Car Roof Types and Mounting Systems

Car Type and Body Style

Cars can be classified by body style or design:

Coupé	(2-door version)
Sedan	(4-door version)
Hatchback*	(3- or 5-door version)
MPV, SUV	(higher passenger cars and off-road vehicles)
Station wagon	(avant, estate, combi, variant, tourer, touring, break, SW, wagon)

* 4 or 5 doors
The difference between a sedan and a hatchback is in the rear door. If it provides access to the passenger area (the rear window lifts up with the tailgate), it is a hatchback. If it has a closed-off trunk, it is a sedan.

Roof Type

It is very important to know the roof type:

Bare roof	No visible mounting points. More cars with a bare roof.
Roof rails	Raised open rails along the length of the roof. More cars with roof rails.
Flush rails	A raised closed ridge along the roof. More cars with flush rails.
T-track	A longitudinal slot in the roof. More cars with T-track.
Fixpoint	There are four caps or screw holes on the roof. More cars with fixpoint.
Gutter	A ridge/gutter is located above the doors. More cars with gutters.