To find the perfect car for you, it helps to understand the main vehicle categories. From hatchbacks to saloons, there’s plenty to think about before deciding which best suits your budget, lifestyle and driving needs. Add SUVs and MPVs into the mix and the decision becomes trickier still, but it does not need to be confusing.
The Motability Scheme offers five main car types, covering everything from efficient saloons to practical estates. To help you understand the differences, journalist Nick Harper shares a simple guide to each.
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SUVs
SUV stands for Sport Utility Vehicle. These cars combine the practicality of an estate with some of the features of an off-road vehicle. Most offer a roomy interior and a high driving position, while many also come with four-wheel drive for added grip on tougher terrain.
They are designed to sit higher off the ground than hatchbacks or estates, which not only improves visibility but can also make it easier to get in and out. Some drivers like the feeling of security an SUV gives, although the extra weight and size can make them less fuel-efficient than smaller cars.
SUVs now come in all shapes and sizes, from compact, city-friendly models to large seven-seaters, making them one of the most popular choices on UK roads.
Best for… Space and comfort, a practical all-rounder.
SUV available on the Scheme: Toyota Urban Crusier. Available with £0 Advance Payment.*
Estate cars are a practical choice for families or anyone who needs extra space. They look like a stretched version of a hatchback or saloon, with a roof that extends further back and a large boot opening upwards. Most have rear seats that fold flat, giving you plenty of room for luggage, pets or bulky items.
Estates are often chosen by drivers who want space but don’t want to move up to an SUV. They’re lighter and more fuel-efficient than most SUVs, and their lower design makes them smoother to drive on long journeys, but a little harder to get in and out of.
Best for… Luggage space, easy access and flexible seating.
Estate available on the Scheme: Ford Focus Estate. Available with £595 Advance Payment.*
The hatchback is the UK’s most popular type of car. It has a rear door (hatch) that lifts upwards, giving easy access to the boot. In most models the back seats fold down to create extra room. A hatchback with two passenger doors is called a three-door, while one with four passenger doors is a five-door, the hatch counts as the final door.
Compact engines and lightweight designs make hatchbacks among the most fuel-efficient cars you can buy. They’re easy to park and ideal for city driving, yet still versatile enough for longer trips.
Best for… City driving, everyday practicality and fuel efficiency.
Hatchback available on the Scheme: Kia Picanto. Available with £0 Advance Payment.*
MPV stands for Multi-Purpose Vehicle, though they’re known to many as people carriers. These cars prioritise space and flexibility, usually offering between five and nine seats. The rear seats often fold or can be removed completely, creating huge boot space when needed.
MPVs tend to look taller and boxier than hatchbacks or estates, and some come with sliding side doors to make access easier. They’re not as fashionable as they once were, largely because of the rise of SUVs, but MPVs often make better use of interior space and can be more fuel-efficient. For larger families, they remain a very practical choice.
Best for… Larger families, boot space and flexible seating.
MPV available on the Scheme: Volkswagen Caddy Maxi. Available with £2,499 Advance Payment.*
Saloons, known as sedans in the US, are streamlined cars usually chosen for their comfort and refinement. They have a three-box design: the engine is at the front, the passenger space in the middle, and the boot at the back. Crucially, because the rear wheels are further away from back-seat passengers than in a hatchback or estate, the ride is often smoother and quieter. Unlike a hatchback, the boot opens upwards on its own rather than with the rear window, and it is not accessible from the passenger seats.
On longer motorway journeys, many saloons can be very economical to run. But on shorter, stop-start journeys around towns and cities, hatchbacks are usually a more cost-effective option.
Best for… Comfort and longer distance journeys.
Saloon available on the Scheme: Hyundai Ioniq 6. Available with £4,249 Advance Payment.*
Which Car Type Suits You Best?
Choosing the right type of car comes down to your priorities. For city driving, hatchbacks are hard to beat, while saloons offer style and comfort. However, for many, easy access, space and a comfortable drive will be the key consideration, which makes MPVs and SUVs in particular a good choice.
The Motability Scheme offers each type of car covered here, and more details on each can be found by using the car search tool.
To make sure you get the perfect car for you, make sure to take a test drive first. Find out more on the Motability Scheme website.
*The Motability Scheme price list is updated every three months. Prices shown are valid between 1 April 2026 and 30 June 2026. Models subject to availability.
If you want… |
Consider |
| A raised driving position and versatile driving. | SUVs |
| Good luggage room and family space. | Estates |
| Compact, economical, and easy to park. | Hatchbacks |
| Maximum seats, flexible space, easy access. | MPVs |
| A smooth, quiet ride with good efficiency. | Saloons |
Find out if you can join the Motability Scheme
More than 860,000 customers use the Motability Scheme. You get a full package, which means your insurance, servicing and breakdown are covered.
It takes just two minutes to check if you can join.
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About the writer
Nick Harper is a writer, editor, and author. He writes about lots of interesting topics, including motoring. With over 20 years’ experience, his articles have been published in some of the UK’s top newspapers and magazines. This includes The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, FourFourTwo, Men’s Health, and Sport magazine.
