Mini MPV
Encyclopedia
Mini MPV is a car classification
used to describe supermini
s or subcompacts which have taller build, fitting below the compact MPV
and large MPV classifications.
, which is a passenger derivative of a panel van
. The main differences regarding design are that a mini MPV has a shorter bonnet and the windshield is almost parallel to it, while a leisure activity vehicle features a more traditional bonnet and a more vertical windshield. Passengers sit more upright in a mini MPV and their centre of gravity is higher than in a leisure activity vehicle.
Other differences between the two classes of cars focus on their target markets. Leisure activity vehicles are very similar to panel vans, the former tend to have less expensive materials and building quality and are offered as a supermini and small family car alternative with a better interior room for the price. In contrast, mini MPVs have more or less the same qualities as superminis. With their increased interior room, mini MPVs are usually more expensive than a supermini or leisure activity vehicle, and sometimes as much as a small family car.
If a mini MPV is defined by external dimensions, the upper length limit is more or less clear: the Nissan Note
, the largest mini MPV, is 4085 mm long and the Scion xD
, the smallest compact MPV, is at 3930 mm. On the contrary, the lower limit is somehow blurred. The Renault Modus
(3795 mm) and the Peugeot 1007
(3730 mm) are in a grey area between mini MPVs and city car
s.
The height is also relevant to distinguish a mini MPV and a supermini; this limit is not very well defined either. The Renault Modus
(1590 mm) is usually considered a mini MPV, while the Nissan Micra (1540 mm) is mainly regarded as a supermini. Any vehicle of the size under 1500 mm will be almost always considered a supermini, and models above 1600 mm will never be described by that term.
Some people think that the differences between a mini MPV and a supermini are more related to the car's architecture, with seat and engine location as relevant elements to separate both types of cars. Or a small window place on the car's body between the windscreen and front door. Or additional C-pillar at back of a hatchback car.
Car classification
Cars may be classified by a number of different criteria; however, comprehensive classification is elusive, because a vehicle may fit into multiple categories, or not completely satisfy the requirements for any. This article details the most commonly used systems of classification. Where...
used to describe supermini
Supermini
A superminicomputer, or supermini, is “a minicomputer with high performance compared to ordinary minicomputers.” The term was an invention used from the mid-1970s mainly to distinguish the emerging 32-bit minis from the classical 16-bit minicomputers...
s or subcompacts which have taller build, fitting below the compact MPV
Compact MPV
A compact MPV is a car classification used in Europe to describe multi-purpose vehicle versions of small family cars , fitting between the mini MPV and large MPV sub-segments...
and large MPV classifications.
Differences from other vehicles
A mini MPV is closely related in concept to the leisure activity vehicleLeisure activity vehicle
A leisure activity vehicle is a small van, generally related to a supermini or subcompact car, with two or three seat rows, and a large, tall car boot and tailgate. An early example of the category was the Matra Rancho introduced in 1977...
, which is a passenger derivative of a panel van
Panel van
A panel van is a form of solid van, smaller than a lorry or truck, without rear side windows...
. The main differences regarding design are that a mini MPV has a shorter bonnet and the windshield is almost parallel to it, while a leisure activity vehicle features a more traditional bonnet and a more vertical windshield. Passengers sit more upright in a mini MPV and their centre of gravity is higher than in a leisure activity vehicle.
Other differences between the two classes of cars focus on their target markets. Leisure activity vehicles are very similar to panel vans, the former tend to have less expensive materials and building quality and are offered as a supermini and small family car alternative with a better interior room for the price. In contrast, mini MPVs have more or less the same qualities as superminis. With their increased interior room, mini MPVs are usually more expensive than a supermini or leisure activity vehicle, and sometimes as much as a small family car.
Definition of a mini MPV
Nissan Note
The Nissan Note is a mini MPV produced by Nissan. The Japanese version has been on sale since 2004, although the European model went to sale during 2006. The United Kingdom was the first market to have the Note launch there, on 1 March...
, the largest mini MPV, is 4085 mm long and the Scion xD
Scion xD
The Scion xD is a five-door hatchback subcompact marketed in the US and Canada by Japanese manufacturer Toyota beginning with the 2008 model year — replacing the xA. The Scion xD and the second generation xB were first shown to the public on February 8, 2007 at the Chicago Auto Show...
, the smallest compact MPV, is at 3930 mm. On the contrary, the lower limit is somehow blurred. The Renault Modus
Renault Modus
The Renault Modus is a mini MPV designed by the French automaker Renault and built in Valladolid, Spain since September 2004. The production version is very similar to the concept car of the same name, which was presented at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show...
(3795 mm) and the Peugeot 1007
Peugeot 1007
The Peugeot 1007 is a hatchback produced by the French automobile manufacturer Peugeot from 2004 to 2009. It was based on the same platform as the Peugeot 206 and Citroën C3.-Design:...
(3730 mm) are in a grey area between mini MPVs and city car
City car
A city car is a small car intended for use primarily in an urban area.City cars are sold worldwide and most automotive industry manufacturers have one or two in their line-up. In North-America city cars are often referred to simply as "subcompacts" alongside the superminis. These kind of cars...
s.
The height is also relevant to distinguish a mini MPV and a supermini; this limit is not very well defined either. The Renault Modus
Renault Modus
The Renault Modus is a mini MPV designed by the French automaker Renault and built in Valladolid, Spain since September 2004. The production version is very similar to the concept car of the same name, which was presented at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show...
(1590 mm) is usually considered a mini MPV, while the Nissan Micra (1540 mm) is mainly regarded as a supermini. Any vehicle of the size under 1500 mm will be almost always considered a supermini, and models above 1600 mm will never be described by that term.
Some people think that the differences between a mini MPV and a supermini are more related to the car's architecture, with seat and engine location as relevant elements to separate both types of cars. Or a small window place on the car's body between the windscreen and front door. Or additional C-pillar at back of a hatchback car.
See also
- Compact MPVCompact MPVA compact MPV is a car classification used in Europe to describe multi-purpose vehicle versions of small family cars , fitting between the mini MPV and large MPV sub-segments...
- MicrovanMicrovanA microvan is a van that fits into Japanese kei car classification or similar. In certain regions, these models are inexpensive and widely used for small business because of tax and insurance benefits; for example, in Japan they are exempted from a certification that there is adequate parking...
- Multi-purpose vehicle
- Supermini carSupermini carA supermini is a British term that describes automobiles larger than a city car but smaller than a small family car. This car class is also known as the B-segment across Europe, and as subcompact in North America....
- Subcompact carSubcompact carSubcompact car is a North American term used to describe automobiles whose class size is smaller than that of a compact car, usually not exceeding in length, but larger than a microcar...