Get to know car categories by Euro-standard segments

The Philippine market has become accustomed to the North American way cars have been labeled with terms like ‘compact’, ‘subcompact’, ‘mid-size’, etc. Recently, more and more automakers have been classifying vehicles (especially for European and ASEAN markets) with a system called the ‘Euro Car Segment’. In 1999, the European Commission designed a way to categorize automobiles with the use of lettered ‘segments’ in order to streamline models into less classes for better comprehension.

A-Segment
These are usually microcars and city cars that buyers will consider for their first-ever car. In the Philippines, sales for A-segment cars saw significant growth along with a growing middle class. Older models like the Toyota Starlet fall under this category — later joined by the Suzuki Swift, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Chevrolet Spark to name a few.

B-Segment
These subcompacts are cars that are smaller than compact vehicles, but still offer basic four-door sedan and five-door hatchback versions. The B-segment includes the Honda City, Toyota Vios, Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, and Hyundai Accent.

C-Segment
These compact cars can seat five, while also providing good trunk space. Such features have made the C-segment a popular choice for companies and families. Models like the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza, and Honda Civic fall under this class.

D-Segment
D-segment cars are mid-size and entry-level luxury models. These vehicles start to get bigger and plusher while receiving more features and equipment. Some D-segments are the Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy, Mazda6, Honda Accord, and BMW 3-Series.

E-Segment
These executive cars are sedans that boast cruising powers, advanced features, and luxurious interiors. German automakers dominate the E-segment with high-end models like the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6.

F-Segment
The F-segment refers to full-size luxury cars with opulent interiors and formidable horsepower. These included the Lexus LS, Rolls-Royce Phantom, and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

S-Segment
This segment concentrates on sporting character and encompasses roadsters, grand tourers, convertibles, and muscle car. Examples range from the Mazda MX-5 and Porsche 911, to the Toyota 86 and Nissan GT-R.

M-Segment
These multi-purpose transport vehicles ferry passengers and cargo. Falling under the M-segment are vans and minivans like the Hyundai Starex and Mercedes V-Class.

J-Segment
4x4s, SUVs, and crossovers reside in the J-segment — a class of cars meant to provide off-road capability to different degrees. The J-segment can refer to city-oriented vehicles like the Chevrolet Trax, Mazda CX-5, and Kia Sorento. While including more competent off-roaders like the Toyota Land Cruiser and Range Rover, mid-size SUVs built around pickup platforms also fall under the J-segment.

Pickup
Pickup trucks of all sizes are not sorted into a lettered category according to the Euro Car Segment. They stay within their very own classification.