Types of Car Segments in India

The Indian car market is among the fastest-growing across the globe. True, the ongoing health crisis has definitely dealt a blow to many carmakers, but it is, without a doubt, still among the more promising markets out there. Today, we have everything from a Maruti Alto, the Mercedes S-Class, and even a Rolls Royce on sale here, which means buyers can easily pick as per their budget from the segments that choose them the most. With this in mind, let's take a good look at the car segments in India in our post below -

Hatchback Car Segments in India

A-segment

The first category in our list of car segments in India is that of the A1 entry-level hatchback segment, which comprises of bare-basic models like the Maruti Alto, Renault Kwid, and Datsun Redi-GO. These are the most affordable cars you can buy right now and offer you a no-frills mode of transport that can take you from point A to point B.

The next vehicle category is that of the A2-segment, which comprises slightly costlier models like the Maruti WagonR, Maruti Celerio, Hyundai Santro, and Tata Tiago. These cars offer slightly more power and features and are more upmarket than those in the most basic segment.

B-Segment

Next, we have another segment that comprises hatchbacks. Like the A-segment, the class B category is divided into two levels. The B1 segment features vehicles like the Maruti Swift and Hyundai Grand i10 Nios. These cars are more powerful than their more affordable siblings and even offer more features. In fact, the Swift is even the most exciting mainstream hatchback you can buy in the market, while the Grand i10 Nios is the most comfortable and provides users with class-leading comfort.

The B2-segment, on the other hand, offers even more upmarket products like the Maruti Baleno and the Hyundai i20. These cars are more premium offerings and are even better in dynamics. It also has some world-class products like the Honda Jazz. Of course, these hatchbacks are even costlier than their B1 counterparts, but they definitely end up offering a much better motoring experience.

Sedan Car Segments in India

C-segment

The sedan car segments in India start with the C1 class, which comprises models like the Maruti Dzire, Honda Amaze, Tata Tigor, and others. These cars are hatchback-derived models that offer all the traits of their donor models but provide the additional convenience of a bigger boot. That said, they hardly exhibit the power and dynamics of a large car and are best suited to people who have to have a sedan but are restricted by their budgets.

In the C2-segment, we have cars like the Maruti Ciaz and Honda City. While they aren't too plush, they are a definite step up from the hatchback-derived offerings. Of course, they're also more expensive, but you do get more features, higher comfort levels, and more powerful engine options.

D-segment

Now, this is where things get interesting. The D1-segment includes world-class models like the Hyundai Elantra and the Skoda Octavia. Unfortunately, however, this segment is fast shrinking, and the only two options that are left are the models mentioned above. We no longer have globally successful D1-segment products like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic on sale here.

The D2-segment includes fairly large models like the Skoda Superb and the Honda Accord. These three-box models are not only really comfortable but also offer high safety, powerful engines, many luxury features, and a great street presence.

Executive/Luxury Sedans

Finally, we have the executive sedan segment, which mostly comprises of cars from luxury marques like Mercedes Benz, BMW, and Audi. The cars in this segment include everything from small executive sedans like the BMW 2-series to full-fledged luxury chariots like the Mercedes S-Class. These cars are truly world-class products that offer the ultimate in terms of safety, performance, features, and comfort.

SUV Car Segments in India

B-segment

The most basic of the SUV car segments in India includes entry-level SUVs like the Maruti Vitara Brezza, Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet. These are sub-4-metre offerings that offer more street presence than a similarly priced sedan or hatchback. However, they aren't too rugged or even too powerful.

C-segment

Next up, we have C-segment SUVs, which is where these vehicles get a tad more rugged and at least sufficiently powerful. In this segment, we have models like the Renault Duster, Mahindra Scorpio, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. These SUVs offer powerful engine options, enough features and sufficiently high comfort levels.

D-segment

The next SUV cars segment in India features bigger SUVs like the Mahindra XUV500, Tata Harrier, MG Hector and now, even the Tata Safari. These are basically the first step into the world of real SUVs and offer the kind of robustness one would expect from a Sports Utility Vehicle. They are also slightly capable to go off the road but not all of these models necessary have a 4x4 system.

In the D2-segment, we have even bigger models like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour. These are full-fledged SUVs that even offer 4x4 systems and a massive street presence. Of course, they're on the costly side and can't be afforded by most SUV buyers.

Executive/Luxury SUVs

Finally, we have the executive/luxury SUV segment which mostly comprises of cars from luxury marques like Mercedes Benz, BMW and Audi. The cars in this segment include everything from small executive SUVs like the BMW X1 to full-fledged luxury chariots like the Mercedes GLS Class. These cars are truly world-class products that offer the ultimate in terms of off-roading, safety, performance, features and comfort.

MPV Car Segments in India

One of the lasts section on our list of car segments in India is the MPV segment, which is among the smallest sections of the market but surely among those that have shown a lot of growth. This segment involves various MPVs, ranging from Renault Triber and Maruti Ertiga to Kia Carnival and Mercedes V-Class. The MPV or Multi Purpose Vehicle segment doesn't have much volumes to show but it's definitely among the fastest sections of our market today.

Performance Car Segments in India

Finally, let's come to the performance car segment, where India has now got a range of powerful models on sale. One can choose from a high-performance sedan like a Skoda Octavia vRS to something seriously fast like a Lamborghini Huracan. We also have some performance-focussed convertible from Porsche and even a range of model from Ferrari to help you choose the sportscar or a supercar of your choice.

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