With just a quick look over the compact 5-seat MPV market you can see their price ranges and costs compare favourably with the everyday ubiquitous family hatchback. They’re cheap when compared to crossover SUVs which seem to have their prices attached to the more expensive 4×4 market.
What’s more is in their compact size MPVs seem to offer the space found in saloon and hatchback cars half a metre longer. Plus they have more versatility. Their interiors also seem to be better thought out.
The Vauxhall Meriva has a significantly lower entry price, but it is shorter than the C-Max and Picasso with less load space and smaller engine options. Let’s examine the Picasso, C-Max and Meriva data more closely.
Citroen Picasso Review
dimensions 4.47m long, 500l load space, 1734 with rear seats down
engine options 1.6 petrol 120,155 outputs, 1.6 diesel 110 and 2.0 150/160
Ford C-Max Review
dimensions 4.38m long, 432l load space, 1732 with rear seats down
engine options 1.6 petrol 105,125, 150 outputs, 1.6 115 and 2.0 140 diesel
Vauxhall Meriva Review
dimensions 4.29m long, 397l load space, 1496 with rear seats down
engine options 1.4 petrol 100,120, 140 outputs, 1.3 and 1.7 diesel
Although the Meriva has a lower entry price it’s smaller, with less load space, and smaller engines but it’s possible to be walked up the model range and into Picasso and C-Max prices.
The Meriva, Picasso and C-Max petrol engines have similar efficiency overall, although there are differences on paper they may amount to nothing on the road. Ford’s diesel engines are significantly more efficient than the Meriva and Picasso.
It’s unusual to catch the French napping with diesel technology. Ford have managed to leap forward with its new model. Citroen will come back and Vauxhall’s diesel Fiat engines won’t stand still. Fiat is the world’s largest manufacturer of diesel car engines.
If you bear in mind body size and engine efficiency the Meriva is suspect when you look at higher models. For now the C-Max has one over Citroen for diesel efficiency so they will enjoy a purple patch.
However diesel is not viable for all motorists. They cost more to buy as cars and the fuel is more expensive. You need to compare petrol with diesel for the same performance and trim level. Then calculate at what total mileage your fuel savings recover the added cost of a diesel car.
As a diesel the C-Max looks good for now. If it’s petrol there’s little difference between the C-Max and Picasso. There is the question of style and comfort but they’re for your personal taste. I like the Citroen. The Meriva is a contender if you keep it cheap and basic.
I haven’t mentioned the only other 5-seat compact MPV – the Scenic. It still remains the benchmark and a contender. It’s a must go compare.
Regards
Ralph
data date April/May 2011
Ralph's Review 