Car Information
New to car buying, or not sure what to look for? Here’s everything explained in plain English — so you can find the right car with confidence.
Body Types
The shape and size of a car affects space, comfort and how it drives. Here are the main ones.
Hatchback
Compact and practical with a rear door that opens onto the boot. Easy to park and run.
Great for: city driving & first carsSUV / Crossover
Higher driving position, roomy and rugged-looking. A comfortable, popular all-rounder.
Great for: families & higher seatingSaloon
A separate, enclosed boot and a refined, comfortable ride. Smart and roomy.
Great for: longer journeys & comfortEstate
Like a saloon but with a much bigger boot that extends to the roof. Loads of space.
Great for: luggage, pets & familiesMPV / People Carrier
Maximum seats and flexible space — often 7 seats. Built to carry people and gear.
Great for: larger familiesCoupé
Sporty, stylish two-door design. Focused on looks and driving enjoyment.
Great for: style & funConvertible
A folding or removable roof so you can drive with the top down.
Great for: sunny-day drivingPickup
An open load bed for carrying and towing. Tough and hard-wearing.
Great for: work & towingFuel Types
How a car is powered affects running costs, emissions and where it suits you best.
Petrol
Usually cheaper to buy, smooth and quiet. Ideal for lower-mileage and around-town driving.
Best for: city & shorter tripsDiesel
More economical on long motorway runs with strong pulling power for towing.
Best for: high motorway mileageHybrid (HEV)
Combines a petrol engine with a self-charging electric motor for better economy — no plugging in.
Best for: mixed everyday drivingPlug-in Hybrid (PHEV)
A bigger battery you charge, giving short electric-only trips with a petrol engine as backup.
Best for: short commutes + longer tripsElectric (EV)
Fully electric with zero tailpipe emissions and low running costs. Charged from a plug.
Best for: low running costs & home chargingGearbox: Manual or Automatic?
How the car changes gears — one of the first things to decide.
Manual
You change gears yourself with a clutch and gearstick. Usually cheaper to buy and gives you more control.
Automatic
The car changes gears for you. Easier and more relaxing, especially in stop-start traffic.
How to Choose the Right Car
A few simple questions to point you in the right direction.
Set your budget
Think about the price to buy plus running costs — fuel, insurance and tax.
Space & seats
How many people and how much luggage do you need to carry regularly?
Your mileage
Mostly short city trips, or lots of motorway miles? That guides fuel type.
New or used
Used stretches your budget further; new gives the latest tech and warranty.
Ready to Find Your Car?
Now you know the basics, browse vehicles across the market and find the one that fits.
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