All the Car Segments in India Explained (A, B, C, D)

Automobiles, who doesn’t love driving a car or owning one. This is so evident by the stats, as India stands among the top five countries when it comes to the number of vehicles sold. For some cars, are mere commuting equipment and for some, they are a weapon of choice when pushing the vehicle to its limits. Well, there is no end to the talks between cars but one can surely distinguish between different car segments. Without further ado, let’s see what are these car segments here in India.

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

1. A-Segment (Mini Hatchbacks)
   

   

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

   • Hatchbacks in this segment for one are way less than 4 meters in length.
   • These mini hatchbacks possess a small engine that offers ample power that does the job of city commutes well.
   • Besides, these small engines are efficient. Talking about the engines here in India this segment only offers a petrol engine.
   • For even more convenience the A-segment hatchbacks also have an option of an AMT gearbox.
   • Talking about the features they have a right amount of with no fancy going on form them. In one way or the other, this is a boon as it helps to keep the costs low.
   • Cars in this segment include Maruti Suzuki S-Presso, Renault Kwid, Datsun Go and more.

2. B-Segment (Small Hatchbacks)
   

   

   Next exclusively for the city travels with a hint of long-distance travel comes the B-Segment cars. These cars the small hatchbacks slightly larger in size that the A-segment.

   • The B-Segment hatchbacks possess a length of just under 4 meters. Viewing from the front, small hatchbacks are also a little wider and taller than the smaller segment.
   • A decent-sized engine runs these hatches. The engines range anywhere from 1.0-litre turbo petrol to a 1.2litre 4 cylinder engine.
   • For those long daily travel one can opt from diesel as well as a petrol engine depending upon the car manufacturer.
   • Talking about the drivetrain, one can opt for a proper automatic, like a CVT or a DCT. There is also an option of an AMT.
   • Car features are where B-Segment shines. The cars get a lot of premium features with premium quality interiors.
   • Cars in this segment include Tata Altroz, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Honda Jazz and more.

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

   Cars from this segment are always in huge demand. C-Segment sedans are what have a wast array of cars. Just because of that this segment is divided into further categories.

   1. Sub-Compact Sedans
      

      

      One that needs sedans for carrying that extra luggage and want to commute through the cities gets a sub-compact sedan. Diving a bit deep here is what this segment offers.

      • Generally, these are the sub-4-meter sedans that share more or less the same platform as a B-segment hatch. FYI they do not compromise on the safety and comfort of the vehicle.
      • The powertrain and drivetrain are also similar to their hatchback counterparts.
      • Well, looks being subjective subcompact sedans have a mixed bag of reviews, some look proportioned and some look more of a box than a car.
      • Sub-Compact segment of a car includes Hyundai Aura, Honda Amaze, Maruti Suzuki Dzire.

   2. Small Sedans
      

      

      This is where the problem of manoeuvring a car starts. Small sedans are large on space on the inside and out. This is the reason, they offer a luxurious experience on the inside. Here is more about the segment.

      • Unlike the sub-compact segment, these are manufactured from the ground up and do not share their platform hence making them unique. With that, cars in small C-Segment offer a decent length and width that makes it somewhat difficult to do city commutes. For reference, they measure far more from 4 meters in length
      • Bigger size also increase the weight, hence it is evident to get a bigger engine anywhere from a 1.5-litre to a 1.6-litre.
      • Both Diesel as well as petrol engines are on offer.
      • For utter convenience and comfort, the cars also offer an automatic transmission. That includes a torque converter, a DCT or a CVT.
      • The cars in this segment include Hyundai Verna, Honda City, Toyota Yaris, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and more.

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 segment.

   • Bigger better and larger is what that defines this D-segment sedan. Yes! C-segment sedans are long, these sedans are even longer making them harder to manoeuvre.
   • This is where the powertrain and the drivetrain don’t matter, but it is the interior and amount of luxury features that are a concern. The owners of these sedans spend most of their time in the back seat relaxing the city commute.
   • 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)
   

   

   Still not convinced with the luxury? Well, the executive is the segment you should look for. These cars are classified as 5-start hotels on wheels. There would be no feature now in the automobile industry that these cars don’t come with.

   • These luxury sedans are even longer and wider, opening up more space on the inside. How much more space? you may ask, well enough for a 6 footer to stretch his/her legs on the rear seats. This is possible because of the long wheelbase.
   • From the letter E, these shout excellence and luxury making them famous among the business class.
   • Talking about the engine will be a disgust to these cars, as they come with quite a punch to propel these beasts off the line quickly.
   • Thinking of city commutes? FUNNY! good luck with that. The sheer size lets you think twice before manoeuvring and planning your moves and overtakes beforehand is something you should get used to.
   • Cars that come in this segment are Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, BMW 7-series and more.

6. M- Multipurpose cars (MPVs)
   

   Like the sedans, MPV segment is also a fairly wast segment having people hauliers of all shapes and sizes. These multipurpose cars also are segmented based on the size and offer a great value of money as they haul a minimum of 6 people.

   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.

      • Talking about the size, the length of the vehicle revolves around 4 meters making them quite manoeuvrable in day to day city traffic.
      • Their small size lets them have a smaller engine which in turn makes them a bit cheaper to run and maintain.
      • The seating capacity can range anywhere from 6-7 seater depending upon the car and its manufacturer.
      • Small MPVs sure can be a boon the city traffic but when it comes to highway cruising, the small engine acts as a bottleneck in the picture.
      • Now in India there aren’t many cars in this segment but for reference, Renault Triber and Maruti Suzuki are the MPVs sold right now. But talking about last, Honda BR-V and Mobilio were also a part of this segment.

   2. Medium MPVs
      

      

      By the name, it is evident they sit in 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 manoeuvre but the length may be an obstacle when parking in tight spots.
      • 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 its occupants.
      • Cars that come under this segment are Mahindra Marazzo and Toyota Innova.

   3. Large MPVs
      

      

      The second word for these large MPVs is the minibus. Thinking Luxury? talking sitting capacity? considering features? want comfort? more power? 5 problems one solution, these large MPVs cover everything you ask for.

      • These huge MPVs can accommodate upward of 8 people and that too with comfort. Well, also is a curse driving in the cities. The sheer width of these humongous MPVs makes them difficult to manoeuvre in stop and go traffic.
      • With bigger size comes great responsibility of hauling more people, so these MPVs pack a serious punch under the hood. This coupled with an automatic transmission offer right convenience.
      • From TV’s to Minibars, large MPVs have more than one would as for. That said, when travelling long distances these can be really good companions.
      • Toyota Vellfire and Kia Carnival are among some large MPVs that are offered in India.
        

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7. J- Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs)
   

   Ending the list with the most anticipated and famous 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 SUV come under this category. These are among the best to manoeuvre in the city with heavy traffic.

      • Similar to the subcompact sedans these are the ones those measure less than 4 meters in length.
      • These SUVs do what they do the best without any gimmicks. Sub-compact SUVs offer a decent engine with the convenience of an automatic.
      • One can opt from diesel and 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 in basic things.
      • 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 that makes it an amazing deal.

      • The compact size comes with convincing of manoeuvring 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 makes 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 SUV in this segment.

   3. Mid-Size SUVs
      

      

      The Segment that sits right in between the compact SUVs and full-grown SUV are 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, I get it but they also offer capabilities of talking 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 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 with though 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 SUV.
      • 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, BMW X5 is 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 hatchback on stilts. Keeping that in mind, they are fairly easy to manoeuvre 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 the Honda’s lineup.

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

These were the 8 segments that belong to the Indian automotive market. Tell in the comment section below which one you love to drive and why?

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