Lower middle class

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The Volkswagen Type 1 , known as the Beetle , was the best-selling lower mid-range vehicle in Germany. Here is an export model from 1966.

Lower middle class is the designation for the vehicle class between small cars and middle class . This designation was particularly common until the VW Golf I appeared in 1974. Since then, vehicles of this size class have mostly been classified in the compact class.

Differentiation from the compact class

Vehicles that appeared from 1974 onwards are usually assigned to the compact class. However, vehicles that appeared before 1974 are also classified into these if they have the typical features of the compact class ( transversely mounted front engine , front-wheel drive , hatchback and large tailgate).

An example of this is the Autobianchi Primula presented in 1964 . The Simca 1100 from 1967 also had the front engine installed transversely and thus the more compact design that is still common today.

Occasionally, notchback models derived from vehicles in the compact class are referred to as “lower middle class”, but the Federal Motor Transport Authority also assigns them to the compact class.

Some examples