The automotive industry produces a wide variety of cars, differing not only in brands, colors and other technical characteristics, but also in classes. Such an abundance of various options gave impetus to maintaining appropriate records of passenger cars by class, which grew into a whole system that has its own characteristics depending on the country. The classification of regions is applied in parallel with the generally accepted system. So what is a car class and by what criteria are cars classified in the world and which system is considered the most recognized throughout the world? What classes of cars are there and briefly describe each class? How can you find out the class of your car?
What classification systems exist?
Car class is a correlation of cars according to various parameters and combining them into groups based on similarity. Most often, such differentiation is based on technical characteristics, for example, engine size, car length, weight, etc. Today, several classification systems operate in parallel, which are used in certain geographical areas:
- EEC and EuroNCAP are applied in EU countries. A number of European countries have their own systems, for example, Spain and France;
- System used in the USA and Canada;
- System used in Japan and China.
The gradation of cars in the vast expanses of the fatherland was carried out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, or rather its special forces (first ORUD, which was replaced by the traffic police, and then the traffic police). The car class system in the Russian Federation appeared back in 1966 and today it is optional. It presents 5 classes of passenger cars, the gradation of which is based on engine size. Based on the domestic classification, each model has a name in the form of an abbreviation of the manufacturer and a code of 4 or more digits, where each digit in order indicates: 1 - class; 2 - type; 3-4 - serial number; 5 - modification; 6 - imported version.
Such a wide area of validity of classifications is due, first of all, to the creation of a union of European countries, as well as a large number of car production facilities. The main parameter that underlies the classification is the dimensions of the vehicle (length and width). In total, the European classification distinguishes 6 classes, designated by Latin letters in alphabetical order: A, B, C, D, E, F. This classification has its gaps and some vehicles cannot be classified according to these characteristics, which is why three more categories were provided: S - sports cars (coupe, cabrio); M - family cars (minivans and station wagons with increased capacity); J - crossovers, SUVs. But even after adding three more categories, vans and pickups were still not covered.
Characteristics of car classes
Regardless of the system, each class unites a group of cars based on one or more similar parameters. The European method of segmentation cannot be called ideal, since such a system is more of an informational nature and is very dependent on some additional factors, for example, the cost of the car. But it is the most widely used system and the categories in it are characterized as follows:
- A - small (female) cars. Their length and width do not exceed 3.6 m by 1.6 m, engine volume is limited to 0.6-1.2 liters, and power is in the range of 50-95 horsepower. This is a small city car, designed to maneuver well on narrow streets and not take up much space when parking (Oka, Daewoo Matiz, Hyundai i10 and others). The capacity of such a vehicle is small - up to 4 passengers, while there is virtually nowhere to put luggage, the trunk volume does not exceed 250 liters;
- B - cars of this class are slightly larger than those that belong to the “A” class, primarily due to their greater length, which in this group tends to 4 meters. Cars of this class are quite budget-friendly and accessible to the masses. The main representatives are Peugeot 206, Skoda Felicia, Toyota Yaris, VW Polo, Kia Rio. Most models position themselves as five-seaters, but in fact there is enough space for 4 passengers to move comfortably. Power is limited to 120 horsepower with engines ranging from 1.2-1.6 liters;
- C - cars of this class reach a length of 4.5 m and a width of 1.8 meters, and engine capacity varies from 1.6 to 2 liters. The most common cars of this class on domestic roads are VW Jetta and Golf, Hyundai i30, KIA Cee’d, Peugeot 308, Ford Focus, Citroen C4;
- D - by world standards, this is a medium-sized car with a length of 4.5 to 4.7 m and a width of 1.9 m. The engines of such cars are from 2 liters. At the same time, the class has its own subcategories: basic and elite (equated to business class). The most popular models: Toyota Avensis, Ford Mondeo, VW Passat, Nissan Primera. Car bodies of this class are presented in various variants: sedan, hatchbacks, etc.;
- E - the most comfortable cars, the interior trim is made of expensive and high-quality materials, they have many additional options. In terms of dimensions, cars of this class are spacious, their length starts from 4.6 m and width from 1.9 m. The minimum engine volume is 2 liters. Class models: Toyota Camry, BMW 5, Audi A6, Renault Safrane, Mercedes E-class. There is also a choice of body styles, but sedans and station wagons dominate;
- F - executive class cars, affordable for wealthy people. The class has its own subclasses: F1 - expensive mass-produced cars (Audi A8, Lexus LS460, BMW7), F2 - cars created for individual orders with a large number of handmade elements (Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini, Lexus LS430).
Due to the presence of alternative car classification systems, in Europe there is also a classification depending on its environmental safety. Its emergence occurred in the 90s of the last century. In fact, this is not a whole classification, but a tightening of standards for harmful vehicle emissions that affected manufacturers. So, for the first time, restrictions were established in 1992 and the rules were called Euro-1, and cars that met the established standards were assigned the category of the same name. In 1996, the standards underwent changes, the Euro-2 category appeared, and even later Euro-3. Today there are already 5 environmental categories. The table below shows the most recognized car classification system in the world.
Table - European classification of cars and their main characteristics
| Class |
Characteristics |
Approximate model range |
|---|---|---|
| A |
Length up to 3.6 m, width up to 1.6 m, power up to 95 horsepower, engine capacity from 0.6 to 1.2 liters |
Daewoo Matiz, Hyundai i10, Toyota Aygo |
| IN |
Length up to 3.6 m, width up to 1.6 m, power up to 120 horsepower, engine capacity from 1.2 to 1.6 liters |
Peugeot 206, Skoda Felicia, Toyota Yaris, VW Polo, Kia Rio |
| WITH |
Length up to 4.5 m, width up to 1.75 m, engine capacity from 1.6 to 2.0 liters |
VW Jetta and Golf, Hyundai i30, KIA Cee’d, Peugeot 308, Ford Focus, Citroen C4, Toyota Auris |
| D |
Length up to 4.7 m width up to 1.9 m, from 2 liters |
Toyota Avensis, Ford Mondeo, VW Passat, Nissan Primera |
| E |
Length from 4.6 m, width from 1.9 m, engine capacity from 2 liters |
Toyota Camry, BMW 5, Audi A6, Renault Safrane, Mercedes E-class |
| F |
Length from 5 m width from 1.7 m |
Audi A8, Lexus LS460, BMW7, Ferrari, Bentley, Lamborghini. Lexus LS430 |
| J |
Crossovers, SUVs |
Toyota rav4 |
| M |
Family car |
Peugeot 807 |
| S |
Sports cars (convertible, coupe) |
Audi TT |
According to the Internet portal “Car Classes”
To find out the class of your car, just look at the technical documentation, or rather the title. It is there that all the key technical characteristics are concentrated: weight, engine displacement, etc., which just need to be correlated with the characteristics of the class, and if the car owner has documents from the manufacturer in hand, then the answer to the question of interest will immediately be contained there.
Conclusion
The most common class system in the world is considered to be European, but some countries (USA, Japan, France) have formed their own classification, which is valid only on the territory of the named state. Classifications are used in different fields (insurance, rental, etc.). For example, to rent a car, you do not need to indicate detailed characteristics of the vehicle that the client wants to rent; you just need to select a class and the lessor will offer a choice of available models. The class of the car is the basis for determining the rental price; the simpler the class, the cheaper the rental.
The structure of a modern truck.
Modern trucks can
move without driver assistance
Types and classification of vehicles
Cars are classified according to the following criteria:
Type of vehicle;
Mainly technical parameter
(weight, power or overall dimensions);
Purpose;
Automotive rolling stock is divided into types of vehicles:
Passenger
(passenger cars, buses, passenger trailers and semi-trailers)
Cargo
(trucks, tractor-trailers, cargo trailers and semi-trailers with universal or specialized superstructures for placing cargo)
Special (ambulance, police, fire trucks)
Specialized (trailers and semi-trailers with installed special equipment, having a technological or other purpose and performing various, mainly non-transport, work)
Passenger cars (seating up to eight people, including the driver) are called passenger cars, over 8 people by bus.
After studying the classification of vehicles, pay attention to the layout diagrams of cars, which will give general concepts about the layout of mechanisms and assemblies on a car and will help yousort out .
Classification of motor vehicles, passenger cars, types of car body
Cars According to the working volume of the engine cylinders, it is divided into the following classes:
Extra small (up to 1.2 l);
small (1.2-1.8 l);
Medium (1.8 — 3.5 l);
Large (3.5 l or more);
Higher (not regulated).
Buses are divided according to overall dimensions and length into the following classes:
Extra small (up to 5 m);
Small (6-7.5 m);
Medium (8.0-9.5 m);
Large (11-12 m);
Particularly large (16.5 meters or more).
Classification of trucks with an onboard platform is determined by the load capacity:
Extra small (less than 1t);
Small (1 - W t);
Medium (3-8 t);
Large (8-15 t);
Extra large (15-26 t);
Extra large (over 26 tons).
Special vehicles perform predominantly non-transport work. These include fire trucks, mobile benches, vehicles with compressor and drilling rigs, truck cranes, cleaning vehicles, and ambulance vehicles.
Specialized vehicles take into account the specifics of the cargo (bulk, liquid, large, etc.). These include: dump trucks, vans, tanks, panel carriers, container ships, etc.
The cars of the day for towing trailers and semi-trailers are called tractor vehicles.
A tractor or standard truck together with one or more trailers form road train.
Cars are classified according to their adaptability to road conditions. normal and all-terrain.
Vehicles by total number of wheels and drive wheels denoted by the wheel formula, where the first digit is the number of wheels of the car, the second is the number of driving wheels.
Each dual drive wheel is counted as one unit. For example, the wheel formula 4x2 designates a two-axle vehicle with one drive axle (ZIL-431410), 6x6 - a three-axle vehicle with all drive axles (ZIL-131), 6x4 - a three-axle vehicle with two drive axles (KAMAZ).
By type of fuel consumed and engine type cars are divided into gasoline, diesel, alternative fuels (gas generators, gas cylinders, electric (electric cars), steam, gas turbine, as well as cars with combined power plants, for example, an internal combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor.
Each car model (trailer, semi-trailer) is assigned an index consisting of four digits.
The first digit indicates the class of the vehicle (trailer, semi-trailer), by engine displacement for passenger cars, by length for buses and by gross weight for trucks.
The division of classes into types is based on the operational purpose of the vehicle. The following types of vehicles (trailers, semi-trailers) are established according to the second digit of the four-digit digital model index:
1 - passenger cars;
2 - buses;
3 _ cargo onboard;
4 — truck tractors (reserve);
5 — dump trucks;
6 - tanks;
7 - vans;
8 - reserve;
9 - special.
The third and fourth digits indicate the base model number.
Choosing the right car in today's market is becoming increasingly difficult. New types and classes of cars appear almost every year. Just 5-8 years ago, urban crossovers and four-door coupes were considered new. And if the latter have remained niche cars, the former are capturing ever larger market shares. In addition, there is a blurring of class boundaries: the designations B+ and C+ are becoming more common. In this article we will look at the general classifications of passenger cars by class and body type. It will help you navigate the types of cars and choose the right one. For clarity, we will give examples of popular models in each class.
Classification of cars by body type
Sedan
This is the most common and popular body, and it is the one that is associated with the word “car”. Its design feature was three-volume - the engine compartment, interior and trunk are separated from each other and occupy separate volumes. Both B-class cars and F-class cars can be sedans (more on sizes and classes below). This is due to the already mentioned popularity, which, in turn, follows from ease of use and conditional “status”. For some reason, this particular body type is considered the most representative, stylish, and at the same time practical. Whether this is true or not is up to you to decide.
Hatchback
These are city cars, the luggage compartment of which is combined with the interior. They lack the traditional “tail” for sedans - the rear overhang of such cars is much shorter. This design feature makes them practical for use in urban environments - parking and maneuvering on a hatchback is easier than on a sedan, because the body ends approximately at the line of the rear window.
Station wagon
This is a hybrid of a sedan and a hatchback. Its trunk is also combined with the interior, but the rear overhang is “stretched” just like that of a sedan. If you like to travel by car or often transport large loads, it is worth considering this particular body type.
Other
There are actually a huge number of body types, but there is no point in describing absolutely everything - they are not very common, and are either extremely rare or have ceased to be used by automakers altogether. However, we will list some of them and give them a brief description.
- Coupe is a two-door, three-volume vehicle, generally similar to a sedan. The main difference is the reduced rear row of seats. The term “coupe” also refers to three-door hatchbacks with a small rear seat.
- A minivan is a two-volume or one-volume body designed for the comfortable transportation of passengers. Can be equipped with a third row of seats and sliding rear doors.
- Liftback is a hatchback with a long rear overhang. It looks almost like a sedan, but has a fifth door. This type of body has become a “brand name” for Skoda cars.
- SUV. It is not entirely correct to single out this type of body, but nevertheless, it is worth mentioning the so-called sports utility vehicles. This class includes all kinds of crossovers and SUVs. The first are cars built on the platforms of conventional passenger cars. They differ in body shape, high ground clearance and the ability to install an all-wheel drive transmission. Such cars are intended primarily for the city - high ground clearance is needed to overcome curbs and small holes, and the increased body height helps to carve out a few extra centimeters of space for the driver, passengers and luggage compartment. SUVs are designed on the basis of a frame structure, providing them with increased cross-country ability and a spacious interior.
Classification of cars by class
Class A
The most compact class, perfect for use in urban environments. The length of the body of such cars does not exceed 3.6 m, and the width is 1.6 m. Class A cars are three- and five-door hatchbacks equipped with small engines. Examples of A-class cars:
- Ravon Matiz
- Ravon R2
- Lifan Smily
- Hyundai i10
Class B
Just 5-6 years ago, such cars were represented, for the most part, by five-door hatchbacks and sedans with a length of up to 3.9 m and a width of up to 1.7. However, the development of the automobile market has led to the emergence of an entire segment of budget sedans in this class. Class B cars are also aimed at urban use: they are compact, maneuverable and at the same time roomy and comfortable. Popular models include:
- Ravon Nexia
- Volkswagen Polo Sedan
- Skoda Rapid
- Lada Kalina, Granta
Class C
This is the so-called “golf class”, named after its founder - the Volkswagen Golf model. Cars in this segment do not exceed 4.3-4.5 m in length and 1.8 m in width. At the same time, cars are produced in sedan, hatchback and station wagon bodies. The “middle” price segment begins with class C. Such cars are perfect for the role of a family city car: four people can comfortably fit in the cabin, but at the same time the dimensions of the body allow them to easily maneuver in traffic. Popular models include:
- Ravon Gentra
- Skoda Octavia
- Volkswagen Golf
- Ford Focus
- Kia ceed
- Toyota Corolla
Class D
D-class cars are, for the most part, sedans and station wagons, up to 4.6 m long. These cars combine spacious interiors with good equipment and driving characteristics. The most popular models:
- Volkswagen Passat
- Mazda 6
- Ford Mondeo
- Toyota Avensis
Class E
This is a “business class”, such cars are distinguished by a rich package of options already in the “base”, a more complex suspension, a spacious interior and increased comfort. The length of the body of a class E car is 4.8-5 m, and the width is 1.8 m. Common models:
- Toyota Camry
- Nissan Teana
- Skoda Superb
Class F
These are luxury executive cars of premium brands. They are aimed at those who prefer the rear seat to the driver's seat. Rear seat adjustments and a separate climate control unit for passengers are standard options for such cars. They are long (from 5 m) and wide (from 1.9), which allows the driver and passengers to sit in the cabin with maximum comfort. Main models in the class:
- Mercedes-Benz E-class
- BMW 7 series
- Audi A8
Class J
This is a separate class of cars, which includes SUVs and crossovers - SUVs (sports utility vehicles). It has its own car classification system, similar to the general one. In general, they are divided into compact, mid-size and full-size SUVs. By analogy with conventional passenger cars, there is also a division into B, C, D and E classes.
Conclusion
In this article, we have provided a general classification of cars by class (size) and body, which will help you navigate the market and choose a car that meets your needs. It is worth noting that, with the exception of class F, we did not mention premium brands. Cars from such manufacturers are distinguished by their high price, technology and level of equipment. A premium compact hatchback can be loaded with options typically associated with full-size D or E class sedans, and priced accordingly. Therefore, in order to avoid confusion, we ignored the “expensive” brands.
A car is a self-propelled carriage designed to transport passengers, various cargo or special equipment along a trackless track, as well as to tow trailers. The classification and designation system for domestic vehicles is based on the following characteristics: type of vehicle (rolling stock); main technical parameter (weight, power or overall dimensions); body type; appointment; wheel formula; engine's type.
Automotive rolling stock is divided into passenger, freight and special.
Passenger rolling stock includes cars, buses, passenger trailers, and freight rolling stock includes trucks, tractor-trailers, cargo trailers and semi-trailers with universal or specialized superstructures for accommodating cargo.
Special rolling stock includes cars, trailers and semi-trailers with special equipment installed on them, having a special technological or other purpose and performing various, mainly transport work.
Passenger cars with a capacity of up to eight people, including the driver, are classified as cars, and those above eight people are classified as buses.
All cars, depending on their type and purpose, are divided into classes according to which they are marked.
Each model of car, trailer or semi-trailer has its own designation depending on whether it is a basic model or a modification. The basic model is the main model on the basis of which its modifications are produced.
The base car model is assigned a four-digit numeric index, in which the first two digits indicate the class, and the next two digits indicate the car model. In this case, the first digit corresponds to the vehicle class (by engine displacement for passenger cars, gross weight for trucks and length for buses); the second digit - the operational purpose of the vehicle (1 - cars; 2 - buses; 3 - cargo flatbed vehicles; 4 - truck tractors; 5 - dump trucks; 6 - tanks; 7 - vans; 8 - reserve; 9 - special vehicles). The digital index is preceded by the letter designation of the manufacturer.
A modification is a car model that differs from the basic one in some respects (design and operational) that meet certain requirements and operating conditions. For example, modifications may differ from the base model in the engine, body, interior trim, etc.
Modifications have a five-digit digital index, in which the fifth digit indicates the modification number of the base model.
According to the domestic classification, passenger cars are divided into five classes depending on the cylinder displacement (displacement) of the engine (Table 1.1).
Table 1.1
Classes of passenger cars depending on engine cylinder displacement
Passenger cars are marked as follows. For example, BA3-2105 and BA3-21053 mean: BA3 - Volzhsky Automobile Plant, numbers 21 - small class passenger car, numbers 05 - fifth model (basic), number 3 - third modification.
According to the UNECE international classification, passenger cars belong to the same category M1, since they, regardless of their size and design features, must meet the same technical requirements.
From the consumer's point of view, passenger cars can have very significant differences between them. In this regard, European classification experience suggests using its overall length as the main classification parameter of a passenger car. In this case, general purpose vehicles are divided into six main classes, designated by letters of the Latin alphabet. The following distribution of cars by class is established (Table 1.2).
Table 1.2
Classes of passenger cars depending on overall length
|
Urban (overall length up to 3.5 m) |
Convertibles and roadsters |
||
|
Small class (overall length from 3.5 to 3.9 m) |
Premium convertibles and roadsters |
||
|
Small middle class (overall length from 3.9 to 4.3 m) |
Off-road station wagons |
||
|
Middle class (overall length from 4.3 to 4.6 m) |
Light SUVs with a gross weight of up to 2100 kg |
||
|
Business class (overall length from 4.6 to 4.9 m) |
Medium SUVs with a gross weight of up to 3000 kg |
||
|
Executive class overall length over 4.9 m) |
Heavy SUVs with a gross weight of over 3000 kg |
||
|
Executive “premium” (overall length over 4.9 m) |
|||
|
Minivans |
|||
|
Premium coupe |
Small commercial |
If the overall length coincides with the upper limit of the range, the car belongs to a higher class.
In terms that are familiar to us, cars of class A are considered especially small, class B - small, classes C and D - medium, class E - large, class F - upper class.
There are, however, passenger cars with a narrower purpose, for which the use of the accepted classification criterion is inappropriate, since it does not reflect the characteristics of their consumer qualities. These cars are usually divided into separate classes.
The specificity of powerful high-speed passenger cars, called sports cars, is taken into account by dividing them into two classes G and H, in which they differ depending not on length, but on cost.
The body type of passenger cars is determined by the number of functional compartments and their design. Bodies can be three-, two- and one-volume. The three-volume body has an engine compartment, a passenger compartment and a trunk. In a two-volume body, the interior and trunk are combined.
According to the domestic classification, buses are also divided into five classes depending on their length (Table 1.3).
Table 1.3
Bus classes depending on overall length
Buses are designated as follows. For example, LIAZ-5256 means: Likinsky Bus Plant, large class bus, fifty-sixth basic model.
By purpose, buses are divided into three groups: city, intercity and long-distance.
According to the UNECE international classification, buses, in terms of differences in technical requirements, are divided into two categories: M2 - buses with a gross weight of less than 5 tons (small-sized) and M3 - buses with a gross weight of over 5 tons.
According to the domestic classification, trucks are divided into seven classes depending on their total weight: first class (up to 1.2 tons), second (over 1.2 to 2 tons), third (over 2 to 8 tons), fourth (over 8 up to 14 tons), fifth (over 14 to 20 tons), sixth (over 20 to 40 tons), and seventh (over 40 tons). In this case, for trucks, the first digit of the index indicates the class of the vehicle, the second digit of the index indicates the type of truck, the third and fourth digits indicate the vehicle model number, and the fifth digit (for modifications) indicates the modification number.
For example, ZIL-4331 means: Automobile Plant named after. Likhachev, truck with a gross weight of 8...14 tons, flatbed, thirty-first model.
Trucks can be general purpose, specialized and special.
General purpose trucks are designed to transport all types of cargo, except unpacked liquid cargo. They have cargo bodies in the form of flatbeds.
Specialized trucks are used to transport only certain types of goods. They have bodies adapted for such transportation and are equipped with special devices and devices for loading and unloading. Specialized vehicles include dump trucks, tanks, vans, refrigerators and self-loaders.
Special trucks are designed to perform a variety of non-transport jobs and operations. These include automobile workshops, cranes, towers, concrete mixers, as well as vehicles used in public utilities (garbage collection, snow removal, watering, etc.) and fire trucks.
Specialized and special vehicles are manufactured on the basis of general purpose trucks.
Depending on the purpose and loads on the wheel axle, two types of trucks are distinguished: on-road and off-road. Cars of the first type are intended for driving on public roads, the second type - on special roads or on terrain. In Russia, there is a division of trucks into two groups depending on the axle load: up to 60 kN and up to 100 kN per axle. These vehicles correspond to the load-bearing capacity of the roads of the general network of two main types. Vehicles with an axle load of more than 100 kN are classified as off-road vehicles.
Cars by the total number of wheels and the number of driving wheels are designated by the wheel formula 4Х2, 4Ч4, 6Ч6, 8Ч8, etc., where the first digit corresponds to the number of wheels of the car, and the second to the number of driving wheels. In this case, each dual drive wheel is taken as one whole.
According to the UNECE international classification, trucks are divided into three categories based on gross weight: N1 - up to 3.5 tons; N2 - from 3.5 to 12 tons and N3 - over 12 tons.
In the classification according to load capacity, trucks are distinguished as extra small (up to 0.75 t), small (from 0.75 to 2.5 t), medium (from 2.5 to 5.0 t), large (from 5.0 t up to 10 t) and especially large (over 10 t).
Trailers and semi-trailers according to the domestic classification are marked with a four-digit digital index, preceded by the letter designation of the manufacturer. At the same time, for various models of trailers (semi-trailers), the following first two digits of the four index are given: passenger cars - 81 (91), cargo flatbeds - 83 (93), dump trucks - 85 (95), tanks - 86 (96), vans - 87 (97) and special - 89 (99).
The second two digits of the four index for trailers and semi-trailers are assigned depending on their gross weight, according to which trailers and semi-trailers are divided into five groups (Table 1.4).
Trailers and semi-trailers are marked as follows. For example, heavy-duty trailer ChMZAP-8390 means: Chelyabinsk Machine-Building Plant of Automotive Trailers, flatbed cargo trailer, gross weight over 24 tons.
Table 1.4
Groups of trailers and semi-trailers depending on their total weight
According to the UNECE international classification, trailed rolling stock is divided into four categories (Table 1.5).
With the development of the automotive industry, the number of models increased, which differed in size, weight and technical characteristics. In the most developed countries, government agencies began to keep records of cars.
Gradually, a certain system emerged; cars were divided into several classes, which were tabulated for convenience.
Abroad, the classification of vehicles has developed taking into account local characteristics. The subsequent development of globalization processes in the economy and the opening of markets for the products of automobile companies served to develop new standards in the field of transport accounting.
As a result, several vehicle classification systems have emerged that operate in individual countries or extend to entire continents:
- In the EU, the ECE and EuroNCAP classifications apply. In addition, there are own systems in France and Spain;
- in North America and Canada;
- in Asia, national classifications were developed in Japan and China.
The classes of cars in them are determined based on different parameters, in particular, some technical characteristics can be taken as a basis, for example: engine size, curb weight or length of the car. Regulation in this area also affected some other parameters that began to be established at the legislative level.
Classification of cars by class in different countries (table)
In developed countries, the number of cars in operation and leaving factory assembly lines is constantly increasing. Transport is subject to accounting, which requires a certain systematization and formalization. In each country, this issue is approached taking into account the current legislation and regulatory framework and certain national characteristics.
In Russia
The division of vehicles into categories in each country took into account national characteristics. In the Soviet Union, and later in the Russian Federation, this process was delegated to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, within which bodies for vehicle registration were created. At first it was an ORUD, then it was replaced by the State Traffic Inspectorate, and currently these functions are performed by.
Registration and examination departments are executive bodies, and methodological work was carried out by specialized institutes. In the Soviet Union, a fairly harmonious system for distributing cars into classes was developed. It was put into effect in 1966 by a special document OH 025270-66 (industry standard). At the moment it is more of a recommendation nature.
In accordance with the industry standard OH 025270‑66, passenger cars are divided into 5 classes depending on engine displacement.
Table: classification of passenger cars in accordance with OH 025270‑66
In accordance with the mentioned document, the name of each model consists of the abbreviation of the manufacturer and a digital code of four or more digits, which denote the following:
- The first is the car class.
- The second is the type of vehicle.
- The third and fourth are the serial number of the model.
- Fifth - modification.
- The sixth is an imported version.
As an example of the use of this classification in relation to a popular Soviet-made car, we can cite its decoding for one of the small class models. The designation VAZ-21079 means:
- 2 - the car has an engine capacity ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 liters;
- 1 - passenger version;
- 07 – the seventh model according to factory numbering;
- 9 – modification in this case with a rotary piston engine.
The system turned out to be quite convenient in the conditions of a centralized state and a planned economy. In Russia, the system of classifying cars into established classes has remained unchanged since Soviet times. In conditions of market economy, some Russian manufacturers allow deviations from established practice, which can lead to confusion and disorientation of the consumer.
In Europe
The unification of Europe and the formation of supranational structures led to the formation of a single economic and legal space. This process also affected such an area as the classification of cars by class; the authorized structures developed a corresponding table. The main parameter by which the division into categories was carried out was the overall dimensions.
Video - classes of passenger cars with examples:
As a result, all existing models were divided into six main classes, which for convenience were designated by the first letters of the Latin alphabet. Below is the official table of car classes adopted in the EU.
The accepted methodology for determining the category of cars is not perfect; some models do not fit into it. To correct this situation, the classification of cars by class in Europe was supplemented with three more categories. Their descriptions are presented in the table below:
However, these additions were not enough. We had to make additions to the existing system and add two classes: vans and pickups. It should be understood that this division is rather arbitrary and rather reflects the relationship of the model to a specific market segment. It is not without reason that after upgrading a machine, even if its dimensions change, the manufacturer assigns it to the previously announced category.
Ecological class of the car
The massive development of transport equipped with internal combustion engines could not but affect the environment. In the early nineties of the last century, a number of regulations were developed in the European Union that established the level of maximum permissible concentrations of harmful substances in exhaust. Thus, the concept of an environmental class car was introduced.
The first set of rules received the general name Euro-1 and was approved in 1992. The rapid development of technology was followed by further tightening of requirements for cars coming off the assembly line.
So, after 4 years, a new Euro-2 standard appears, and a little later Euro-3. However, it was not the last in this series, and currently the fifth version of environmental standards in the field of vehicle regulation is in force.
Our country joined this process much later - the Euro-2 standard was introduced only nine years ago. Every two years the requirements became more complicated and by now all cars imported into the Russian Federation must comply with the latest fifth version of this standard.
A natural question arises: how to find out the environmental class of a car and where to find the necessary information.
State control in this area is entrusted to special certification bodies that carry out examination of vehicles. Information on the issuance of relevant documents for a specific model can be found on the official website of the Federal Agency for Technical Regulation and Metrology. As practice shows, you can find out the environmental class of a car using the following data: the make (model) of the car and the year it left the assembly line.
The specified information is necessary, first of all, for carrying out the MREO. In 2005, changes were made to the regulations on PTS and now the specified document required for registering a newly imported car into the country cannot be obtained without a certificate. From January 1 last year, the car must comply with the latest Euro-5 standards.
Legislators have also made changes to the fiscal system; the size of the road toll now directly depends on the degree of negative impact of the car on the environment. As a rule, you can find out the environmental class of a car for transport tax on the website of the same Federal Agency dealing with issues of technical regulation and metrology.
Other car classification options
Categories A, B, C, D, E
To operate a car, the driver needs certain skills corresponding to the category of the vehicle. In 2013, the familiar car classes A, B, C, D, E were changed in accordance with the new edition of the Federal Law “On Road Safety”. A number of subcategories have been added to the existing five categories, giving the right to drive a certain type of transport or hitch.
Now, to drive a popular scooter, you will need a driver's license. It should be an open category A1, and the holder of a motorcycle license can also ride such a vehicle.
Some changes also affected the class of passenger cars, which includes all cars weighing up to 3.5 tons. In order to drive with a heavy trailer, the car owner will have to open category BE.
A separate class B1 includes such exotic cars for our country as tricycles and ATVs. Previously, driving them on public roads was completely illegal. The introduction of this legal norm will allow owners of the mentioned means of transportation to legally use their property both within populated areas and outside them. Some changes have also been made regarding the rights to drive trucks and road trains.
By prestige
Cars of the same size can differ significantly in the level of equipment and, accordingly, in cost. The prestige of a model is also determined by its brand. It’s not without reason that well-known companies have created branches that produce premium cars. We are talking about brands such as Lexus, Infiniti, Acura, Maybach and others. There are also companies specializing exclusively in expensive cars: Porsche, Maserati, Bentley and others.
The Chevrolet Corvette belongs to the S-class
Limousines can be distinguished as a separate class of cars, which differ from conventional models by the presence of a partition between the driver's seat and the passenger compartment. It should be noted that such cars were produced only in three countries: in England - by the Rolls-Royce company, in the Soviet Union, and later in Russia at the ZIL automobile plant, and in the People's Republic of China under the Red Wall brand.
Limousines from other manufacturers are, by and large, remakes of production models. The standard body is lengthened and strengthened, and equipped accordingly. The high cost of this type of car is determined primarily by the high cost of manual labor. Many assembly operations are often performed by qualified specialists under the supervision of engineering and technical personnel.
Ambulance transport
In addition to passenger and cargo vehicles, there are also suitably equipped vehicles for special services. These include firefighters, rescue workers, doctors and law enforcement. To carry out the tasks assigned to them, vehicles equipped on the basis of serial models of different categories are used.
Ambulance vehicles are also divided into classes
Accordingly, they differ from each other in technical characteristics and equipment. There are the following classes of emergency medical vehicles:
- A - a vehicle for transporting patients under the supervision of a doctor, paramedic or nurse. These ambulances do not have the equipment to provide emergency care to the patient. Such special transport in our country is usually made on the basis of minibuses from the Gorky Automobile Plant.
- B - an emergency medical vehicle is designed to transport patients while simultaneously performing certain medical procedures. A special compartment of the car is equipped with diagnostic devices that allow monitoring the patient’s condition until he is delivered to a medical facility.
- C - reanimobile is an ambulance equipped to perform medical procedures by specialized medical teams directly in the process of transporting a sick or wounded person to a hospital or hospital.
The described classification system allows you to keep records of them by class, degree of equipment and other indicators. There are certain standards for the number of special vehicles of different categories. It is set for urban and rural areas, taking into account population density, distance to the nearest ambulance station and other factors.
For car wash
Some industry associations in the field of transport or other types of business may also develop their own classification systems.
There is, for example, a classification of cars into classes for car washes, designed to simplify the accounting of enterprises belonging to one company in the network. This is necessary to establish uniform tariffs and resolve other economic issues.
For car rental
Similar systems have been developed in large companies operating in the field. The fleet of international corporations such as Enterprise, Hertz or Avis exceeds tens of thousands of equipment of different models and manufacturers. To simplify control, SIPP codes were introduced, which determine not only the class, but also the equipment of the rental car.
This approach allows advertising materials and official documents not to indicate a complete list of cars by brand, but to publish a list by class in the form of a table. When placing an order, the client only needs to indicate information about what category of car he would like to receive for temporary use, taking into account the level of its equipment. This is much simpler than stipulating the provision of a car of a certain brand and configuration.
Rental companies have the opportunity to respond in a timely manner to changes in market conditions in a particular region. Having a table of car classes with examples in hand, the manager can quickly contact management and transmit data on the availability of cars and the level of demand for them. Based on the information received, the administration can redirect some of the machines from other branches.
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