Cars are differentiated not only by model, but also by vehicle class. The middle class car, for example, is certainly familiar to everyone who owns a car or a driver's license. But which model can be assigned to which class? Are there any reliable criteria that can be generally applied? First of all, the following answer can be given: Since the automotive industry is subject to constant changes and the vehicles are constantly being technically updated and renewed over time, the description of a vehicle class is always only a snapshot of the current conditions and criteria. In any case, the Federal Motor Vehicle Office or the European Commission offers guidance on this question. The vehicle class A, also known as the smallest car, represents the first and smallest category. The various classes or segments should be presented here to provide a rough orientation.
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The microcar
This vehicle class is suitable for those who are looking for a car for everyday use. Anyone who wants to take longer trips with the family will not get their money's worth here. The microcars are quite affordable as new cars and the engine performance has also improved significantly compared to the last few years, which among other things makes them popular vehicles. In order to continue to keep costs low for the customer and to be able to continue to guarantee the necessary comfort, automobile manufacturers usually enter into cooperation with partners, which can be summarized under the term platform strategy. Daimler offers what is by far the shortest microcar under the Smart brand. Anyone who generally needs more space will find what they are looking for in the small car segment. >
The small car
Vehicles that are larger than cars in the micro car category, but smaller than those in the so-called compact class, fall into this category by definition and are also included in vehicle category B by the European Commission. After all, small cars offer space for up to five people and a sufficiently large trunk area. In contrast to their representatives from the 70s and 80s, they have better engine performance and equipment, but are also a lot heavier compared to them. The advantages of a vehicle in this category will be felt above all in city life: the narrow width and short length of the vehicle make parking in tight parking niches in city centers much more comfortable and safer. Anyone thinking about buying a small car should pay attention to the built-in engine: many cars in this segment are equipped with naturally aspirated engines, which are known for consuming a lot of fuel. Here you drive better with turbo engines. The popularity of this vehicle class can be seen from the new registrations, which have increased in recent years.
The compact class
Compact cars are often considered mid-size cars and are characterized by a distinctive rear end. In everyday parlance they are referred to as cars of the lower middle class. They are also ideal for short trips with up to three people and offer enough comfort and space under these conditions. The VW Golf model series, known in this country as the Golf class, falls into this category, for example. In general, the passenger cars show a certain similarity in terms of the size of the engines and the luggage and passenger compartments. In the vehicle segments of the European Commission, the cars of the vehicle class C are also referred to as C-segment cars.
The middle class
According to the European Commission, mid-range cars belong to the so-called D segment. In this case, most new car purchases are made commercially and not privately. In contrast to the above-mentioned cars, the cars in this segment are characterized by more space in the interior and are therefore also suitable for longer trips – here there is space for five people. The popular cars of this class in The United Kingdom include, for example, the Audi A4 and A5, as well as the Ford Mondeo and Citroën C5. Many automakers are stuck with producing mid-range cars as interest in oversized cars and the costs associated with them steadily decreases. The fact is that every manufacturer has at least one mid-range car in its product range. Those who do without the prestige of the leading German market participants will find a strong alternative in the Škoda Superb from Škoda.
The upper middle class
The upper middle class cars are characterized by a high degree of comfort and a spacious interior. They are part of the second-highest vehicle class, but are bought more often by companies than by private individuals, since the maintenance costs of these vehicles are sometimes high. An exception, however, are the Mercedes Benz E-Class cars, a fairly high percentage of which are also registered to private individuals. In any case, they offer space for the whole family. Simple and luxurious is probably the most appropriate description for these vehicles.
The upper or luxury class
According to the Federal Motor Vehicle Office, the luxury class is the highest vehicle class: According to the European Commission, vehicles in this class belong to the F segment, also known as the luxury class. As the name suggests, cars in this segment are very expensive; Sedans, coupés or cabriolets are usually offered here, with SUVs being found more and more frequently. It can be assumed that the prices for cars in this category will not drop for at least 10 years. The segment is largely dominated by German brands such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz. Before new innovations even gain acceptance in the other segments, they are first introduced in these cars for market policy reasons. This applies to precautions for safety as well as general comfort, the infotainment system or engine performance.
It is up to you to decide which vehicle class you ultimately choose. Benefits and costs should be carefully weighed against each other, and your own needs and the corresponding initial situation should be taken into account. All segments feature high-performance vehicles tailored to a wide range of customers. Whether a car really inspires can easily be tested with a test drive; Turning to professionals is especially worthwhile for those who want to make a costly investment. You should also keep in mind the repair costs, which differ from class to class in the event of a breakdown or an accident. So if you want to treat yourself to a luxury car, you should put some money aside to cover future repairs.
