What are the different car segments?

The automotive world is as diverse as the people who drive them. From compact city cars to luxury SUVs and powerful sports cars, there is something for everyone. Each car segment has its own characteristics, benefits and target audience. In this blog, we will dive deeper into the different car segments, so that you are better informed for your next purchase or rental car.

How are car segments determined?

Determining car segments is done based on several criteria that manufacturers, market researchers and car enthusiasts use to classify vehicles. These factors include:

• Size of the car
• Gewichtsklasse
• Body type, such as hatchback
• Price level
• Performance

However, there is no clear regulation that draws a clear dividing line between which car falls into which segment. In fact, the classifications of the car categories are becoming increasingly unclear due to the many extras that cars are equipped with.

Fourteen official car classes

In the overview below you can see which segments are officially present in the Netherlands, after which we briefly highlight the four best known. In total there are 14 official car segments:

• A-segment: subminis (Citroën C1, Toyota Aygo, Volkswagen Up)
• B-segment: small cars (Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Opel Corsa)
• C-segment: small middle class (Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3)
• D-segment: mid-range (Peugeot 508, Opel Insignia)
• E-segment: upper middle class (Mercedes-Benz E-Class)
• F-segment: large cars (Jaguar XJ)
• G-segment: sporty models (Mazda MX-5)
• H-segment: sports cars/supercars (Jaguar F)
• I-segment: large and luxurious (Rolls Royce Ghost, Bentley Mulsanne, Aston Martin Rapide)
• J segment: medium MPVs (Renault Scénic, Volkswagen Touran, Opel Zafira Tourer)
• K-segment: upper MPVs (Renault Espace, Ford S-Max)
• L-segment: lower SUVs (Hyundai Tucson, Volvo XC60)
• M segment: upper SUVs (BMW X5, Audi Q7)
• N-segment: vans (Renault Kangoo)

Rental car category A

The A-segment is the first car category that includes the smallest and cheapest cars. This is generally called the mini class. Other names such as 'submini' and 'city car' are also given to this car segment. The A-segment is characterized by the small size of the car. It is usually the simplest version of most car brands.

This small A-class is almost always rented as a compact city car for use in urban areas. An A-class car usually has 4 seats and a length of maximum 3,5 meters. The interior is simple and there is never a tow bar. We therefore do not recommend renting a car from the A-segment. rent when you go on holiday. The power of the engine does not really allow you to travel long distances with a heavy load. The car is however perfectly suitable when you have to travel short distances.

Rental car category B

De B-class for cars is usually referred to as the compact class or the 'economy' class. This type of car is slightly larger than the A-segment, but is still one of the smaller and cheaper cars. Another commonly used term for cars in the B-class is 'Hatchback'. The Hatchback is a name given to cars where the driver's compartment can be reached via the luggage compartment or the trunk. The luggage compartment is therefore not a closed part of the car and someone sitting in the back seat can easily take something from the trunk without having to get out.

The B-class is suitable for renting when you need to sit in the car for a longer period of time and are going to travel longer distances. Cars in the B-segment are generally a bit more stable and have more power to also drive outside the city on unpaved roads. In addition, you have more luggage space than in the A-segment.

Category C rental car

The C-segment is a popular car class in the Netherlands. It is a more luxurious version of the B-segment with the Hatchback variant. But even the cheaper station wagons fall into the C-segment. Do you want to rent a car on holiday? Then we advise you to choose a car in the C-segment. Especially for a large family and a not too far distance, a middle class station wagon is a great car to rent.

Rental car class D

A rental car in category D is much more suitable for driving longer distances. It is therefore also a popular class for lease cars and a good car for a summer or winter holiday abroad. Just like the C-class, a car in the D-segment is perfectly suited for going on holiday. We recommend this car for holiday destinations where many kilometres are travelled. Furthermore, cars in the D-segment are often rented for one or two days when the private car or company car is temporarily unavailable.

Car category E

The E-segment often contains the somewhat more expensive cars. The cars score slightly higher on most components than the D-segment. Often the cars in this segment offer many more accessories in the area of ​​comfort. It is therefore a type of car that is often used in the taxi sector.