Go big.
It may not turn heads like a stylish coupé or a sexy cabriolet, but the practical MPV will always have a place in the heart of those who need lots of room to ferry people about. Our “Know your car body type” series looks at this family favourite.
What is an MPV?
Going by its moniker as a people carrier, the MPV or Multi-Purpose Vehicle, is a large passenger car.
Usually, it is not known for its aesthetics – someone once described the MPV as looking like a cut-off loaf of bread. MPVs are designed to maximise as much interior space as possible for passengers and cargo. Often, this results in tall and box-like bodies (ergo, the loaf of bread reference).
Nowadays though, you can find MPVs of different shapes, sizes and styles. The BMW 218i Active Tourer (pictured), for example, is a stylish compact MPV.
You can also find electric MPVs on the roads these days, so they won’t leave as large a carbon footprint as their petrol counterparts.
The MVP (most valuable part) of an MPV is its versatility. There may be two or three rows of seating that you can configure – slide, fold down or even remove – according to your needs. This opens up a lot of space, effectively making it a minivan, which is what an MPV is also called in some places.
Suitable for:
Despite SUVs threatening to muscle in on its turf, the MPV is still a great go-to-vehicle for those looking to transport large groups of people and things easily from point to point.
That means MPVs are perfect for big families, since there is plenty of headroom, legroom, knee room and elbow room (hey, there are kids, alright!) for everyone and their belongings.
Running costs can remain affordable with an MPV. For example, with the fully electric BYD M3e, you can charge up the vehicle in around 1.5 hours. On a full charge, this seven-seater can travel as far as 300km. It is also a great way to start young kids on being more eco-conscious with greener journeys.
Finally, MPVs are suitable for business or tradespeople who need a lot of cargo space with the option of carrying passengers comfortably.
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Choose the right car body type
No matter what type of car you are looking at, do your research to better understand what suits your lifestyle and offer you the best value for your purchase.
Sime Darby Motors Singapore offers new, pre-owned and rental vehicles of all body types through our dealerships. Contact us if you need help to find the right car for your needs.
Main photo: BYD M3e
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