Multi-purpose vehicles have become more and more popular as families or small businesses look towards getting a car which can perform various tasks. Spacious, functional, practical are just some of the words that are used to describe MPVs. And although most people probably know what an MPV is and also either own one themselves or has a neighbour or friend who does, there's probably still things you didn't know about these types of vehicles.
1. MPVs are actually minivans and minivans are cars shaped liked vans but designed for personal use. They typically have a boxy design for maximum interior volume and are thus larger than hatchbacks or estates. Other terms used for MPVs are 'people carriers' and 'multi-utility vehicles'.
2. MPVs tend to be designed in the same mould which means between 63-71 inches tall, a front-mounted engine, front-wheel drive and higher located seating. In 2011 most MPVs came with 7 seats.
3. The fist European minivan was the Renault Espace which was introduced in 1984 and was the only car of its kind available until PSA Peugeot Citroen and the Fiat Group introduced a joint venture 'eurovan' in 1994 - a whole 10 years later. These cars were marketed as Citroen Synergie, Peugeot 806, Fiat Ulysse and Lancia Zeta.
4. The first compact MPV was launched in 1996 with the Renault Scenic and Vauxhall Zafira. Compact MPVs are not based on vans but on small family cars such as the Renault Megane.
5. In 2002 the first mini-MPV was introduced to the European market with cars such as Vauxhall Meriva and Citroen C3 Picasso. The mini MPVs are based on superminis but have larger build. The Meriva for instance is based on the Vauxhall Corsa. Mini mpvs are becoming increasingly popular family cars as people seek to find the balance between spacious and compact.
Considering the development from larger MPVs and onwards to both compact MPVs and mini MPs there's little wonder so many families now own a multi-purpose vehicle. And although many buyers now opt for the more compact models there are still people who would want a large and roomy version. One brilliant large MPV which requires little compromise is the Ford Galaxy. London might not be the ideal place for such a large vehicle but if you do log around a large family and lots of equipment, this car might still be worth a test-drive.
