How Car Types Have Changed: From Saloons to SUVs and EVs

The UK car market has moved from saloons and hatchbacks in the 1980s and 1990s, through the MPV boom of the 2000s, to SUVs and crossovers in the 2010s and electric cars today. Knowing how each type came about helps you choose the right shape of car for the way you drive now.

What were the most popular cars in the 1980s and 1990s?

Saloons and hatchbacks dominated. Cars such as the Ford Sierra and Vauxhall Cavalier were common with business users and long-distance drivers, while hatchbacks such as the Volkswagen Golf and Peugeot 205 became everyday family and commuter cars. They were affordable, cheap to run and the right size for British roads.

Why did MPVs become so popular?

From the late 1990s, people carriers such as the Renault Espace and Vauxhall Zafira offered more space and flexible seating for growing families. Estates such as the Volvo V70 and Ford Mondeo Estate were popular for the same reason. MPVs were hard to beat for prams, shopping and the school run, but their boxy looks gradually fell out of fashion.

How did SUVs and crossovers take over?

In the 2010s, cars such as the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Ford Kuga and Renault Captur combined a higher driving position with running costs closer to a hatchback. Many families swapped their MPVs for crossovers, and SUVs are now one of the most common types of car on UK roads.

How are electric cars changing car types?

Electric cars often blur the old categories. Many have the interior space of a larger car in a shorter body, because there is no engine to package. Electric hatchbacks, crossovers and vans are all now available, and the sale of new pure petrol and diesel cars is due to end in 2030. Our guide to the 2030 petrol and diesel ban explains what it means for drivers.

Which type of car suits South Yorkshire driving?

• SUVs and crossovers. Suit a mix of school runs, country roads and motorway trips to Sheffield or Leeds.

• Hatchbacks. Still a sensible choice for town driving and easy parking.

• Estates. Fewer are sold today, but they offer large boots and often drive better than an SUV of a similar size.

• Electric hatchbacks and crossovers. Work well for local commuting, especially if you can charge at home.

• Vans. Remain essential for tradespeople, with electric versions now available.

Our guide to car segments explained sets out what each term means.

Common questions

Are MPVs still made?

Very few traditional MPVs are still sold new in the UK. Most families now choose a seven-seat SUV instead, but used MPVs remain good value for space.

Is an SUV more expensive to run than a hatchback?

Usually a little. SUVs tend to be heavier and less aerodynamic, so fuel or energy use, tyres and insurance can cost more. The difference depends on the model.

Are estate cars making a comeback?

Estates sell in smaller numbers than SUVs, but they still appeal to buyers who want a large boot without the height and weight of an SUV.

Looking for your next car in Barnsley?

Browse our current stock for your next car, or visit our EV hub if you are thinking of going electric. We are in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Call our sales team on 01226 574410.

Updated October 2026.