Choosing a car’s body type, drivetrain, engine, and other features depends on how you plan to use it, and it will take much longer than hitting the jackpot at Azur slot. But we’re here to help you make the perfect choice. Here’s how to find a car that truly fits your needs.
Choosing a Body Type: Sedan, Hatchback, Crossover, and More
To choose the right body type, start by asking yourself a few questions:
- How many people will ride in the car? Just the driver, one passenger, or a full family? This will determine how much space you need in the cabin and rear seats.
- Where will you drive the car? Around town, on highways, or off-road? That will help you decide on the necessary ground clearance: the lower it is, the harder it is to handle rough roads. It also affects whether you need all-wheel drive.
- What will you carry in the car? That will guide your choice of trunk capacity — whether a standard, enlarged, or open-style cargo area.
Here are the most common body types and typical usage scenarios:
Sedan
A four-door car with a separate enclosed trunk. In some sedans, rear seats can fold down, creating an opening into the trunk.
The trunk lid opens independently from the rear window, which doesn’t lift and has no wiper.
- Best for: 1-2 people (compact sedan) or families (larger models).
- Downsides: Lower seating height may be inconvenient for seniors or when installing a child seat.
- Trunk space is usually limited. Consider foldable seats for carrying long items like skis.
- Perfect for city and highway driving, less suitable for rough roads due to low clearance.
Hatchback
Similar to a sedan but with a shorter rear and a cargo door that includes the window and a wiper. The trunk isn’t separated from the cabin, and rear seats typically fold down.
- Best for: Solo drivers or couples.
- Compact and city-friendly, but versatile — fold down the seats to carry bulky items or a dog.
- Great for errands, sports gear, and weekend trips.
Wagon (Estate)
A stretched hatchback with an enlarged cargo area. The rear opens like a hatchback, combining the trunk and cabin.
- Best for: Families, especially those with children or elderly passengers.
- Offers a spacious cabin and generous trunk — fits strollers, bikes, even building materials.
- Rear seats often fold flat, expanding cargo space significantly.
- Ground clearance varies, so check if you’ll drive on rough roads.
Liftback
Combines sedan aesthetics with hatchback functionality. Sleek silhouette with a sloped roof, but the rear door includes the window and opens like a hatchback.
- Best for: Those who like sedan looks but need flexible cargo space.
- More practical than a standard sedan, especially for carrying luggage or gear.
Crossover
A blend of a car and an SUV. Higher ground clearance, often with AWD, but lighter and less rugged than true off-road vehicles.
- Best for: Families, countryside trips, and occasional off-road use.
- Easier to load kids into child seats without bending, good for older passengers.
- Trunk space varies — check if the rear seats fold down.
- Choose a compact model if you live in a city with tight parking.
SUV
Designed for tough conditions, with high ground clearance, often AWD, and a reinforced structure (body-on-frame or strengthened unibody).
- Best for: Off-road, snowy conditions, mountain driving, and even shallow river crossings.
- Not perfect for city life — bulky, harder to park, and consumes more fuel.
Other types (coupe, minivan, pickup) exist but are less common.
Choosing the Right Drivetrain
The drivetrain defines which wheels are powered by the engine, affecting acceleration, handling, and traction.
Three main types:
FWD – Front-Wheel Drive
The front wheels are powered. Common in sedans, hatchbacks, and smaller crossovers.
Pros:
- Fuel-efficient
- Easier to maintain
- Better stability in slippery conditions
Cons:
- Poorer off-road performance
Best for: Inexperienced drivers, city commuters, and highway cruising.
RWD – Rear-Wheel Drive
Rear wheels are powered, front wheels steer. Found in premium sedans, some wagons, and sports cars.
Pros:
- Superior handling — no engine torque on steering wheels
Cons:
- Can skid on ice or rain if you accelerate sharply
Best for: Experienced drivers, those who enjoy sporty driving, and mostly stick to dry roads.
AWD/4WD – All-Wheel or Four-Wheel Drive
All four wheels are powered. AWD is typically automatic; 4WD is manually engaged and better for off-road.
Pros:
- Better traction in snow, mud, or off-road
- Improved stability
Cons
- Higher fuel consumption
- More complex and costly maintenance
- Often unnecessary in city driving
Best for: Frequent rural or rough-road drivers and those in severe climates.
Choosing a Transmission
The transmission connects engine power to the wheels and influences fuel economy, control, and driving ease.
Four main types:
Manual Transmission (MT)
The driver shifts gears manually. Found in budget models and sports cars.
Pros:
- Fuel-efficient
- Cheaper to maintain
- Full control over gear shifts
Cons:
- Requires more skill and attention
- Inconvenient in heavy traffic due to constant shifting
Automated Manual (AMT or Robotized Transmission)
Mechanically a manual, but gear shifts and clutch control are handled by electronics.
Pros:
- No clutch pedal
- Close to manual fuel economy
- Cheaper than conventional automatics or CVTs
Cons:
- May feel jerky in traffic or under sudden acceleration
Automatic Transmission (AT)
Also called hydraulic or torque-converter automatic. The driver selects a mode (e.g. Drive), and the car shifts gears automatically.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- Smooth shifting
- Ideal for new drivers
Cons:
- More expensive and fuel-thirsty
- Repairs can be costly
CVT – Continuously Variable Transmission
No distinct gears — adjusts seamlessly based on speed and engine load.
Pros:
- Exceptionally smooth ride
- Keeps engine at optimal RPM for fuel efficiency
- Great for city driving and saving fuel
Cons:
- Not suited for high-performance driving or tough conditions
Choosing an Engine
Engine type and size determine how the car drives, how much fuel it uses, and the cost of ownership — including taxes and insurance.
Four main types:
- Gasoline (Petrol): Most common type.
- Diesel: Found in SUVs, better for towing and long-distance efficiency.
- Electric: Powered by batteries. Cheaper to “refuel,” but limited range and requires charging infrastructure.
- Hybrid: Combines gas and electric. Efficient in stop-and-go traffic but more expensive to buy.
Choosing Engine Displacement:
- Up to 1.4L: Best for occasional, light city use. Not perfect for highways or full loads.
- 1.4-2.0L: Versatile for both city and highway. Common in most sedans, hatchbacks, and crossovers.
- 2.0L and above: Needed for towing, heavy loads, or fast driving. Common in large crossovers and SUVs. Unnecessary for daily commutes.
