You’ve likely encountered the term “saloon car” frequently, but what exactly defines this vehicle type? In essence, a saloon car, often referred to as a sedan in North America, is characterized by its distinct three-box design, where the engine compartment, passenger cabin, and luggage compartment are clearly separated. This classic configuration distinguishes it from other body styles and carries a certain prestige in the automotive world.
Decoding the Saloon Car: The 3-Box Silhouette
The most defining feature of a saloon car is its “three-box” design. Imagine viewing the car from the side; you’ll discern three distinct volumes. The first box at the front houses the engine, the middle box is dedicated to the passenger compartment, and the final box at the rear forms the cargo or luggage compartment, commonly known as the boot. This tri-partite structure is the hallmark of a saloon, setting it apart from “two-box” designs prevalent in hatchbacks, estates (wagons), and SUVs, where the passenger and cargo areas are combined into a single volume. This clear separation not only dictates the car’s profile but also influences its functionality and perceived elegance.
Accessing the Boot: Separated but Still Accessible
While the boot of a saloon car is structurally separate from the passenger cabin by the rear bulkhead and back seats, it doesn’t mean it’s entirely inaccessible from within the car. Modern saloon cars often incorporate practical features to enhance versatility. Many models are equipped with split-folding rear seats, typically in a 60/40 configuration, allowing for expansion of the cargo space into the cabin when needed. Furthermore, some saloons offer a “through-load” hatch, often positioned in the center rear seatback. This feature is particularly useful for transporting longer items such as skis, without needing to fold down the entire rear seat. However, the primary access to the boot remains the externally hinged boot lid at the rear of the vehicle, maintaining the classic saloon car design.
The 4-Door Configuration: Defining Saloon Car Access
Saloon cars are unequivocally 4-door vehicles when it comes to passenger access. This contrasts with estates or crossover/SUVs where the large, top-hinged boot lid is classified as a “fifth door,” leading to their designation as 5-door cars. While it’s uncommon for passengers to enter through the boot in estate cars, this classification convention is widely adopted in the automotive industry.
In contrast, some hatchbacks, particularly smaller city cars and superminis, are available as 3-door models. In these cases, the inclusion of the boot lid as a door results in the 3-door designation, accounting for two passenger doors and the rear hatch. However, the trend is shifting towards greater practicality, and 5-door configurations are increasingly preferred by car buyers. Even models like the Volkswagen Polo and Renault Clio, once commonly available in 3-door versions, are now predominantly offered as 5-door vehicles, reflecting the market demand for enhanced accessibility and convenience.
Are Saloon Cars Becoming Less Popular? Market Trends and Prestige
While saloon cars may not dominate sales charts as they did in the 1970s, they maintain a significant presence in the automotive landscape. The rise of SUVs and crossovers has undoubtedly impacted the popularity of traditional saloon cars. However, many manufacturers remain committed to producing 4-door saloon models. There’s an enduring perception of prestige and sophistication associated with the saloon car body style that ensures its continued appeal, particularly in specific market segments. Despite the SUV surge, saloon cars carve out a niche by offering a blend of comfort, style, and a more traditional automotive aesthetic.
Identifying Saloon Cars: Examples Across Vehicle Segments
It’s crucial to clarify that no SUV or crossover qualifies as a saloon car. Despite some concept explorations, the defining characteristics of these vehicle types firmly place them outside the saloon category. Similarly, city cars and superminis are predominantly hatchbacks, further distinguishing the saloon car segment.
The saloon car body style typically emerges in the ‘C-segment,’ encompassing cars of the size of a Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla, and Skoda Octavia. While hatchbacks and estates are more common in this class, saloon variants do exist, often carrying a more premium connotation. Historically, manufacturers like Ford, Vauxhall, and Volkswagen offered saloon versions of their C-segment models (e.g., Ford Orion, Vauxhall Belmont, VW Jetta/Bora), but these specific model lines are largely discontinued in many markets. Toyota, however, continues to offer a Corolla saloon, alongside hatchback and estate versions, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the saloon in certain regions.
Moving to the ‘D-segment,’ traditionally considered the heartland of saloon cars (think Ford Cortina, Vauxhall Cavalier), the landscape has shifted significantly. This segment is shrinking as buyers increasingly gravitate towards crossover-SUVs. While models like the Volkswagen Passat, Peugeot 508, and Skoda Superb exist in this category, they are often configured as hatchbacks or estates, even if some, like the Peugeot 508, cleverly disguise their hatchback design to resemble a saloon. The VW Passat and Toyota Camry remain examples of true saloons in this segment, though estate versions are also readily available.
The premium sector is where saloon cars truly thrive today. In the compact premium class, options include the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi A4 Saloon, BMW 3 Series, Jaguar XE, Mercedes C-Class, and Volvo S60. Notably, most of these, except the Alfa Romeo and Jaguar XE, are also offered as estate versions (Audi Avant, BMW Touring, Volvo V60), catering to diverse customer preferences.
The executive class expands the saloon car selection further, featuring models like the Audi A6 Saloon, BMW 5 Series, Jaguar XF, Lexus ES, Maserati Ghibli, Mercedes E-Class, and Volvo S90. In this segment, Lexus and Maserati primarily offer saloon-only models, while others provide estate variants (e.g., Jaguar XF Sportbrake, Volvo V90).
At the luxury limo level, saloon cars become the exclusive body style. Models like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Mercedes S-Class epitomize the saloon car concept in its most opulent form. While vehicles like the Porsche Panamera and Tesla Model S are marketed as saloons, they are technically large hatchbacks. However, the Tesla Model 3 and Porsche Taycan are genuine saloons, although the Taycan also offers an estate variant (Cross Turismo).
Finally, the pinnacle of the saloon world is occupied by ultra-luxury marques such as Rolls-Royce (Ghost, Phantom VIII), Bentley (Flying Spur), and Mercedes-Maybach (S-Class Maybach). These represent the most refined and expensive interpretations of the saloon car, solidifying its association with luxury and prestige.
Explore our extensive collection of car guides and reviews for further insights into different car types. If you’re considering your next vehicle, browse our car leasing deals to find the perfect option for your needs.
