In 2025, UK drivers have many vehicle types to choose from—saloons, MPVs, estates, hatchbacks, and even electric vans. However, for many private hire and taxi drivers, saloons are still the top pick. Even with the growing popularity of MPVs and estates, saloons continue to be seen on city streets, motorways, and taxi ranks across the country.
So why do some drivers stick with saloons? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is a Saloon Car?
A saloon (also called a sedan in some countries) is a car with four doors, a separate boot, and a sleek, low design. Classic examples include the Toyota Prius, Skoda Octavia, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. These vehicles are known for comfort, simplicity, and style.
1. Comfort and Drive Quality
One of the biggest reasons drivers choose saloons is how smooth they feel on the road. These cars are built lower to the ground, which makes for better handling and a more stable ride—especially on long trips. Compared to taller MPVs, saloons often feel easier to drive, particularly in tight city spaces.
Passengers also enjoy the ride. With soft seats and quiet cabins, saloons give a professional feel without the need for luxury upgrades.
2. Better Fuel Efficiency
Because saloons are smaller and lighter than most MPVs or estate cars, they tend to use less fuel. This makes them ideal for drivers who cover long distances each day. Whether you’re driving in the city or on the motorway, fewer fuel stops mean more money in your pocket.
This is especially useful for taxi and private hire drivers, where fuel savings make a big difference over time.
3. Easier to Park and Manoeuvre
MPVs and estates can be bulky, especially in crowded areas. Saloons, on the other hand, are easier to navigate through narrow streets and tight parking spots. For drivers working in city centres, this feature alone can make a big difference.
Some saloons now come with built-in sensors, cameras, and self-parking systems, making everyday driving even easier.
4. Lower Cost and Maintenance
Compared to large vehicles, saloons are often cheaper to buy and insure. Spare parts are easier to find, and regular services are more affordable. This makes saloons a smart long-term choice, especially for drivers who want to avoid surprise repair bills.
And when it comes to fleet insurance, saloons usually fall into lower risk categories. If a company operates several cars, choosing saloons can help keep overall insurance costs down. Reliable providers offer fleet insurance that lets businesses insure multiple vehicles under one policy—great for taxi firms or private hire companies looking to control expenses.
5. Ideal for Solo and Business Travel
While MPVs and estates offer more space, not every job needs that much room. For solo passengers, airport runs, or business travel, saloons offer just the right balance of comfort and practicality. They also tend to look more polished, which helps drivers make a good impression—especially for executive or corporate bookings.
What About Luggage and Space?
This is the one area where saloons can fall short. Compared to estates or MPVs, their boot space is smaller. But for many drivers, the trade-off is worth it. If most passengers carry only one or two bags, a saloon still gets the job done. Plus, models like the Skoda Superb or Toyota Camry offer generous boot sizes for their class.
If a driver regularly picks up large groups or travellers with heavy luggage, an estate or MPV might make more sense. But for standard city driving and short-to-medium distance fares, saloons tick most boxes.
Conclusion
Saloons remain a favourite among UK drivers for good reason. They’re efficient, comfortable, and easy to drive. While MPVs and estates have their place, the saloon continues to be a smart, stylish choice—especially for individual drivers and small taxi businesses.
When part of a larger fleet, having the right fleet insurance can make things more simple and affordable for your business. Whether you’re starting out or running a full business, choosing saloons can still be a winning move in 2025.