This is a very lightweight, all plastic vacuum - not really a true canister vac.  I purchased this vac solely for use in vacuuming my automobiles and it is perfect for that.  The unit is extremely light - perhaps only four pounds or so - meaning that it can easily be lifted and moved around.  It is small - about 16 inches long by 6 inches wide by 8 inches tall - so it will easily sit on a car seat while being used.  Alternately, the hose in long enough so that the "canister" unit can be left on the ground outside the car.