I always liked the Espace but the current model was never imported into the UK. Odd really when you think that Renault popularised the MPV sector with the MK1 Espace back in 1984 I think it was.

I was never a fan of MPV before because of their poor fuel economy and never doing big amount of travel within UK. Most my holidays were abroad where I flew.

But now in after couple of staycation trips, I am feeling my hatchback is too small and most SUVs are not that spacious. Also, 5 day commute very unlikely. So fuel economy is not big issue.

Wonder if many others thinking in same way. This may change demand for MPVs. Certainly Covid is rewriting many rulebooks.

The used Sharan, Galaxy etc seem pricey. May be for this sudden demand. Motorhome and camper demands are up what I read.

Edited by movilogo on 16/05/2021 at 22:06

It's all about image! MPVs are not trendy, cool, hip or funky.

..probably why it suits me then 'cos neither am I...lol

But I agree..it is the space and versatility that counts..and you just don't get that in an SUV.

The rear sliding doors alone are such bonus.

Edited by nellyjak on 17/05/2021 at 17:18

A lot likely due to fashion (especially those based on vans) and them not being so good handling/more susceptible to being buffeted by high winds.

Can't say I've ever been much impacted by that..the Estima is pretty sleek...with the roof sloping gently at the back...so not van-like at all.

I also wonder at this being variable between nations,

Very likely. In USA distances are huge and people often drive 8-9 hours. Larger cars are better for that. Gas price is not a problem there either.

MPVs are also popular in Asia too, even where riding 3 people on motorcycles is the norm.

Manufacturers do market survey before introducing models. Their calculation must have shown MPVs are not profitable in UK.

I do hope we get more MPVs. Life will change post Covid and hence demand will also shift.

Technically, estate cars can be the most useful, as long as there's sufficient space to park them due to the longer length.

Would one based on a van not be best - you get the length like an state but the width and height as well.

Why overthink this, the answer is simple - a driver sits higher in an SUV than an MPV. Everyone likes sitting higher in a car these days.

That said, the new Ford S-Max 2.5 PHEV petrol looks a stonking car, with the right drivetrain. Could be a great used buy.

There is absolutely no point in asking why MPV's have fallen out of fashion, a person could go martyring to understand the reason behind what's (currently) fashionable and why. But it is a fickle world, all it needs to swing the tide a different direction is a handful of what the twittering masses consider an 'important' (which could mean a variety of things, such as simply a fashion icon, a social media influencer, pop star, etc) person to be seen driving around in an MPV rather than an SUV. Like in the film version (I can't remember if it happened in the book) of Get Shorty, where after arriving at the airport in LA, Chili Palmer gets handed and Oldsmobile Silhouette rather than a Cadillac which he'd asked for. This inadvertently results in the big movie star of the film (Martin Weir, played by Danny DeVito) also buying one, and because of this, at the end of the film, as the camera pans round the parking area of the film studio, it is full of Oldsmobile Silhouette's!.

• Toyota Sienna/Estima not available in UK (unless you import 10 year old JDM cars)
• Honda Stepwagon not available in UK

There are Estima's and the like (including the Honda Stepwagon) younger than 10 years old available in this country, though they are of course, still (JDM) imports.

Some car magazines now featuring vans (like Ford Tourneo, Berlingo, ProAce Verso etc.) as cars!

They are cars (going by the definition of a car), so why wouldn't they be in car magazines?. Also, you make it sound like this is a new thing, but the first car versions of the Kangoo and Berlingo first appeared in the UK in the mid-late 90's. We had a Peugeot Partner 1.4 petrol as our family car in 2003 for 3 years and it was utterly brilliant in that role.

Have a look at this Autotrader advert if you are of the opinion that MPV's are utilitarian. And yes, look at the price too(!), but what luxury!.

202102068759563

What is the differnce between an MPV and a large SUV though. Take the SEAT Tarraco and compare it with the Alhambra. Both seem to do the same job but the fashion is now for something with a high bonnet rather than the wedge of the MPV.

Mainly styling and packaging - an MPV usually has more space inside and flatter sides/boots to allow more space whilst an SUV is more 'stylish' but not as practical.

What is the differnce between an MPV and a large SUV though. Take the SEAT Tarraco and compare it with the Alhambra. Both seem to do the same job but the fashion is now for something with a high bonnet rather than the wedge of the MPV.

Another consideration is road quality. Where we live (in the country) the roads are getting worse and worse the entire time (not just during covid, but before that). We have both a small MPV (Honda FRV) and a SUV/crossover (Tiguan). Whilst the FRV is amazingly practical, and is much better than the Tiguan for transporting large objects (with the rear seats flat), I do feel the bumps and potholes far more than in the Tiguan. Having lived and/or driven in much of the Middle East, N. Africa and Asia, our country roads are disgrace when compared to many so-called 3rd world countries - which I am sure influences the sort of cars people living outside cities buy.

MPVs are mainly used for large family and the style of the cars are old. Now family remains short and many company provides low budget stylish car.