Compact MPV

Compact MPVs remain predominantly a European phenomenon, although they are also built and sold in many Latin American, African, and Asian markets.

Most compact MPVs do not have sliding doors as compared to the large-sized Multi-purpose vehicle, being more similar to the older (and concurrent) station wagons.

[1][2][3] Early production models of compact MPVs include, the 1982 Nissan Prairie and the 1991 Mitsubishi RVR (marketed as "Space Runner" in Europe and "Expo LRV" in the United States).

[6] The Nissan Axxess had limited space behind its second row seats, but featured rear sliding doors on both sides making it like a minivan that was "shrunk in the dryer.

[6] Examples of models – that consumers in the U.S. seemed to avoid because of "resistance to obvious utility" – include the "mini-minivan" 3-door hatchback wagons with a sliding side door on only the passenger side that were marketed as the Eagle Summit Wagon, Mitsubishi Expo, and Plymouth Colt Vista.