Different segments of the automotive market

The car is divided into more and more different segments, discover the ones that exist today.

Segment B0

Arriving much later than the others (which is why it is called B0, because the B1 already existed ...), this segment brings together only a few vehicles such as the Smart Fortwo and Toyota IQ. They are not very versatile and their behavior does not make them suitable for road conditions other than urban ones. Their very small wheelbase gives them a squared undercarriage for a go-kart effect, but gives them little stability at high speeds.

Segment A

This segment, also called B1 (after B0), includes micro-urban vehicles ranging in size from 3.1 to 3.6 meters. Among them are Twingo, 108 / Aygo / C1, Fiat 500, Suzuki Alto, Volkswagen Up! etc ... These city cars, however, are not very versatile and still do not allow you to go far. Of course, some of them cost more than others, like the Twingo (2 or 3), which offers a slightly stronger chassis. On the other hand, the Alto, like the 108, remains very limited ... In general, they should be categorized as city-only cars, knowing also that the number of seats is limited to 4.

Segment B

Also called B2 (or universal city cars), following the same logic, these are cars that are comfortable both in the city and on the road (3.7 to 4.1 meters in length). Even if we consider this category as small compact cars (some call this category "subcompact"), this category has expanded significantly in recent years with an increase in the number of models (thankfully, it has stopped since then!). Take, for example, the 206, which has increased its size dramatically by switching to the 207.

If a city dweller has only one car, then this is, of course, the segment that suits him best. Paris-Marseille stays mostly accessible knowing the little one will quickly find a place.

Segment B plus

These are mini spaces where the versatile chassis of city cars is commonly used. We find, for example, the C3 Picasso, which uses the Peugeot 207 platform, or the B-Max, which again uses (as you might guess) the Fiesta chassis.

Segment C

Also referred to as the M1 segment, it comprises compact blocks ranging in length from 4.1 to 4.5 meters. This is one of the most promising segments in Europe and especially in France. However, some countries do not like hatchback versions at all, which they find not very spacious and not very attractive in relation to price. Alternatively, versions with a roof rack are available (Spain, USA / Canada, etc.). We can then refer to Golf (best-selling compact car of all time), 308, Mazda 3, A3, Astra, etc.

M1 Plus segment

These are derivatives in compact minivans. A very good example is Scénic 1, which in real life is called Mégane Scénic, thus showing that the foundation of Mégane is needed for existence. Consequently, these are compact cars that were "monopackages", or even people-carriers, the size of which does not exceed 4.6 meters. This category logically sells better than large minivans, both more expensive and less practical in the city.

Ludospaces

The philosophy of this segment, gained along the way, is to learn the basics of utilities in order to adapt them for civilians. If this format is one of the most practical, that is, it remains not very profitable from an aesthetic point of view ... If officially (as read everywhere) it was Berlingo who opened this segment, for my part I think Renault Express anticipated it. with a glass version with a rear seat. And I will go even further, saying that in the end it is the Matra-Simka Ranch that is the real predecessor….

Segment D

Also called M2 segment, this is my favorite segment! Unfortunately, in recent years it has lost ground due to the proliferation of SUVs / crossovers ... So it is a midsize sedan like the 3 Series, Class C, Laguna, etc. ... Sedans are about 4.5 to 4.8 in length. , that is, the most common.

Segment H

The latter unites the H1 and H2 segments: large and very large sedans. To understand, the A6/Series 5 is in H1 while the A8 and Series 7 are in H2. This is undoubtedly a segment of luxury and sophistication.

Segment H1

Segment H2

MPV

After seeing mini spaces and compact minivans, here's the “classic” minivan segment, the one that first appeared with the Chrysler Voyager (not Space, as some hope). This segment has taken a major hit in recent years with the introduction of compact versions and crossovers / crossovers.

Crossovers Compact

Many are based on versatile city car chassis such as the 2008 (208) or Captur (Clio 4), but others are based on compact segment vehicles (C segment) such as the Audi Q3. This is the latest crossover category to hit the market. These are not real off-road vehicles, but models that mimic the appearance of four-wheel drive vehicles. Crossover also means "intersection of categories", so we can fit a little bit of everything and everything, or rather, everything that is not included in the other categories.

SUV

What separates an SUV from a crossover is that the SUV needs to have more flotation than other segments. So even if some of them are sold with traction (two-wheel drive), their physics allows you to go everywhere thanks to the increased ground clearance. Remember also that the term SUV means SUV. There are many examples with Audi Q5, Renault Koleos, Volvo XC60, BMW X3, etc.

Large SUV

It's the same with the larger versions: Mercedes ML, BMW X5, Audi Q7, Range Rover, etc.

All comments and reactions

Dernier comment posted:

Mimi (Date: 2017, 05:18:16)

Hi,

I really like your article.

However, my question is, where are the breaks?

Il I. 5 reaction (s) to this comment:

(Your post will be visible under the comment after verification)

Extension 2 Comments :

Sprinter (Date: 2016, 02:26:20)

What about trucks in all of this? (Your post will be visible under the comment)

Write a comment

The most important thing for you when choosing a car: