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Classification of automobile vehicles

Short answer

Automobiles are classified by fuel (petrol, diesel, electric, etc.), number of wheels/axles (2, 3, 4, 6, multi-axle), body type (sedan, hatchback, SUV, etc.), drive (FWD, RWD, AWD), and engine position (front, rear, mid). Major systems include power unit, transmission, chassis, body, and electrical/electronics.

Classify automobiles on the basis of (i) fuel used, (ii) number of wheels and axles, (iii) body type and (iv) drive and engine position. Briefly name the major systems of a modern automobile.

An automobile is a self-propelled road vehicle that carries passengers or goods. Automobiles are classified in several ways.

Classification

BasisTypesExamples
Fuel usedPetrol (SI), diesel (CI), CNG/LPG, electric, hybrid, fuel cellMaruti Alto, Tata Nexon EV
Wheels / axles2-wheeler, 3-wheeler, 4-wheeler (two axles), 6-wheeler and multi-axle heavy vehiclesMotorcycle, tempo, car, truck
Body typeSaloon (sedan), hatchback, station wagon, SUV, pick-up, bus, tipperSedan, mini-bus
Load carriedLight (LMV), medium and heavy (HMV) vehiclesCar, mini-truck, tanker
DriveFront-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), all-wheel / four-wheel drive (4WD)FWD hatchback, 4WD jeep
Engine positionFront, rear, mid-engineFront engine: most cars; rear: Tata Nano
SteeringLeft-hand drive, right-hand driveRight-hand drive in Nepal
TransmissionManual, semi-automatic, automaticAMT, CVT, DCT

Major systems of a modern automobile

 Engine --> Clutch --> Gearbox --> Propeller shaft
                                        |
 Fuel, ignition, cooling,         Differential
 lubrication, exhaust                   |
                                  Rear/front axle --> Wheels
 Frame + Body + Suspension + Steering + Brakes
 Electrical system + Electronics (ECU, sensors)
  1. Power unit: the engine with its fuel, ignition, cooling, lubrication and exhaust systems.
  2. Transmission: clutch, gearbox, propeller shaft, differential and axles.
  3. Chassis: frame, suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tyres.
  4. Body: passenger compartment, doors and seats.
  5. Electrical and electronic systems: battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ECU and sensors.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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