--- title: "Classification of automobile vehicles" subject: "Automotive Technology" chapter: 1 key: "semester_5/automotive_technology:classification-of-automobiles" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/automotive_technology/classification-of-automobiles site: BCT Engineering --- # Classification of automobile vehicles Automotive Technology · Chapter 1: Introduction - Asked in: year not given, 6 marks - Video: [Classification of automobile || Types of automobile || Automobile engineering](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-OcfK5PDa8) — Technical studio engg. - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/automotive_technology/classification-of-automobiles - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/automotive_technology/chapter-1 ## Question 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. ## 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. ## Answer An **automobile** is a self-propelled road vehicle that carries passengers or goods. Automobiles are classified in several ways. #### Classification | Basis | Types | Examples | |---|---|---| | Fuel used | Petrol (SI), diesel (CI), CNG/LPG, electric, hybrid, fuel cell | Maruti Alto, Tata Nexon EV | | Wheels / axles | 2-wheeler, 3-wheeler, 4-wheeler (two axles), 6-wheeler and multi-axle heavy vehicles | Motorcycle, tempo, car, truck | | Body type | Saloon (sedan), hatchback, station wagon, SUV, pick-up, bus, tipper | Sedan, mini-bus | | Load carried | Light (LMV), medium and heavy (HMV) vehicles | Car, mini-truck, tanker | | Drive | Front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), all-wheel / four-wheel drive (4WD) | FWD hatchback, 4WD jeep | | Engine position | Front, rear, mid-engine | Front engine: most cars; rear: Tata Nano | | Steering | Left-hand drive, right-hand drive | Right-hand drive in Nepal | | Transmission | Manual, semi-automatic, automatic | AMT, CVT, DCT | #### Major systems of a modern automobile ```text 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. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. Which set lists fuel-based types of automobile given in the answer? A. Petrol, diesel, CNG/LPG, electric, hybrid, fuel cell B. Saloon, hatchback, SUV, pick-up C. FWD, RWD, 4WD D. Manual, semi-automatic, automatic Answer: A. Fuel used gives petrol (SI), diesel (CI), CNG/LPG, electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. The other lists are body, drive and transmission classes. (Key point: Classification by fuel) 2. A Tata Nano is given as an example of which engine position? A. Front engine B. Mid-engine C. Rear engine D. Engine under the seat of a 4WD Answer: C. Most cars have the engine at the front; the Tata Nano is the rear-engine example. (Key point: Drive and engine position) 3. Which is a classification by drive? A. Left-hand and right-hand drive B. Front-wheel, rear-wheel and all-wheel/four-wheel drive C. Light, medium and heavy D. Petrol and diesel Answer: B. Drive refers to which wheels are driven: FWD, RWD or AWD/4WD. Left/right-hand drive is a steering classification. (Key point: Classification by drive) 4. Into which major system do frame, suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tyres fall? A. Power unit B. Transmission C. Body D. Chassis Answer: D. The chassis comprises frame, suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tyres. The power unit is the engine and its auxiliary systems. 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