With Australia’s large sprawling cities and wide open spaces, cars are an essential part of the modern Australian lifestyle. The vehicles seen on local roads are constantly changing, with different models designed to satisfy customers in their native environment.
From hatches and sedans on city streets to 4WDs and utes on country roads, vehicles of all shapes and sizes have become part of the Australian landscape.
Ever since fabricators learned to manipulate steel and transform the body types of cars, they have evolved into several distinct forms. This guide will take a look at the wide range of different car makes available in Australia - from a more common city car like a hatch or sedan, to the more luxury car types like convertible sports cars.
The hatch - great fuel economy in a small package
The humble hatch is one of the small cars that are a regular sight on city streets around Australia. Also known as a hatchback, this vehicle features a small body with a rear door that opens to a cargo area. For many, this compact body shape represents the ultimate in driving economy and convenience.
While the hatchback has always been popular, rising petrol prices and tighter parking spaces continue to increase its appeal as a more cost-effective vehicle. The new ‘hot hatch’ segment has breathed new life into the hatchback market by merging practical design with agile performance and sporting pedigree.
Some popular hatches include:
Mazda 3
Toyota Corolla
Hyundai i30
The sedan - a family car for many occasions
The traditional sedan has always had a strong presence in Australia. With four side doors and a large functional boot, the sedan is all about family. You probably remember sedans from your childhood, but they’ve become much less common over recent years.
While many Australian motorists still love the sedan shape, the market has shifted towards hatches and SUVs. Some manufacturers have attempted to modernise the traditional sedan, with the curved rear lines of some designs mimicking their hatchback counterparts.
Some popular sedans include:
Honda Civic
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Cerato
The people mover - transport big groups with ease
The unmistakable people mover satisfies a relatively small market segment, but for these people, it’s the perfect vehicle. Like a van designed for people instead of goods, people movers are ideal for large families who need more seating. Along with families, these cars are also used by some businesses and community groups.
The people mover shape features a spacious cabin that can accommodate seven, eight, or sometimes even nine people. With the traditional family sedan limited to just five, this offers much more freedom for growing families. People movers feature a large chassis and either one or two sliding doors on either side of the cabin.
Some popular people movers include:
Kia Carnival
Honda Odyssey
Hyundai Staria
The sports car - luxury and performance
If you’re a true car enthusiast, you’ve probably considered buying a sports car. These luxury cars offer sleek bodies, advanced technology features, and fantastic performance - but at a steeper cost than most other body types. Most sports cars are expensive to run, and many models feature just two side doors.
Australia has a healthy sports car market, and there’s even a subcategory of family-friendly sports vehicles. Along with traditional two-door models, normal passenger cars are available in sports variants to satisfy this larger market segment.
Some popular sports cars include:
Nissan Z
Ford Mustang
Mazda MX-5
The SUV - bridging the city and the country
The sports utility vehicle (SUV) is Australia’s fastest-growing market segment. While these cars are often confused with 4WDs, they represent two distinct car types. SUVs are available in two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants, the latter of which offer greater traction and better towing capabilities.
These cars are cheaper to manufacture and more economical to operate than 4WDs, and they’re also built with more compact suspension systems. While people in rural areas often buy powerful full-size 4WDs, sports utility vehicles are hugely popular all over Australia.
Some popular SUVs include:
Toyota Kluger
Hyundai Tucson
Mazda CX-5
The 4WD - traverse any terrain
The 4WD is an outback Australian classic. Classic 4WD vehicles are designed with a separate transfer case, which often includes multiple 4WD modes. Engaging these modes is usually done via a manual process, with the driver needing to slow down or even stop the vehicle before changing over to 4WD.
This is usually accomplished by turning a dial or using a lever. Most 4WDs offer a low-range mode for negotiating rugged terrain and a high-range mode for good traction at faster speeds.
Toyota Landcruiser Prado VX
Ford Ranger XLT
Isuzu MU-X
The station wagon - a previously common classic
The station wagon was once a common sight on Australian roads, but it’s fallen by the wayside over recent years. The rising popularity of the sport utility vehicle is largely to blame, with new SUV designs often copying the wagon form.
Much like modern SUVs, the traditional station wagon features four side doors, a high-capacity storage area, and a pop-up rear door. These vehicles are perfect for road trips with friends or family, as they feature lots of seating and storage space. Traditional station wagons continue to inspire new designs for large hatchbacks, small people movers, and SUVs.
Some popular station wagons include:
Subaru Outback
Audi RS6
Volvo V60
The ute - the mix of power and function
The utility vehicle is a cornerstone of Australian life. Made for the working man or woman and loved by people of all ages, the humble ute is the most distinctive class of Australian vehicles. Tradies and single men widely use these vehicles, and they also make a great second car for families.
Most models feature two doors and two seats, while select dual-cab models have four seats to transport extra people or gear. What utes all have in common, however, is a large integrated tray attached to the body of the vehicle. From carrying tools and camping gear to moving furniture and recreation equipment, the great Aussie ute can do it all.
Some popular utes include:
Mazda BT-50
Isuzu D-MAX
Toyota Hilux
Electric and hybrid engines
Along with body types, modern vehicles can also be classified according to their engines. While the internal combustion engine has fuelled the entire history of cars so far, the electric revolution is very much underway.
In modern Australia, you can drive combustion cars fuelled by petrol, diesel, or LPG, along with new hybrid and electric cars. Internal combustion vehicles are available for all body shapes, with commercial electric and hybrid vehicles sometimes limited to select body shapes.
Modern electric vehicles offer numerous advantages over traditional cars. Not only do they have environmental benefits, but they’re also much quieter and more economical to run. However, there can be limitations when it comes to high performance, long journeys, and off-road capabilities.
For these reasons, finding an electric or hybrid 4WD, SUV, or ute can be difficult. While electric and hybrid cars are widely available, most models are either sedans or compact hatchbacks.
Get your next car through an easi novated lease
If you want to lease a reliable vehicle anywhere in Australia, Easi makes it simple with many car types and models available. From compact hatches to versatile SUVs, and powerful 4WDs, we have many different types of cars ready to go.
Contact Easi today and join thousands of Aussies who choose to save on fuel and maintenance with the convenience of an Easi Novated Lease.
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