MPV sector

Large MPVs falling from grace

Feedback from dealers has highlighted a shift towards smaller cars

As the costs of fuel and vehicle excise duty are set to continue on an upward spiral, large multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) are falling out of favour with used car buyers, who are turning to mid-sized equivalents to fulfil their motoring needs.

The flexibility and seven-seat practicality of vehicles such as the Ford S-Max and the Citroen C4 Grand Picasso mean that consumers can get what they want, without burdening themselves with the higher costs associated with bigger brothers the Ford Galaxy and Citroen C8.

Traditionally viewed as practical people movers, the largest MPVs are now less appealing to buyers, who are feeling the financial pinch and who prefer the more car-like styling and handling of the smaller models.