The once booming midsized MPV segment in Europe saw sales decline 12% in the first three quarters of 2013 compared to the same period last year, with all but two models in the top 10 selling more units than in 2012 and a very stable ranking, with just two models moving up in the top 10. Peugeot 3008 benefits from a steeper fall by Opel Zafira, and Dacia Lodgy passing Toyota Verso and Seat Altea for a ticket into the European top 10 at number 9.
That means Renault Scenic & Grand Scenic stays of the segment, despite (or thanks to?) already being facelifted twice since its 2009 launch. Ford C-Max & Grand C-Max are getting closer, leaving behind VW Touran, another model that’s had more nose (and tail-)jobs than Cher, which can’t hide that the basics have been around for 10 years and counting.
Expect Citroën C4 Picasso & Grand Picasso to move up the ranking next year, with the new generations currently in showrooms across Europe. They should hit a chord with buyers thanks to their futuristic design, true to Citroën’s roots. A 2014 podium finish should be within reach for the duo. Opel Zafira has been held back by outdated technology and corresponding fuel efficiency, like all Opel models these days. New engines are on their way, but I’m afraid it will be too little too late for the 7-seater.
Kia Carens will move up another couple of places thanks to the model change in 2013, but it won’t be enough to breathe some life back into the segment. Don’t expect any magic from Seat Altea, Chevrolet Orlando or Mazda5 in 2014 either, as replacements have not been planned.
| Jan-Sep 2013 | Jan-Sep 2012 | Change | ||
| 1. | Renault (Grand) Scenic | 84.336 | 103.313 | -18% |
| 2. | Ford (Grand) C-Max | 75.812 | 87.740 | -14% |
| 3. | VW Touran | 68.312 | 82.052 | -17% |
| 4. | Peugeot 3008 | 63.804 | 74.987 | -15% |
| 5. | Opel/Vauxhall Zafira | 63.352 | 77.002 | -18% |
| 6. | Citroën C4 (Grand) Picasso | 59.884 | 62.051 | -3% |
| 7. | VW Golf Plus | 43.912 | 52.485 | -16% |
| 8. | Peugeot 5008 | 33.342 | 41.858 | -20% |
| 9. | Dacia Lodgy | 27.072 | 16.143 | 68% |
| 10. | Toyota Verso | 26.601 | 25.115 | 6% |
| 11. | Seat Altea | 17.088 | 22.494 | -24% |
| 12. | Chevrolet Orlando | 10.997 | 18.405 | -40% |
| 13. | Kia Carens | 9.106 | 508 | – |
| 14. | Toyota Prius+ | 8.592 | 5.825 | 48% |
| 15. | Mazda5 | 7.005 | 10.169 | -31% |
| Segment total | -12% | |||