Three of the Most Fuel Efficient MPVs Currently Available

An incredibly popular choice amongst motorists with large families, or even just those that want a car with that extra element of versatility, multi-purpose vehicles, or MPVs as they are more commonly known, vary quite significantly in size. For example, larger MPVs like the Mercedes-Benz Viano (or the V-Class depending on which country you buy it in) boasts the appearance of a commercial panel van crossed with a people carrier. Others, such as Citroen's sleek five-seat offering, the C4 Picasso, look more like up-scaled takes on many of the hatchback models currently available on the market.

Mercedes-Benz Viano

Citroen C4 Picasso

However, the offer of more space and a larger capacity comes at a cost; some MPVs can prove to be quite costly to run - especially with the price of fuel on the up. As a result of this, those considering the purchase of MPVs are increasingly turning their attentions towards fuel efficient models.

We've taken just a few of these popular fuel efficient vehicles and detailed their key attributes and features in a guide below.

Hyundai IX20: Okay, so it's not one of the biggest MPVs on the market - it's actually a mini MPV, but that's beside the point - the Hyundai IX20 is, simply put a great car. Whilst relatively spacious, no compromises have been made to the design of its body. Boasting a wonderful mix of sculpted straight lines and wonderful curves, it can offer a good fuel efficiency rate of 62.8 MPG (26.7 km/L). The Hyundai IX20 manages to achieve such a rate thanks largely to its 1.4 litre petrol engine.

Hyundai IX20

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer: As far as MPVs go this one is a real favourite amongst families. The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer is a car that exudes a real sense of luxury and innovation. Featuring seats for up seven people, it also has extra space to spare. Meanwhile the panoramic windscreen, available as an optional extra on the SRi and SE versions of the car, introduces a relaxing calmness into what can often seem like a claustrophobic environment - especially when the kids are arguing loudly amongst themselves in the back. Although the fuel efficiency rate it offers - 53.3 MPG (22.7 km/L) - isn't quite as impressive at that offered by the Hyundai IX20, it still shouldn't be sniffed at - especially for an MPV.

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer

Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4: Perfect for those that care about the effect they're having, as they drive, on the environment around them, the Peugeot HYbrid4 is one of a few hybrid MPVs currently available to buy. As a hybrid car it's powered by two engines - one electric motor, providing it with 37 bhp (brake horse power) and another diesel engine, giving it 163 bhp.

Peugeot 3008 hybrid4

Drivers can take advantage of the high sense of fun offered by the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 - it's incredibly fun to drive, which can't be said of all multi-purpose vehicles. Thanks to Peugeot's Hybrid4 technology, this particular models is capable of not just offering a far more fuel efficient driving experience - with its fuel efficiency rate of 58.9 MPG (25 km/L) - it also handles smoothly and runs very quietly - something that can also benefit the environment.

Due primarily to amount of space they can offer, MPVs (or multi-purpose vehicles as they are also known) are very popular amongst those with large families. This article looks at three of the most fuel efficient MPVs currently available on the market.