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A compact MPV is a car classification used in Europe to describe multi-purpose vehicle versions of small family cars (sometimes also referred to as "compact cars"), fitting between the mini MPV and large MPV subsegments.

The first vehicle to be described by that term was the Renault Mégane Scénic, which was voted European Car of the Year on its launch in 1996. Some later models include the Opel Zafira, Citroën Xsara Picasso, Ford Focus C-MAX, Volkswagen Touran and Fiat Multipla. In few years, compact MPVs outsold estates and saloons in many countries.^{[citation needed]}

Most of compact MPVs have better "flexibility" than other body styles: for example, seats may be individually folded or even removed. Due to the multi-purpose architecture, the bonnet is shorter and the passengers sit more upright than in regular cars, providing for a roomier interior.

Compact MPVs remain predominantly a European phenomenon. The Mazda5 is essentially the only vehicle from this class that is currently available in the United States.

Compact MPVs can be classified by their number of seats. Models with five seats are usually between 4200 mm and 4350 mm long, while six- or seven-seaters range from 4300 mm and 4600 mm. Some compact MPVs referred to as six-seaters have three seats both in the front and rear row — examples are the Fiat Multipla and the Honda FR-V. Five and seven-seaters have a more traditional configuration — the first and (if present) third rows with two seats and the middle row with three. The two rear seats are usually smaller than the others, enough for children or for short distances.

Some manufacturers offer the third row seating as an option, and a few offer two distinct models, one of them strictly five-seater, and the other with either fixed or removable additional sixth and seventh seat — examples include the Volkswagen Golf Plus / Touran and the Renault Scénic / Grand Scénic.

There are also models which are a mix of a compact MPV and an estate, such as the Peugeot 307 SW, Honda Stream, Fiat Stilo MultiWagon and Toyota Fielder. They are about as long as seven-seater compact MPVs or estate versions of small family cars (4420 mm and 4570 mm, 4515 mm and 4410 mm respectively), but their height is within a grey area (1545 mm, 1570 mm, 1570 mm and 1520 mm), while estates are under 1500 mm and compact MPVs above 1600 mm).

Some compact MPVs and compact SUVs are becoming closer together regarding design and styling.^{[citation needed]} Some European manufacturers are considering to release off-roader versions of their compact MPVs, like the Volkswagen CrossGolf and Volkswagen Tiguan. [1] These two car segments are blurring, as MPVs are becoming sportier and less boxy (SEAT Altea), while SUVs drop off-road capabilities and adopt MPV-like architecture (Mitsubishi Outlander).^{[citation needed]}

• List of current compact MPVs
• Small family car
• Mini MPV
• Multi-purpose vehicle
• Large MPV