Compact MPV(an abbreviation forCompactMulti-Purpose Vehicle) is avehicle size classfor the middle size of MPVs. The Compact MPV size class sits between themini MPVand large MPV (minivan) size classes.
Compact MPVs remain predominantly a European phenomenon, although they are also built and sold in many Latin American, African, and Asian markets. As of 2016[update],the only compact MPV sold widely in the United States was theFord C-Max.
Characteristics
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The flexibility of the interior seating is a common theme amongst compact MPVs. Many models have seats that can be individually folded or easily removed, and the upright seating positions maximises use of the interior space. The seating arrangement is usually either two rows (for a total of five seats) or three rows (for a total of seven seats), with the second row having three seats and the other row(s) having two seats.
Some compact MPVs also three seats in both the front and rear rows, and are therefore referred to as six-seaters.
Where a third row of seats is present, the seats are often smaller and intended for children or short distance travel only. In some cars, these seats can only carry a limited weight (less than an adult's weight). The third row of seating is usually optional, and is not available on all models of compact MPVs.
Most compact MPVs do not have sliding doors as compared to the large-sizedMulti-purpose vehicle,being more similar to the older (and concurrent)station wagons.
History
editPredecessors to the compact MPV segment are the 1977 AMC Concept 80 AM Van, the 1978Lancia Megagammaand the 1982Lada X-1concept cars.[1][2][3]
Early production models of compact MPVs include, the 1982Nissan Prairieand the 1991Mitsubishi RVR(marketed as "Space Runner" in Europe and "Expo LRV" in the United States).[4][5]Others include the "well-reviewed but slow-selling" 1984–87 Honda Civic Wagon and the 1982-1988 Tercel Wagon.[6]TheNissan Axxesshad limited space behind its second row seats, but featured rear sliding doors on both sides making it like a minivan that was "shrunk in the dryer."[7]Although not classified at the time as MPVs, but variously described as space-efficient small people movers, functional high station wagons, or small vans.[6]Examples of models – that consumers in the U.S. seemed to avoid because of "resistance to obvious utility" – include the "mini-minivan" 3-door hatchback wagons with a sliding side door on only the passenger side that were marketed as theEagle SummitWagon,Mitsubishi Expo,andPlymouth ColtVista.[6][8]
Some claim that the 1996Renault Scénicis credited with creating the compact MPV segment.[9]
The 1999Opel/Vauxhall/Chevrolet Zafirawas the first compact MPV with seven seats.[citation needed]
Models
editThe five highest selling compact MPVs in Europe in 2018 were theRenault Scénic,Volkswagen Touran,Citroën C4 Picasso,BMW 2 Series Active Tourer / Gran TourerandMercedes-Benz B-Class.[10]
References
edit- ^Ernst, Kurt (2 July 2014)."AMC's Concept 80 AM Van to go on display at Kenosha History Center".Hemmings.Retrieved7 August2014.
- ^"CAP Online: The cars of Giorgio Giugiaro".Jyanet.Retrieved29 March2019.
- ^"Sovjetunionens hemliga projekt – bortglömt idag".Mestmotor(in Swedish). SE.Retrieved29 March2019.
- ^"Nissan Prairie (1982–1988)".Honest John.UK.Retrieved29 March2019.
- ^"Mitsubishi Space Wagon & Space Runner (1991–1999) used car review".RAC.UK. Archived fromthe originalon 29 March 2019.Retrieved29 March2019.
- ^abcAppel, Tom (18 September 2017)."Forgotten Functionality: Recalling the 1994 Eagle Summit Wagon, Mitsubishi Expo, and Plymouth Colt Vista".The Daily Drive.Consumer Guide.Retrieved23 December2020.
- ^Ramey, Jay (2 April 2020)."Remember the Nissan Axxess? Here's why this minivan was offered for just one year".Autoweek.Retrieved23 December2020.
- ^"How Eagle Cars Work".Auto.How Stuff Works. 18 June 2007.Retrieved23 December2020.
- ^"Group 7: Compact MPVs".Auto Express.UK. 15 February 2010.Retrieved7 August2014.
- ^"European sales 2018 midsized MPV segment".carsalesbase.14 February 2019.Retrieved25 March2019.