mini MPV
{{Short description|Subcompact minivan}}
{{distinguish|text=the similarly-named but larger Compact MPV class}}
{{Multiple image
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| width = 240
| image1 = Citroën C3 Picasso (2013 facelift) (cropped).jpg
| caption1 = Citroën C3 Picasso, an example of a two-row mini MPV for the European market
| image2 = 2018 Toyota Avanza 1.3 G F653RM (20190622).jpg
| caption2 = Toyota Avanza, an example of a three-row mini MPV for the Asian market
}}
Mini MPV—an abbreviation for mini multi-purpose vehicle—is a vehicle size class for the smallest size of minivans/MPVs. The mini MPV size class sits below the compact MPV size class{{cite web |title=Our pick: Top 10 used mini-MPVs |url=http://www.autotrader.co.uk/articles/2010/08/cars/nissan/note/our-pick-top-10-mini-mpvs |work=Auto Trader |access-date=28 February 2012 |date=3 August 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120305104605/http://www.autotrader.co.uk/articles/2010/08/cars/nissan/note/our-pick-top-10-mini-mpvs |archive-date=5 March 2012 |url-status=dead }} and the vehicles are often built on the platforms of B-segment hatchback models. By the European definition, the mini MPV commonly consists of vans with two rows of seats, while in Asia mini MPVs with three rows are common. Sliding doors are sometimes also fitted to mini MPVs. Mini MPVs are also called tall-hatchbacks{{cite web|first=Alexander |last=Stoklosa|date=2019-07-17|title=The 2020 Kia Soul Boxes Out the Competition|url= https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a26470868/2020-kia-soul-first-drive/ |access-date=2020-08-21|website=Car and Driver}} or small MPVs.{{cite web|title=Best small MPVs 2018|url= https://www.carkeys.co.uk/guides/best-small-mpvs-2018 |access-date=2020-08-21|website=Car Keys|language=en-GB}}{{cite web|last=Demandt |first=Bart |date=2016-02-03 |title=European sales 2015 Small MPV segment|url= https://carsalesbase.com/european-sales-2015-small-mpv-segment/ |access-date=2020-08-21|website=carsalesbase.com|language=en-US}}
__TOC__
{{clear}}
Characteristics
= Europe =
Mini MPVs are typically based on the platform of a B-segment (supermini/subcompact) hatchback, with a raised roof and five-door body. The raised roof allows for higher H-point seating and easy passenger access compared with traditional hatchbacks. Often the rear seats can recline, slide, tumble, fold flat or easily be removed, allowing users to reconfigure the rear passenger and cargo volumes for each journey.{{cite web|title=As seen on TV: Get a life, not a mini-MPV |publisher=The Telegraph |first=James |last=May |date=July 3, 2004 |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/2729179/As-seen-on-TV-Get-a-life-not-a-mini-MPV.html}}
The segment was created as a result of the diversification of minivans in the late 1990s. An early usage of the term mini-MPV was in 2000,{{cite web|title=A family van in 4x4 clothing|url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/4747629/A-family-van-in-4x4-clothing.html |work=Daily Telegraph |access-date=11 September 2012 |date=5 December 2000}} although the vehicles referred to at the time would now be classified as compact MPVs.{{cite web|last=Chapman |first=Giles |title=The Space Race |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/2722213/The-Space-Race.html |work=Daily Telegraph |access-date=11 September 2012 |date=17 May 2003}}
Writing for The Daily 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."
In the late 2010s, the mini MPV segment has shrunk with many consumers opting to buy B-segment (subcompact) crossover SUVs that offer similar practicality with better design and capability.{{cite web |author=Motionlab Marketing |date=2019-05-09|title=Despite the facts, there is a future for the MPV |url=https://www.jato.com/despite-the-facts-there-is-a-future-for-the-mpv/ |access-date=2020-08-21 |website=JATO}}{{cite web |date=2019-04-07 |title=Minivan sector's demise creates new opportunity |url=https://europe.autonews.com/automakers/minivan-sectors-demise-creates-new-opportunity |access-date=2020-08-21 |website=Automotive News Europe |language=en}} Many manufacturers chose to discontinue its models in favour of subcompact crossover SUVs,{{Cite web|last=Motionlab Marketing |date=2016-10-18|title=Are we heading to the end of MPVs?|url=https://www.jato.com/heading-end-mpvs/ |access-date=2020-08-21|website=JATO}} having 13 models in 2013 competing in the segment with total sales volume of 450,897 units,{{Cite web |last=Demandt |first=Bart |date=2014-02-04|title=European sales 2013 Small MPV segment|url= https://carsalesbase.com/european-sales-2013-small-mpv-segment/ |access-date=2020-08-21 |website=carsalesbase.com |language=en-US}} and just six years later having only four models in 2019 with 93,720 sold.{{Cite web|last=Segment 5|first=SegmentEurope Subcompact Car|date=2020-02-07|title=European sales 2019 Subcompact cars|url=https://carsalesbase.com/european-sales-2019-subcompact-cars/|access-date=2020-08-21|website=carsalesbase.com|language=en-US}}
In terms of practicality and its basic form, this category often overlaps with the similar B-segment (subcompact) crossover SUV.{{Cite web|last=Motionlab Marketing |date=2017-11-21 |title=Frugal & High-end: B-SUV segment splits |url=https://www.jato.com/frugal-high-end-b-suv-segment-splits/ |access-date=2020-08-21 |website=JATO}} Several manufacturers have introduced a crossover SUV to replace mini MPVs in Europe due to dwindling sales; the examples are the Citroën C3 Aircross, which replaced the Citroën C3 Picasso, and the Opel Crossland X replacing the Opel Meriva. Both offered more headroom and legroom space compared to normal B-segment/subcompact hatchbacks. B-segment SUVs usually ride higher, feature a higher and longer bonnet, equipped with black plastic overfenders or body kits, and marketed as such.{{cite web |title=SUV and Crossover: everything you need to know |url=https://www.fiat.com/suv-crossover |access-date=2020-08-21 |publisher=Fiat|language=en}}
File:2017 Hyundai Ix20 SE 1.4.jpg|Hyundai ix20 (2010–2020)
File:2014 Fiat 500L Lounge 1.4.jpg|Fiat 500L (2012–2022)
File:Ford B-Max Titanium – Frontansicht, 22. Februar 2014, Ratingen.jpg|Ford B-Max (2012–2017)
File:Opel Meriva (B) – Frontansicht, 12. Juni 2011, Ratingen.jpg|Opel Meriva (2003–2017)
= Asia =
Mini MPVs (also called small MPVs, sometimes also mixed or used interchangeably with compact MPV class){{Cite web|date=2017-07-19|title=To make better decisions, you need to see the big picture.|url=https://ihsmarkit.com/research-analysis/compact-mpvs-gain-in-popularity-in-japan-during-h1.html|access-date=2020-08-21|website=IHS Markit}} apart from the cars matching the European definition could also include B-segment MPVs with three rows of seats with the length shorter than {{convert|4.2-4.3|m|in|1|abbr=out}}.{{cite web|date=2020-02-11|title=สรุปยอดขาย Mini MPV ปี 2019 : Mitsubishi Xpander ครองแชมป์ 16,196 คัน เตรียมเสริมทัพ Cross มีนาคม นี้ !|url=http://www.headlightmag.com/total-sales-2019-mini-mpv-thailand/|access-date=2020-08-21|website=HeadLight Magazine|language=th}} They are also sometimes equipped with rear sliding doors.{{Cite web|title=2016 Honda Freed mini MPV launched in Japan from 1.88 million Yen|url= https://indianautosblog.com/2016-honda-freed-launched-japan-p242420|access-date=2020-08-21|website=Indianautosblog|date= 19 September 2016}}{{cite web|last=Leu|first=Richard|title=Toyota's contemporary mini-MPV|url= https://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/635428/toyota-contemporary-mini-mpv |access-date=2020-08-21|website=Bangkok Post}} This category is common in Japan, Southeast Asia and India, where cars with a smaller footprint and large cabin space are preferred.{{cite web|last=Felipe|date=2012-09-17|title=Learning about cars: the 'B-MPV' Segment|url= https://fiatgroupworld.com/2012/09/17/learning-about-cars-the-b-mpv-segment/|access-date=2020-08-21|website=Fiat Group World|language=en}}
File:Daihatsu THOR G"SA II" (DBA-M900S) front.jpg|Daihatsu Thor (2016–present){{Cite web|url=https://www.inews.id/otomotif/mobil/alami-perubahan-daihatsu-thor-tampil-sporty|title = Alami Perubahan, Daihatsu Thor Tampil Sporty|date = 12 May 2018}}t{{Cite web|url=https://kabaroto.com/post/read/daihatsu-thor-kini-tampil-lebih-sporty|title=Daihatsu Thor Kini Tampil Lebih Sporty|date=11 May 2018}}
File:Renault Triber (front view).png|Renault Triber (2019–present){{Cite web|title=Renault Triber 7-seater MPV: 5 Things To Know - ZigWheels|url=https://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/renault-triber-7seater-mpv-5-things-to-know/34233/|access-date=2020-08-21|website=ZigWheels.com}}
File:2013 Suzuki Ertiga 1.4 GX wagon (ZE81S; 01-20-2019), South Tangerang.jpg|Suzuki Ertiga (2012–2018){{Cite web|date=2019-03-29|title=2019 Suzuki Ertiga Review {{!}} Autodeal Philippines|url=https://www.autodeal.com.ph/articles/car-reviews/2019-suzuki-ertiga-review|access-date=2020-08-21|website=AutoDeal|language=en}}
File:2017 Toyota Sienta (XP150) 1.5V van (2017-11-28) 01.jpg|Toyota Sienta (2003–present)
File:2017 Daihatsu Sigra 1.2 X Deluxe wagon (B401RS; 01-12-2019), South Tangerang.jpg|Daihatsu Sigra (2016–present){{cite web|title=Daihatsu Sigra (Toyota Calya) mini MPV prices leaked - Report|url=https://indianautosblog.com/daihatsu-sigra-toyota-calya-prices-leaked-p235023|access-date=2020-08-21|website=Indianautosblog|date=14 June 2016}}
= North America =
Although mini MPV presence in this region is small, several cars that match the description of a European mini MPV are marketed in the region as another category, as the 'mini MPV' phrase is not commonly used by journalists, manufacturers and regulators. An example is the Kia Soul, which is prominently marketed as a subcompact crossover SUV or a subcompact hatchback.{{cite web|title=2018 Kia Soul Review|url= https://www.jdpower.com/cars/expert-reviews/powersteering-2018-kia-soul-review |access-date=2020-08-21|website=J.D. Power|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2019-07-30|title=5 Reasons Why The 2020 Kia Soul Is Our Favorite Small SUV|url= https://carbuzz.com/features/5-reasons-why-the-2020-kia-soul-is-our-favorite-small-suv |access-date=2020-08-21|website=CarBuzz|language=en-us}}
File:2020 Kia Soul GT-Line 2.0L front (2) 5.31.19.jpg|Kia Soul (2008–present)
File:2009 Nissan cube 1.8SL -- 11-23-2009.jpg|Nissan Cube (2009–2019)
File:2001-2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser.jpg|Chrysler PT Cruiser (2000–2010)
Models
{{main|Category:Mini MPVs}}
= Europe =
In 2018, sales of mini-MPVs in Europe represented 1% of the total market.{{cite web |title=European sales 2018 small MPV segment |url=http://carsalesbase.com/european-sales-2018-small-mpv-segment/ |website=www.carsalesbase.com |access-date=24 March 2019 |date=14 February 2019}} The top five selling mini-MPVs in Europe in 2018 were the Toyota Voxy, Honda Freed, Hyundai ix20, Kia Venga and Ford B-Max.
The sales trend for previous years is:
- 2012: 411,833 sales
- 2013: 450,897 sales{{cite web|title=European sales 2013 Small MPV segment |publisher=Carsalesbase.com |first=Bart |last=Demandt |date=February 4, 2014 |url= http://carsalesbase.com/european-sales-2013-small-mpv-segment/}}
- 2014: Sales plateaued at just over 400,000 annual sales, as sales of small crossovers increased.{{cite web|title=European sales 2014 Small MPV segment |publisher=Carsalesbase.com |first=Bart |last=Demandt |date=February 14, 2015 |url= http://carsalesbase.com/european-sales-2014-small-mpv-segment/}}
- 2015: Sales fell 15% to 350,000 as small crossover segment increased. This was the lowest figure for the segment since 2003 when the first generation Opel Meriva appeared.{{cite web|title=European sales 2015 Small MPV segment |publisher=Carsalesbase.com |first=Bart |last=Demandt |date=February 3, 2016 |url= http://carsalesbase.com/european-sales-2015-small-mpv-segment/}}
- 2016: By the first quarter, sales fell 20% after the 15% drop in 2015. The Fiat 500L was the segment sales leader.{{cite web|title=European sales 2016 Q1-Q3 small MPV segment |publisher=Carsalesbase.com |first=Bart |last=Demandt |date=November 26, 2016 |url= http://carsalesbase.com/european-sales-2016-q1-q3-small-mpv-segment/}}
= North America =
In the United States, the mini-MPV category has included the Fiat 500L, with 30,000 sales from 2013 to 2017.{{cite web |title=Fiat 500L sales in USA |publisher=Carsitaly.com |url= http://www.carsitaly.net/fiat-car-sales_unitedstates.htm#Fiat%20500L}}
In Canada, as of 2013, the market for mini-MPV's was not "large, and even the overarching minivan segment is gradually shrinking as the industry expands."{{cite web|title=Canada's ever-changing mini-MPV sales race |publisher=Autofocus.ca |first=Timothy |last=Cain |date=July 16, 2013 |url= http://www.autofocus.ca/news-events/blogs/canadas-ever-changing-mini-mpv-sales-race}}