Mini MPV

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[1] and the vehicles are often built on the platforms of B-
segment hatchback models. By the European definition, the
mini MPV commonly consists of cars 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 MPV are
Citroën C3 Picasso, an example of a
also called tall-hatchback[2] or small MPV.[3][4]
two-row mini MPV for the European
market

Contents
Characteristics
Europe
Asia
North America
Toyota Avanza, an example of a three-
Models
row mini MPV for the Asian market
Market share
Europe
North America
References

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.[5]

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,[6] although the vehicles referred to at the time would now be classified as
compact MPVs.[7]

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."[5]
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.[8][9] Many
manufacturers chose to discontinue its models in favour of subcompact crossover SUVs.[10] In 2013, there
are 13 models competing in the segment with total sales volume of 450,897 units,[11] to just four models
with 93,720 sold in 2019.[12]

In terms of practicality and its basic form, this category often overlaps with the similar B-segment
(subcompact) crossover SUV.[13] 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 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.[14]

Hyundai ix20 (2010–2020) Fiat 500L (2012–2017)

Ford B-Max (2012–2017) Opel Meriva (2003–2017)

Asia

Mini MPVs (also called small MPVs, sometimes also mixed or used interchangeably with compact MPV
class)[15] apart from the cars matching the European definition could also include B-segment MPVs with
three rows of seats with the length shorter than 4.2–4.3 metres (165.4–169.3  in).[16] They are also
sometimes equipped with rear sliding doors.[17][18] This category is common in Japan, Southeast Asia and
India, where cars with a smaller footprint and large cabin space are preferred.[19]


Daihatsu Thor (2016– Renault Triber (2019–

present)[20][21] present)[22]

Suzuki Ertiga (2012– Toyota Sienta (2003–

present)[23] present)[18]

Daihatsu Sigra (2016–

present)[24]

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.[25][26][2]


Kia Soul (2008–present) Nissan Cube (2009–2014)

Chrysler PT Cruiser (2000–

2010)

Models

Market share

Europe

In 2018, sales of mini-MPVs in Europe represented 1% of the total market.[27] The top five selling mini-
MPVs in Europe in 2018 were the Fiat 500L, Honda Fit/Jazz, Hyundai ix20, Kia Venga and Ford B-Max.

The sales trend for previous years is:

2012: 411,833 sales[28]

2013: 450,897 sales[28]
2014: Sales plateaued at just over 400,000 annual sales, as sales of small crossovers
increased.[29]
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.[30]
2016: By the first quarter, sales fell 20% after the 15% drop in 2015. The Fiat 500L was the
segment sales leader.[31]

North America
In the United States, the mini-MPV category has included the Fiat 500L, with 30,000 sales from 2013–
2017.[32]

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."[33]

References
1. "Our pick: Top 10 used mini-MPVs" (https://web.archive.org/web/20120305104605/http://ww
w.autotrader.co.uk/articles/2010/08/cars/nissan/note/our-pick-top-10-mini-mpvs). Auto
Trader. 3 August 2010. Archived from the original (http://www.autotrader.co.uk/articles/2010/
08/cars/nissan/note/our-pick-top-10-mini-mpvs) on 5 March 2012. Retrieved 28 February
2012.
2. Stoklosa, Alexander (2019-07-17). "The 2020 Kia Soul Boxes Out the Competition" (https://
www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a26470868/2020-kia-soul-first-drive/). Car and Driver.
Retrieved 2020-08-21.
3. "Best small MPVs 2018" (https://www.carkeys.co.uk/guides/best-small-mpvs-2018). Car
Keys. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
4. Demandt, Bart (2016-02-03). "European sales 2015 Small MPV segment" (https://carsalesb
ase.com/european-sales-2015-small-mpv-segment/). carsalesbase.com. Retrieved
2020-08-21.
5. May, James (July 3, 2004). "As seen on TV: Get a life, not a mini-MPV" (https://www.telegrap
h.co.uk/motoring/2729179/As-seen-on-TV-Get-a-life-not-a-mini-MPV.html). The Telegraph.
6. "A family van in 4x4 clothing" (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/4747629/A-family-van-i
n-4x4-clothing.html). Daily Telegraph. 5 December 2000. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
7. Chapman, Giles (17 May 2003). "The Space Race" (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/2
722213/The-Space-Race.html). Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
8. Motionlab Marketing (2019-05-09). "Despite the facts, there is a future for the MPV" (https://w
ww.jato.com/despite-the-facts-there-is-a-future-for-the-mpv/). JATO. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
9. "Minivan sector's demise creates new opportunity" (https://europe.autonews.com/automaker
s/minivan-sectors-demise-creates-new-opportunity). Automotive News Europe. 2019-04-07.
Retrieved 2020-08-21.
10. Ltd, Motionlab Marketing (2016-10-18). "Are we heading to the end of MPVs?" (https://www.j
ato.com/heading-end-mpvs/). JATO. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
11. Demandt, Bart (2014-02-04). "European sales 2013 Small MPV segment" (https://carsalesb
ase.com/european-sales-2013-small-mpv-segment/). carsalesbase.com. Retrieved
2020-08-21.
12. Segment 5, SegmentEurope Subcompact Car (2020-02-07). "European sales 2019
Subcompact cars" (https://carsalesbase.com/european-sales-2019-subcompact-cars/).
carsalesbase.com. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
13. Ltd, Motionlab Marketing (2017-11-21). "Frugal & High-end: B-SUV segment splits" (https://
www.jato.com/frugal-high-end-b-suv-segment-splits/). JATO. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
14. "SUV and Crossover: everything you need to know" (https://www.fiat.com/suv-crossover).
Fiat. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
15. "To make better decisions, you need to see the big picture" (https://ihsmarkit.com/research-a
nalysis/compact-mpvs-gain-in-popularity-in-japan-during-h1.html). IHS Markit. 2017-07-19.
Retrieved 2020-08-21.
16. "สรุปยอดขาย Mini MPV ปี 2019 : Mitsubishi Xpander ครองแชมป์ 16,196 คัน เตรียมเสริมทัพ
Cross มีนาคม นี้ !" (http://www.headlightmag.com/total-sales-2019-mini-mpv-thailand/).
HeadLight Magazine (in Thai). 2020-02-11. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
17. "2016 Honda Freed mini MPV launched in Japan from 1.88 million Yen" (https://indianautos
blog.com/2016-honda-freed-launched-japan-p242420). Indianautosblog. 19 September
2016. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
18. Leu, Richard. "Toyota's contemporary mini-MPV" (https://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/63542
8/toyota-contemporary-mini-mpv). Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
19. Felipe (2012-09-17). "Learning about cars: the 'B-MPV' Segment" (https://fiatgroupworld.co
m/2012/09/17/learning-about-cars-the-b-mpv-segment/). Fiat Group World. Retrieved
2020-08-21.
20. "Alami Perubahan, Daihatsu Thor Tampil Sporty" (https://www.inews.id/otomotif/mobil/alami-
perubahan-daihatsu-thor-tampil-sporty). 12 May 2018.t
21. "Daihatsu Thor Kini Tampil Lebih Sporty" (https://kabaroto.com/post/read/daihatsu-thor-kini-t
ampil-lebih-sporty). 11 May 2018.
22. "Renault Triber 7-seater MPV: 5 Things To Know - ZigWheels" (https://www.zigwheels.com/
news-features/news/renault-triber-7seater-mpv-5-things-to-know/34233/). ZigWheels.com.
Retrieved 2020-08-21.
23. "2019 Suzuki Ertiga Review | Autodeal Philippines" (https://www.autodeal.com.ph/articles/c
ar-reviews/2019-suzuki-ertiga-review). AutoDeal. 2019-03-29. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
24. "Daihatsu Sigra (Toyota Calya) mini MPV prices leaked - Report" (https://indianautosblog.co
m/daihatsu-sigra-toyota-calya-prices-leaked-p235023). Indianautosblog. 14 June 2016.
Retrieved 2020-08-21.
25. "2018 Kia Soul Review" (https://www.jdpower.com/cars/expert-reviews/powersteering-2018-
kia-soul-review). J.D. Power. Retrieved 2020-08-21.
26. "5 Reasons Why The 2020 Kia Soul Is Our Favorite Small SUV" (https://carbuzz.com/feature
s/5-reasons-why-the-2020-kia-soul-is-our-favorite-small-suv). CarBuzz. 2019-07-30.
Retrieved 2020-08-21.
27. "European sales 2018 small MPV segment" (http://carsalesbase.com/european-sales-2018-
small-mpv-segment/). www.carsalesbase.com. 14 February 2019. Retrieved 24 March 2019.
28. Demandt, Bart (February 4, 2014). "European sales 2013 Small MPV segment" (http://carsal
esbase.com/european-sales-2013-small-mpv-segment/). Carsalesbase.com.
29. Demandt, Bart (February 14, 2015). "European sales 2014 Small MPV segment" (http://cars
alesbase.com/european-sales-2014-small-mpv-segment/). Carsalesbase.com.
30. Demandt, Bart (February 3, 2016). "European sales 2015 Small MPV segment" (http://carsal
esbase.com/european-sales-2015-small-mpv-segment/). Carsalesbase.com.
31. Demandt, Bart (November 26, 2016). "European sales 2016 Q1-Q3 small MPV segment" (htt
p://carsalesbase.com/european-sales-2016-q1-q3-small-mpv-segment/). Carsalesbase.com.
32. "Fiat 500L sales in USA" (http://www.carsitaly.net/fiat-car-sales_unitedstates.htm#Fiat%205
00L). Carsitaly.com.
33. Cain, Timothy (July 16, 2013). "Canada's ever-changing mini-MPV sales race" (http://www.a
utofocus.ca/news-events/blogs/canadas-ever-changing-mini-mpv-sales-race). Autofocus.ca.

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