Mini MPV

Fiat 500L
Renault Modus
Opel Meriva, first generation
Kia Venga
Lancia Musa
Nissan Note

Mini MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) or B-segment MPV is a vehicle size classification describing a high-roof supermini or subcompact hatchback with a flexible interior layout, fitting below the compact MPV and large MPV/Minivan classifications.[1]

The mini MPV combines a tall, high-roof five-door one- or two-box hatchback body configuration with a supermini's platform, engines and mechanicals — in order to provide the interior volume, packaging and comfort of a larger C-segment vehicle within a B-segment footprint. The configuration offers higher h-point seating, easy passenger and cargo access with wide-opening rear doors and large rear hatch, and a re-configurable interior volume with seats that recline, slide, tumble, fold flat or allow easy removal — allowing users to reprioritize passenger and cargo volumes.

Arising in the late 1990s when the market for minivans grew in diversity, the term mini-MPV appeared in the Daily Telegraph in 2000,[2] referring to larger models now classified as compact MPVs.[3]

Writing for The Telegraph in 2004, noted automotive journalist James May wrote that mini-MPV's "are invariably based on an existing hatchback, but offer more headroom, extra 'oddments storage'... and perhaps a touch of sliding seat tomfoolery in the back.... what we are seeing with the mini-MPV is the re-invention of the hatchback, nothing more. It's a good idea, and long overdue, but that's all it is."[4]

Sales

In Europe, the mini-MPV represents a sizeable but shrinking segment, with the Fiat 500L leading the segment since its introduction.[5][6][7][8]

In the United States, sales of mini-MPV's are small, with the same Fiat 500L recording 30,000 sales as of early 2017 — over four model years.[9]

In Canada, as of 2013, the market for mini-MPV's wasn't "large, and even the overarching minivan segment is gradually shrinking as the industry expands."[10]

2013 European mini-MPV sales reached 411,833 in 2012 and 450,897 in 2013.[7]
2014 By 2014 sales of small MPVs in Europe plateaued at just over 400,000 annual sales, as sales of small crossovers increased.[5]
2015 By 2015, the small MPV segment in Europe fell as small crossover segment increased, with sales down 15% in 2015 to 350,000, the lowest figure for the segment since 2003 when the first generation Opel Meriva appeared.[6]
2016 By the first quarter of 2016, sales fell 20% after the 15% drop in 2015, with the Fiat 500L leading the segment in sales.[8]

Examples

References

  1. ↑ "Our pick: Top 10 used mini-MPVs". Auto Trader. 3 August 2010. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
  2. ↑ "A family van in 4x4 clothing". Daily Telegraph. 5 December 2000. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  3. ↑ Chapman, Giles (17 May 2003). "The Space Race". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  4. ↑ May, James (July 3, 2004). "As seen on TV: Get a life, not a mini-MPV". The Telegraph.
  5. 1 2 Demandt, Bart (February 14, 2015). "European sales 2014 Small MPV segment". Carsalesbase.com.
  6. 1 2 Demandt, Bart (February 3, 2016). "European sales 2015 Small MPV segment". Carsalesbase.com.
  7. 1 2 Demandt, Bart (February 4, 2014). "European sales 2013 Small MPV segment". Carsalesbase.com.
  8. 1 2 Demandt, Bart (November 26, 2016). "European sales 2016 Q1-Q3 small MPV segment". Carsalesbase.com.
  9. ↑ "Fiat 500L sales in USA". Carsitaly.com.
  10. ↑ Cain, Timothy (July 16, 2013). "Canada's ever-changing mini-MPV sales race". Autofocus.ca.
  11. ↑ "Geneva 2012: the rise of the mini-MPV". Top Gear. 7 March 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
  12. ↑ "Maruti Ertiga preview". Autocar India. 26 December 2011. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
  13. ↑ "Kia wins four red dot design awards for its compact models". Kiabuzz (Press release). 12 March 2013. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
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