Dimensions of passenger cars table. Truck sizes. Classification of passenger car dimensions
Sometimes, while moving along a multi-lane city highway, you can see how deftly a huge truck with a semi-trailer about 20 meters moves from one row to the next. As a rule, this is the driver of a reputable transport company with a good reputation. What helps him in these cases? Maybe other drivers are just afraid of a huge truck? No – it’s all about feeling the dimensions of your own car!
Every car has its own dimensions. Length, width and height. It is always useful for the driver to know these parameters. They can be seen in any instruction manual or in a car catalog. At worst, you can measure your car in steps, and although not entirely accurate, you will get an approximate idea of the size. For what?
The most important thing is that you can mentally imagine (by comparison with anything) how much space your car takes up in space. By imagining these parameters mentally, you can always correctly assess the possibility of a particular maneuver (in a narrow place, or a space limited in height).
Now let's talk more about the dimensions. The length of a passenger car is determined by the distance between the protruding elements (most often bumpers) at the front and rear. If your car has a towbar, then your car has become longer by its protruding part. Owners of cars with a tow bar should definitely take this into account! The width of the car is determined by the distance between the side mirrors protruding outwards. This is an important point!
You can safely add about 10 centimeters to the existing width of your car according to the catalog (instructions). This will be the true width of your car. Accordingly, the true height will be determined by the highest point of the roof - the height of the antenna, or perhaps the spoiler.
When the car is parked, the space it occupies is determined by these dimensions. They are also called the static dimensions of the car. Once we know about them, it is not difficult to determine whether your car will fit in a garage measuring 6x4x2m. (length-width-height), no matter what brand it is.
The smaller the size of the car compared to the size of the garage, the more “liberties” we can take when entering it. For example, park the car obliquely or even across. If the car is close to the size of the garage, then you can only park it strictly straight. Maintain the same distance to the wall both right and left and front and back.
What happens - the car changes its size? Yes. And this concerns his movement in space, or more precisely, his position on the road. When you move in a straight line, the dimensions of the car you know are unchanged. You know that you need to stop without hitting the obstacle with the farthest (protruding) part of the front bumper. The same goes when driving backwards and stopping (not forgetting about the tow bar, if there is one).
You also know that you must “squeeze” between two cars, again moving in a straight line, without hitting them with the side rear-view mirrors. But in life we do not always move only in a straight line.
This can be illustrated simply. Take a blank sheet of paper and a matchbox (a lighter, a box of paper clips, etc.) that will represent a car. Draw a straight road exactly the width of a matchbox.
If you move the box along a drawn road, depicting the car moving straight, you can easily see that the matching width (of the road and the car) allows you to do this without difficulty. Now draw a turn in the road, the width of the turn again exactly matches the width of your box in all its places. Move the boxes to pretend the car is driving through a given turn.
You see that its corners (front and rear) do not fit into the dimensions of the drawn road! These are the changing dimensions of your car while driving. They are called the dynamic dimensions of the car.
Depending on whether we are moving in a straight line or performing some maneuvers, it is important for us to control certain protruding parts of the car so as not to hit an obstacle. For example: You move in a circle clockwise. What part of your car sticks out the most from traffic? Of course, the left corner of the front bumper or fender!
And now you are moving in the same circle clockwise, but in reverse.
Question: Now how much of your car protrudes outwards from the turn? It turns out that in various situations the driver must automatically know which part of the car he should pay attention to in order not to hit an obstacle. A set of effective exercises is devoted to this, in particular at the “Pro School” training, so it is best to come to the “Master Pilot” Academy and learn.
How to feel the dimensions of your car, especially while driving? Need to practice! The main thing here is to pay attention to the fact that you must form a correct assessment of the distance from you (sitting in your seat behind the wheel) to one or another corner of the car, to one or another protruding part of it.
This is an important point! If you understand and master this, then driving a car of any size will not cause you any difficulties. And one last thing. The dimensions of a car, especially a moving one, include its height above the road (ground clearance, ground clearance). The approach to forming control of this parameter is similar to that described above.
The driver absolutely must know whether he can pass any obstacle (stone, log, box, etc.) painlessly between the wheels of his car. This is especially important when driving in multi-lane traffic, when maneuvering is limited by cars walking nearby.
How and with what to control the dimensions?
Firstly, the driver's vision.
Secondly, knowledge of what you need to pay attention to at one time or another.
Thirdly, a sense of distance from you to any point in your car.
Fourthly, basic knowledge of the dimensions of the vehicle.
Fifthly, the desire is not to hit anyone or anything in traffic or in a parking lot!
As one of our students said, “If you really don’t want to offend someone, then you won’t!” True, after she completed the “Pro School” training.
The dimensions of a car are made up of its length, height and width. These indicators are usually measured according to certain rules.
- The length is measured between the external parts of the car protruding from the front and rear. In most cases, the length of the car is equal to the distance between the rear and front bumper. If the car is equipped with additional elements (trailer, rear bike rack), they increase its overall dimensions.
- Width. Determined by the distance between the side mirrors.
- Height. Limited to the highest point on the roof. Additional parts (spoiler, trunk, radio antenna) located at the top are also measured and added to the height of the car.
In addition, the dimensions of a passenger car include such a parameter as the width of the cabin - the distance from the left to the right door inside the car.
Because some cars are built from original designs, the front and rear widths vary. The spacious interior directly affects the overall width of the car, increasing it.
To make it easier to navigate the sizes of different cars and correctly determine their technical characteristics and capabilities, it is customary to combine all cars into separate groups. The classification of Russian cars is as follows.
- Class A. Passenger cars up to 3.6 m long and 1.6 m wide (“Oka”).
- Class B. Cars up to 3.9 m long and up to 1.7 m wide (“Tavria”).
- Class C(golf). Cars up to 4.4 m long and up to 1.75 m wide (VAZ-2106, VAZ-2107).
There are also classes D, E, F. They include Russian cars, the length and width of which reach 4.8 and 1.8 m, respectively (Lada-Granta, Lada-Kalina, etc.).
Classification of foreign cars
Abroad, it is also customary to classify the dimensions of passenger cars. The table, which compares the sizes of foreign cars, is somewhat different from the Russian one, since it contains a larger number of categories:
- Category A. The cars are convenient for use in urban environments and have very modest dimensions. Small dimensions do not provide such cars with good driving characteristics, but they do not have problems parking even in the narrowest places (Renault Twingo, Daewoo Matiz, etc.).
- Category B. Due to the small engine capacity, not exceeding 1.6 liters, passenger cars of this class received a second name - “small cars”. Residents of European countries liked them due to their successful combination of small dimensions and good capacity (Skoda Fabia, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Micra).
- Category C. This class is very similar to the Russian category C, but has slightly larger dimensions and capacity. Thanks to the bright representative of the category - the Volkswagen Golf, it received the second name Golf.
- Category D. The cars are distinguished by a large trunk, spacious and comfortable interior. Suitable for long distance travel. For these characteristics, class D cars are also called family cars (Volkswagen Passat, Honda Inspire, Toyota Avensis).
- Category E. It includes cars that exceed the middle class level, but do not reach the executive level. They are usually classified as business class. They are characterized by sufficient comfort and technical equipment (Cadillac CTS, BMW fifth series).
- Category F. Includes flagship models from well-known foreign automakers. Such machines have impressive dimensions (more than 5 m long and more than 1.8 m wide), and are characterized by an ideal combination of all important indicators: convenience, the latest equipment, maximum power. They belong to the executive class (Huyndai Equus, BMW 7 Series, Rolls-Royce).
- Category S. It is a separate class, as it consists exclusively of sports cars and supercars intended for high-speed racing. They have a very unusual shape with many elements that increase the length and width. Moreover, the height of such specific cars is small (Lamborghini Veneno, Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita).
- Category M. A representative of this category is a minivan, which is quite large in size. It’s difficult to call such a car a passenger car, although its running and speed parameters correspond to that. Cars in this category are distinguished by their considerable height and are used to transport a large number of people or goods.
Results
The dimensions of cars are necessarily indicated in the instructions for each car. Thematic magazines and websites specializing in car reviews also indicate all the information regarding the sizes of the cars presented and their belonging to a particular class.
The classification of the Economic Commission for Europe is focused on segmenting the target market, and the boundaries between segments are more blurred and are not limited to parameters such as dimensions or weight, but also include price, type, set of options, etc.
Segments are often used by manufacturers to define a vehicle's place in the market, but specific vehicles within a segment often have vastly different features, technologies, and options depending on the manufacturer.
The boundaries between classes are quite arbitrary and are gradually blurring as automakers strive to give customers “more car” for the same money. When updating the model, it became a sign of good form to increase its length by 10-15 centimeters, as well as add functions that previously could only be offered by more expensive classes.
According to the European classification, all passenger cars belong to one of six segments:
In addition, there are several separate groups of cars that do not fit into any of the segments described above. For such cars, three additional segments are allocated:
Segment A
Extra small class, supermini, city car- the smallest cars designed for cramped city conditions. Dynamic and driving characteristics are often mediocre. Body type: 3-door or 5-door hatchback. The length of the car is up to 3.6 meters and the width is up to 1.52 meters. Such models are attractive for their efficiency and parking capabilities in limited city spaces.
Typical representatives of the class: Daewoo Matiz, Ford Ka, Renault Twingo, Peugeot 107, Opel Adam, Toyota iQ, Suzuki Splash, Hyundai Eon, Chery QQ, Citroen C1, Suzuki Wagon R.
Segment B
Small class- a popular class of small-sized cars in Europe. In addition to 3 and 5-door hatchbacks, they are occasionally produced in sedan and station wagon bodies. Length up to 3.9 meters, width up to 1.7 meters. Engine displacement usually does not exceed 1.6 liters.
Typical representatives of the class: Audi A1, Nissan Micra, Volkswagen Polo, Skoda Fabia, Seat Ibiza, Hyundai Accent, Fiat Punto, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, Renault Symbol, Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris, Mini, Mazda 2, Citroen C3 , Citroen DS3.
Segment C
Golf class, compact class- universal, relatively compact, but more spacious cars, also classified as the “lower middle” class. The segment is the most popular in Europe (about a third of all sales). For decades, the trendsetter here was the Volkswagen Golf, which is why another name became the expression golf class. The capacity of golf-class cars allows you to transport five adults with luggage, but three people in the back seat will be cramped. Length up to 4.3 meters, width up to 1.7-1.8 meters.
Body types - hatchback, sedan, station wagon. Less commonly - coupes and convertibles (however, according to the European classification, convertibles can belong to other segments, regardless of size). Dynamic and speed qualities vary widely, comfortable for trips and travel.
Typical representatives of the class: BMW 1-Series, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, Audi A3, Renault Megane, Opel Astra, Peugeot 308, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Auris, Nissan Almera, Kia_cee'd, Kia Cerato, Mazda 3, Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai i30, Mitsubishi Lancer, Volvo V40, Citroen C4, Citroen DS4, Skoda Octavia, Subaru Impreza, Suzuki SX4, Chevrolet Cruze.
Segment D
Middle class- middle or family class, presented in hatchback, sedan, station wagon bodies, with spacious interiors and voluminous trunks. This segment is usually divided into ordinary family models and luxury models, which, according to other classifications (for example, British) are allocated to a separate compact executive car segment.
Typical representatives of the class: Chrysler 200, Honda Inspire, SAAB 9-3, Opel Insignia, Peugeot 508, Mazda 6, Ford Mondeo, Toyota Avensis, Hyundai Sonata, Renault Latitude, Volkswagen Passat, Kia Optima, Audi A4, BMW 3, Mercedes- Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Volvo S60, Citroen C5, Citroen DS5, Suzuki Kizashi, Subaru Legacy.
Segment E
Business Class- usually sedans and station wagons. The cars have a spacious interior and a high level of standard equipment. The length is usually over 4.6 meters.
In Europe, predominantly luxury brands operate in this segment, and typical representatives are: Cadillac CTS, Jaguar XF, Saab 9-5, Volvo S80, Audi A6, BMW 5, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Lexus ES. However, mass manufacturers also produce or have produced cars in this segment: Toyota Avalon, Citroen C6, Hyundai Grandeur, Kia Cadenza, Holden Commodore, Hyundai Genesis, Geely SL
Segment F
Executive class, upper class- models of this group mainly perform executive functions, the bodies are exclusively sedans, the interiors are very spacious. Length over 5 meters.
Typical representatives of the class: Bentley Mulsanne 2010, Rolls-Royce Phantom and Ghost, Hyundai Equus, Jaguar XJ, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, SsangYong Chairman, Volkswagen Phaeton, Maybach 57/62 , Kia Quoris.
S segment
The S segment includes sports cars and supercars.
Segment M
The M segment includes cars with a minivan body. The cars are intended mainly for large families, and can also be used for travel, as office delivery vehicles, etc. Capacity is from 5 to 7 seats, and minivans - up to 9 seats, including the driver. With the rear seats folded down or, in some cases, removed, vehicles in this segment can be used for cargo-passenger transport.
In terms of driving and speed characteristics, they are close to ordinary passenger station wagons. Minivans - unified in body and chassis with light cargo-passenger trucks, are distinguished by greater capacity, have sliding doors and an impressive height.
Representatives of the class: Ford Galaxy, Hyundai H-1, Fiat Doblo, Volkswagen Caravelle.
Segment J
The J segment includes off-road vehicles.
Classification of passenger cars by size
| USA | Great Britain | RF | Segment | Euro NCAP 1997-2009 | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micromobile | Microcar | Motorized stroller | A-segment | Supermini | Isetta, Smart Fortwo |
| Subcompact | City car | City car | , Volkswagen up!, Ford Ka, Peugeot 107, Fiat 500 | ||
| Supermini | Small class | B-segment | , Peugeot 208, Citroën DS3, Kia Rio | ||
| Compact car | Small family car | Golf class Small medium | C-segment | Small family car | , Peugeot 308, Opel Astra, Honda Civic, |
| Mid-size car | Large family car | Middle class | D-segment | Large family car | , |
| Entry level luxury car | Compact executive car | , | |||
| Full size car | Business Class | Full size car | E-segment | Executive car | Chevrolet Impala, Honda Accord, Holden Commodore |
| Mid-size luxury car | Business Class | Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |||
| Full-size executive car | Luxury car | Executive class | F-segment | - | Audi A8, BMW 7-series, Mercedes-Benz S-class |
| Sports car | Sports car | Sports car | S-segment | - | Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911 |
| Gran Turismo | Gran Turismo | Gran Turismo | - | Jaguar XK, Maserati GranTurismo | |
| Supercar | Supercar | Supercar | - | Bugatti Veyron, Pagani Zonda | |
| Cabriolet | Cabriolet | Cabriolet | - | Mercedes-Benz CLK-class, Volkswagen Eos | |
| Roadster | Roadster | Roadster | Sports roadster | Audi TT, BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster | |
| - | Recreational vehicle | - | M-segment | Small minivan (MPV) | Peugeot Partner, |
| - | Crossover coupe | Off-road coupe | - | BMW X6 | |
| Mid-size crossover/SUV | Big 4x4 | Medium SUV | Large off-road 4x4 | BMW X5, Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Full-size crossover/SUV | Heavy SUV | Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban, Range Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser | |||
| Mini pickup | Pickup | Pickup | - | Pickup | Chevrolet Montana, Fiat Strada |
| Mid-size pickup | Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton/L200, Nissan Navara | ||||
| Full size pickup | Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, GMC Sierra, Nissan Titan, Toyota Tundra | ||||
| Giant pickup truck | Chevrolet Silverado, Ford Super Duty, Ram Heavy Duty |
In Russia, the European classification is used, which is based on the overall dimensions of the machine. Let's look at the classification of cars and crossovers depending on their length.
Classification of passenger cars
Class A+This includes small cars intended mainly for use in the city, because... They are easy to park on. Car enthusiasts call them “small cars.” The length of such machines should not exceed 3800 mm (and a slight shift in the overall dimensions of 3% is allowed). Typical representatives can be considered the cars "Daewoo Matiz", "Fiat 500", "Kia Picanto", "smart fortwo".
Class B+
This is a fairly popular class of cars, a significant part of which have a hatchback body and front-wheel drive. Car dimensions range in length from 3800 to 4200 mm for hatchbacks and from 4200 to 4500 mm for sedans and liftbacks; width - 1.5-1.7 m. Typical representatives: "Lada Vesta", "Lada Granta", "Kia Rio", "Renault Logan", "Hyundai Solaris", "VW Polo".
Class C+
The so-called lower middle class, also called the “golf class”. The length of the car is from 4200 to 4500 mm for hatchbacks and from 4500 to 4700 mm for sedans and liftbacks, width is 1.6 - 1.75 m. Typical representatives: "Skoda Octavia", "Ford Focus", "Kia Ceed" Toyota Corolla", "Opel Astra", "Mazda 3".
Class D+
Middle class. One of the most dynamically developing classes of cars, representatives of which are increasingly competing with cars of the next class E. This classification includes cars with a length of 4600 to 4900 mm. Typical representatives: "VW Passat", "Mercedes Benz C-Class", "BMW third series", "Mazda 6", "Kia Optima", "Toyota Camry".
Class E+
Upper middle class. Machine parameters: length - from 4900 mm to 5100 mm. Typical representatives: "Audi A6", "Mercedes-Benz E-Class", "BMW" 5-Series, "Lexus ES", "Volvo S90/V90", "Porsche Panamera".
Class F+
It concentrates comfortable, powerful cars, and therefore is also called “luxury” or “executive class”. The length of such machines is usually over 5100 mm. Typical representatives: "BMW seventh series", "Jaguar XJ", "Mercedes-Benz S-Class", "Audi A8", "Lexus LS", "Cadillac CT6".
Others
In addition, there are several more separate groups of cars that do not fit into any of the classes described above. These are sports cars (Porsche 911) and convertibles, as well as minivans or high-capacity station wagons (Lada Largus).
Classification of crossovers and SUVs
Manufacturers began to classify crossovers and SUVs into a separate class. Previously, they were classified as “other” because... their number was small. Currently, crossovers and jeeps account for more than 50 percent of the total volume of cars sold. And their popularity does not wane. This includes all cars with a ground clearance of more than 160 mm and possible all-wheel drive.Class B+
Hatchbacks and station wagons up to 4300 mm long. Typical representatives: Lada 4x4, Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, Chevrolet Niva, Kai Soul.
Class C+
Station wagons with a length from 4300 to 4600 mm. This includes Kia Sportage, VW Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Qashqai.
Class D+
Station wagons with lengths from 4600 to 4800 mm. These are cars such as Toyota RAV4, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, UAZ Patriot, Subaru Forester.
Class E+
Station wagons with a length of more than 4800 mm. Such as Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and 200, Mecedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, VW Touareg, Lexus RX.
Pickups
Cars with a cargo platform and all-wheel drive (UAZ Pickup, Mitsubishi L200).
Geometric parameters
The main geometric parameters of a car are its overall dimensions, track, wheelbase, ground clearance, turning radii. These parameters are indicated in the technical characteristics of the car and allow you to evaluate not only the design of the car, but also some features of its movement.
dimensions
The overall dimensions of vehicles (road trains) include their height, width and length. In all countries, in order to ensure traffic safety, these sizes of cars and road trains are regulated. Width restrictions cars are related to the parameters of the roadway. Height restrictions determined by the accepted dimensions of bridges, overpasses and tunnels. Length restrictions vehicles are designed to provide the required maneuvering capabilities, and for other road users they are important from the point of view of the ability to safely overtake in cramped traffic conditions. Accepted in our country following dimensional restrictions automotive Vehicle: width up to 2.5 m, height up to 4 m, length (including trailer) up to 20 m. Vehicles whose overall dimensions exceed the permissible ones (for example, mining dump trucks) are classified as off-road.
In urban environments, the length and width of a car determine how easy it is to maneuver and how easy it is to park. The overall dimensions of small cars also affect the ability to use their internal space.
Ground clearance, base, track
Ground clearance is called the distance from the lowest part of the vehicle structure to a flat supporting surface. This is one of the indicators of a vehicle's cross-country ability.
Wheelbase call the distance between the centers of the wheels of adjacent axles of a vehicle (the technical characteristics of a multi-axle vehicle also indicate the sum of the distances between adjacent axles). Semi-trailer wheelbase equal to the distance between the axis of the turning device and the nearest wheel axis (for a multi-axle semi-trailer, the sum of the distances between adjacent axles is additionally indicated).
Under the term "track" usually imply a trace left by a vehicle on the ground or deformed road. In car design, this term also refers to the distance between the center lines of the vehicle tracks.
The dimensions of the track and wheelbase affect the cross-country ability, stability, handling, smoothness and braking performance of a vehicle.
Turning radius
The turning radius, although not related to the size of the car itself, is directly determined by its design. The turning radius of a car in a real road situation depends on many factors, and the parameters indicated in the technical characteristics of the vehicle relate only to certain conditions, namely: the steered wheels are turned to the extreme position, the driving speed is low, the drive wheels roll along the road without slipping. To assess the ability to maneuver a vehicle in such conditions, several parameters are indicated, each of which is equal to the distance between the center of rotation and any element of the vehicle. Thus, the turning radius along the track axis of the outer front wheel or the outer (overall) turning radius can be indicated (it is clear that the second value is greater than the first). Under average radius turning usually refers to the distance between the center of rotation and the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
The ability to maneuver in a limited space is characterized by a parameter called large corridor, which is the difference in the radii of the circles described during curvilinear motion by the point of the car farthest from the center and the point closest to it.