The automotive world is as diverse as the people who drive in it. From compact city cars to luxury SUVs and powerful sports cars, there's something for everyone. Each car segment has its own characteristics, advantages, and target audience. In this blog, we'll delve deeper into the different car segments, so you're better informed for your next purchase or car rental.
De autosegmenten worden bepaald door verschillende factoren, waaronder de grootte, het type carrosserie, het beoogde gebruik en de prijsklasse. Deze segmentatie helpt fabrikanten en consumenten om auto's te classificeren en te vergelijken.
The determination of car segments is based on various criteria used by manufacturers, market researchers, and car enthusiasts to classify vehicles. These factors include, among others:
- Car size
- Weight class
- Body type, such as hatchbacks
- Price level
- Performance
However, there is no clear regulation that draws a clear dividing line as to which car falls into which segment. In fact, the classifications of car categories are becoming increasingly blurred by the many extras that cars are equipped with.
Fourteen official car classes
The overview below shows which segments officially exist in the Netherlands, after which we will briefly highlight the four best-known ones. In total, there are 14 official car segments:
- A-segment: subcompacts (Citroën C1, Toyota Aygo, Volkswagen Up)
- B-segment: small cars (Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Opel Corsa)
- C-segment: small mid-size (Volkswagen Golf, Audi A3)
- D-segment: medium-sized (Peugeot 508, Opel Insignia)
- E-segment: Executive
- F-segment: large cars (Jaguar XJ)
- G-segment: sports models (Mazda MX-5)
- H-segment: sports cars / supercars (Jaguar F)
- Large and luxurious
- J-segment: medium MPVs (Renault Scénic, Volkswagen Touran, Opel Zafira Tourer)
- K-segment: Midsized MPVs (Renault Espace, Ford S-Max)
- L-segment: lower SUVs (Hyundai Tucson, Volvo XC60)
- M-segment: premium SUVs (BMW X5, Audi Q7)
- N-segment: panel vans (Renault Kangoo)
Car hire category A
It A-segment is the first car category that includes the smallest and cheapest cars. This is generally called the mini class. Other terms such as ‘submini’ and ‘city car’ are also given to this car segment. The A-segment is characterised by the small size of the car. It is usually the simplest version from most car brands.
This small A-class vehicle is almost always hired out as a compact city car for use in urban areas. An A-class car typically has 4 seats and a length of no more than 3.5 metres. The interior is basic, and there is never a tow bar fitted. Therefore, we do not recommend hiring a car from the A-segment rent when you go on holiday. The engine's power doesn't really allow for long distances to be covered with a heavy load. The car, on the other hand, is perfectly suitable when you need to travel short distances.
Car hire category B
Of B-segment cars is usually the compact class or the ‘economy’called the B-segment. This type of car is just slightly larger than the A-segment, but still falls under the smaller and cheaper cars. Another commonly used term for cars in the B-segment is ‘Hatchback’. The Hatchback is a name given to cars where the driver's area can be accessed via the luggage compartment or the boot. This means the luggage compartment is not a separate section of the car, and someone sitting in the back seat can easily take something from the boot without having to get out.
The B-segment is suitable for hiring when you need to spend a long time in the car and will be travelling longer distances. Cars in the B-segment are generally a bit more stable and have more power for driving outside the city on unpaved roads. Furthermore, you have more luggage space than in the A-segment.
Category C Rental Car
It C-segment is a popular car class in the Netherlands. It is a more luxurious version of the B-segment, also with a hatchback variant. However, even the cheaper estate cars fall into the C-segment. Do you want to rent a car on holiday? Then we advise choosing a car in the C-segment. Especially for a large family and for not too long distances, a mid-range estate car is an excellent car to rent.
Car rental category D
A Category D rental car is much more suitable for covering longer distances. It is therefore also a popular class for leased cars and a good car for a summer or winter holiday abroad. Like the C-segment, a D-segment car is perfectly suitable for going on holiday. We recommend this car for holiday destinations where a lot of miles are covered. Furthermore, D-segment cars are often rented for one or two days when one's own car or company car is temporarily unavailable.
Car Category E
The E-segment often features the more expensive cars. The cars score slightly higher in most areas than the D-segment. Often, the cars in this segment offer significantly more accessories in terms of comfort. It is therefore a type of car that is widely used in the taxi industry.
