Types

Sports sedans

These are agile, four-door sedans made for high-performance handling, often with powerful engines, aggressive brakes, and dressed-up exteriors. A major benefit to choosing a sport sedan is the four-door configuration, which allows transport for four or five passengers and provides cargo space in the trunk. BMW has set the standard for sports sedans, but there are many other appealing alternatives. Sizes vary widely, from small models such as the Subaru Impreza WRX/STi to much larger cars such as the Cadillac CTS-V.

Coupes

Coupes have two doors, and often swept-back rear styling and a lower ride height than some equivalent sedans. In this category, the coupe group ranges from fixed-roof two- and four-seaters to two-door versions of cars that also exist as sports sedans or two-door convertibles. The latter category would include such iconic cars as the Chevrolet Corvette and Ford Mustang. Due to short wheelbases and sweeping body lines, sporty coupes often provide compromised rear accommodations.

Roadsters

By definition, a roadster is a two-seat sports car with a removable, retractable, or convertible top. Some convertibles have 2+2 seating, supposedly providing room for four. As with some coupes, such convertibles might provide rear seating best suited to children, as leg and headroom might not be adequate for an adult to ride comfortably. With some, the rear "seats" are uninhabitable.

Hatchbacks

The hatchback body design has some built-in practicality, with a large rear lift gate and folding rear seatback to provide versatility for cargo toting. Sporty hatchbacks are often on the less-expensive end of the spectrum. "Hot hatches" have long been a favorite in Europe, where the combination of flexibility, entertaining dynamics, and fuel economy has special appeal. The Mini Cooper S and Volkswagen GTI are good examples.

See also:

GPS Navigation Systems

Car batteries

Car seats

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Guide to Driving Green