Difference between Mini MPV and Minivan

Mini MPV

Mini MPV is a car classification used in Europe to describe mini MPV (multi purpose vehicle) with a size close to superminis, fitting below the compact MPV and large MPV classifications.

Differences with other vehicles

A mini MPV is closely related in concept to the leisure activity vehicle, 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. Besides, the passengers sit more upright in a mini MPV and their centre of gravity is higher than in a leisure activity vehicle.

Other differences are not related to the design but to their market targets; as 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 to price relation. In contrast, mini MPVs have more or less the same qualities as of superminis. Because of the increased interior room, mini MPVs are usually more expensive than a supermini or leisure activity vehicle, and sometimes thir price are very close to small family cars.

Definition of a mini MPV

While the upper length limit is more or less clear, 4100 mm (the Nissan Note mini MPV is 4085 mm long and the Volkswagen Golf Plus compact MPV is at 4205 mm), the lower limit is somehow blurred. The Renault Modus (3795 mm) and the Peugeot 1007 (3730 mm) in a grey area between mini MPVs and city cars.

The other relevent dimension is height, which is also difficult to use to distinguish between a mini MPV and a supermini. The Renault Modus (1590 mm) is usually considered a mini MPV, while the Nissan Micra (1540 mm) is regarded as a supermini.

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 relevent elements to separate both types of cars.

Minivan

The only difference between this and the minivan article is the claim that whereas minivans have to be large, MPVs can be any size, which a) isnt even really true as cars like the Scenic and Touran are usually called mini-MPVs, and b) which could easily be included as an aside in the minivan article, and c) which aren't really NOT minivans either just because they haven't been launched in the US and havent had the chance to be classified or not classified as a minivan. If the Touran or Scenic was launched in the US it would get called a compact minivan or a mini-minivan or something; the reason these cars dont get called minivans is because they're only sold in Europe. And in fact, the Touran, Scenic and Zafira ARE listed as minivans in the minivan.