various Maruti Suzuki MPVs dominate this segment, with previous options including the Honda BR-V and Mobilio.

   2. Medium MPVs
      

      

      By the name, it is evident these cars come at the middle of the size charts in the MPV segment. The seating capacity may remain the same but the overall leg and headroom are what that these MPVs worth buying.

      • All the MPVs in this segment are fairly easy to maneuver but the length may be an obstacle when parking in tight spots.
      • A slightly bigger size leads to a slightly better engine. Making them a fair deal considering the power and size combination.
      • On the features part, they come with adequate safety equipment and elements to entertain their occupants.
      • Cars that come under this segment are Mahindra Marazzo and Toyota Innova.

   3. Large MPVs
      

      

      Large MPVs can be aptly described as minibusses. Are you seeking luxury, ample seating capacity, a range of features, comfort, or more power? These large MPVs are the answer, providing solutions to all these needs in one comprehensive package.

      • Large MPVs have the capacity to comfortably seat up to 8 people. However, their substantial size can be a drawback in city driving. The wide dimensions of these vehicles often make them challenging to maneuver in congested, stop-and-go urban traffic.
      • The larger size of these MPVs brings the responsibility of transporting more passengers, which is why they are equipped with powerful engines. Combined with an automatic transmission, this setup provides both the necessary strength and convenience for driving.
      • They offer an array of luxury amenities, including TVs and minibars, making them ideal for long-distance travel.
      • In the Indian market, notable large MPVs include the Toyota Vellfire and Kia Carnival.

7. J- Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs)
   

   Ending the list with the most anticipated and famous J- J-segment. All the Sports Utility Vehicles or in short SUVs some under this family. Be it off-road or soft road, these gulp everything one throws at it.

   1. Sub-Compact SUVs
      

      

      This is a segment that is not so common in the Indian market. In simple terms, the smallest SUVs come under this category. These are among the best to maneuver in the city with heavy traffic.

      • Similar to the subcompact sedans, these are the ones that measure less than 4 meters in length.
      • These SUVs do what they do best without any gimmicks. Sub-compact SUVs offer a decent engine with the convenience of an automatic.
      • One can opt for a diesel or a petrol engine depending upon the manufacturer.
      • When it comes to bells and whistles, they come with adequate features in and out with no compromise on basic attributions.
      • Ford Ecosport, Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Tata Nexon, Kia Sonet, and Hyundai Venue are among the top-selling sub-compact SUVs here in India.

   2. Compact SUVs
      

      

      On top of those small SUVs come the Compact SUVs which offer the most bang for your buck. Transporting people at a certain comfort over bad roads like India’s is what makes it an amazing deal.

      • The compact size comes with the convenience of maneuvering the vehicle in the city with ease. Making them hassle-free to park and zip through.
      • The size coupled with a powerful engine with many transmission options make them worth buying as they have everything for every customer’s specific needs.
      • Unlike the sub-compact SUVs, these come with most of the latest tech and they keep you entertained on the go. Surely, these are the perfect companions for those long trips in the mountains.
      • Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, and Renault Duster are among the best SUVs in this segment.

   3. Mid-Size SUVs
      

      

      The Segment that sits right in between compact SUVs and full-grown SUVs is the mid-sized vehicles. With size, they also offer more seating space as compared to their smaller companions. That said, here is what these SUVs come with.

      • Driving an SUV of this segment in crowded metro cities can be a hassle because of their size.
      • They are large, but they also offer the capability of talking to more people with you on trips. An average Mid-Sized SUV can haul anywhere between 5-8 people.
      • The trips with these cars will be a luxury as they come equipt with the latest tech and safety features so that you enjoy the trip and the not exertion.
      • That said, some of these SUV also comes with a 4X4 drivetrain to go wandering in the woods.
      • SUVs that come under this family are Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV500, MG Hector Plus and more.

   4. Large SUVs
      

      

      Some fancy the large, big, and bulky SUVs that are built to last. One can throw anything at them and they’ll cross them without any worry.

      • Typically one would not recommend taking these huge SUVs out on the city traffic. You’ll surely have a hard time controlling them on the city roads filled with two-wheelers zipping though. Blind spots are common in these bulky SUVs.
      • Though to overcome these blind spots they do have an equally advanced kit to tackle those problems.
      • Under the hood, a brawny engine is a must to drive the weight of the car. That said, they usually come with only an automatic transmission to save the hassle of shifting and let you focus on taming the beast.
      • On the features there is nothing to complain about at the high price justifies that they’ll surely have everything.
      • Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Land Cruiser, and BMW X5 are among the large SUVs.

8. Crossovers
   

   

   The segment that wasn’t famous and has seen a drastic dip in the cars that fall in this category is the crossover family.

   • In simple words, these are the hatchbacks on stilts. Keeping that in mind, they are fairly easy to maneuver in the city traffic and also easy to park.
   • Talking about the engine, they mostly have similar power figures as the compact SUVs.
   • In terms of features, they are quite feature-loaded and there is nothing to complain about.
   • Cars that belong to this family are the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross and Honda W-RV. B-RV was also a part but sadly it has been discontinued from Honda’s lineup.

Also, Read 10 Things you should never do in an AMT Gearbox