What's Good

Shown as concept at March 2008 Geneva Motor Show for production in 2010. Now bigger and C-Max/Scenic size.

Innovative FlexDoors system consists of rear-hinged rear doors that swing open toward the back of the car.

As the B-pillars have been purposely retained for passive security reasons, the Meriva Concept’s front and rear doors can also be opened independently of each other. This makes access to the car interior much easier and also offers a range of safety benefits over conventional car doors.

In the Meriva Concept, this innovation is combined with the highly variable FlexSpace rear seating system familiar from the production Meriva. Highest point of the roof – just behind the B-pillars – is exactly where the passengers enter and exit the vehicle. Another feature is the U-shaped windshield, which stretches up and back over the rear passengers’ heads – echoing the Astra GTC’s panorama windshield. The slim A-pillars and windshield pulled far down ensure plenty of light and a spacious interior atmosphere. Both elements contribute to the outstanding all-round visibility for the occupants. 

8-1-2010: First official pictures of production version of Vauxhall’s new Meriva, with clever, rear-hinged FlexDoors that radically improve access/egress, and a raft of unique cabin features that boost interior versatility. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010. FlexDoors are rear-hinged back doors which swing open towards the back of the car at an angle of nearly 90 degrees, vastly improving the ease with which occupants enter and leave the cabin. Rather than having to step back, or to one side, as one would using a normal front-hinged door, the FlexDoor allows unimpeded forward access/egress to and from the cabin, enhanced further by the Meriva’s exceptionally high roof line.

For parents with children, there are further benefits. Due to the larger door opening and free space around the B-pillar, parents can lift small children forwards in to rear-mounted, second-stage child seats without having to contort themselves around a door. And with both the front and rear doors open (the fronts open at a similar angle to the rear FlexDoors) a ‘parent-friendly’ zone is created with no door barrier between front and rear occupants.

Crucially, the FlexDoors can only be opened by occupants while the car is stationary, an automatic lock engaging as soon as the car pulls away.

The FlexRail adopts a completely fresh approach to the design of a car’s centre console, and provides owners with a variety of modular storage and comfort solutions that fix on to an ingenious dual-rail base. The new Meriva’s storage bin and cubby count has also increased, meaning that owners now benefit from one of the most practical cabins in class.

In addition, the current Meriva’s much-praised FlexSpace system has evolved with even greater practicality. Now more intuitive to use, the new Meriva’s FlexSpace allows easier fold-down of the rear seats, while moving the rear seats to create more boot, leg or shoulder room is simpler than ever.

The new Meriva’s seat comfort has also advanced, with the adoption of front seat technology from the Insignia and Astra. Like these cars, the Meriva offers the biggest range of seat adjustment in class, extending to 240mm in length and 65mm in height.

With a longer wheelbase and wider front and rear tracks, buyers will see a marked improvement in the new Meriva’s ride and handling qualities.

They’ll also see a reduction in running costs, since the engine line-up – which features six turbocharged units and power outputs from 75 to 140PS – benefits from an average fuel consumption/CO2 reduction of 15 per cent, or -25g/km across the range. A high mpg/low CO2 ecoFLEX model will also be available.

18-1-2010:  FlexRail – transforming the conventional centre console

The Meriva’s unique FlexRail system provides convenient and adaptable storage for a wide range of everyday items, from handbags and colouring books to iPods and sunglasses.

Space for the FlexRail between the front seats has been liberated by raising the gearshift location and replacing the traditional handbrake with an easy to use electric park brake button (standard on all models). The result is an uninterrupted storage zone that extends rearward from the base of the centre stack and is accessible from the rear seats.

FlexRail’s floor module comprises two cup holders, Aux-in/USB connections and a 12-volt socket. Above this area, on certain models, twin polished aluminium rails feature, and on the range-topping SE a flip-top armrest module is attached, with a smaller storage/cup holder tray sitting below it. Both can be shifted into a variety of fixed positions along the rails, while rear seat passengers benefit from the option of a rear armrest module, which can be fitted to the centre seat back section when it’s folded down between them.

FlexSpace rear seating system – more intuitive than ever before

The new Meriva’s innovative FlexSpace system offers a range of cabin configurations without having to remove any seats, and is now improved with a one-step action when sliding the rear seat cushions or when lowering the rear seatbacks.

While FlexSpace makes it easy for owners to convert the Meriva from five seats to two, both its outer rear seats can be moved fore and aft individually, and also slide inwards to provide more shoulder width and leg room in a spacious four-seat layout. Additionally, rear seat backs can be fully lowered without having to remove their head restraints.

Rear seatbacks up, the Meriva’s boot has a 400-litre capacity, increasing to 920-litres with the seatbacks folded. But use all the space up to the roof and an impressive 1500-litres capacity is available.

Clever storage where it matters

Taking a leaf out of the new Astra’s book, Vauxhall’s designers have created real-world storage solutions for 20 of the most popular items owners carry in their cars.

An ample glovebox has a space-saving shelf for the owner’s manual, as well as coins and pens. Elsewhere, there’s a mini glovebox on the driver’s side, while door pockets can carry drinks bottles of up to 1.5-litre capacity in the front and up to 1.0-litre in the rear. Above the driver’s door, there’s a flip-down compartment for sunglasses, and on certain models a pull-out draw is available beneath the front passenger seat, suitable for books or valuable items.

In the luggage area, the floor can be set to bumper height for ease of loading and under-floor stowage, while storage compartments are provided in the boot’s sidewalls. The Meriva’s parcel shelf can be removed and stowed neatly away behind the rear seats.

Original List Prices announced 2-3-2010:

New Meriva Pricing - Effective from 1 April 2010 Trim Engine  Transmission Price (£) VAT (£) Total £ OTR £

S 1.4 16v 100PS Manual 12,472.34 2,182.66 14,655.00 15,495.00 S A/C 1.4 16v 100PS a/c Manual 12,897.87 2,257.13 15,155.00 15,995.00

S 1.4 16v 120PS Manual 13,085.11 2,289.89 15,375.00 16,215.00 S A/C 1.4 16v 120PS a/c Manual 13,510.64 2,364.36 15,875.00 16,715.00

S 1.3CDTi 75PS Manual 13,753.19 2,406.81 16,160.00 16,875.00 S A/C 1.3CDTi 75PS a/c Manual 14,178.72 2,481.28 16,660.00 17,375.00

S 1.7CDTi 16v 100PS Automatic 15,625.53 2,734.47 18,360.00 19,325.00

S A/C 1.7CDTi 16v 100PS Automatic 16,051.06 2,808.94 18,860.00 19,825.00

Exclusiv 1.4 16v 100PS Manual 13,455.32 2,354.68 15,810.00 16,650.00

Exclusiv 1.4 16v 120PS Manual 14,063.83 2,461.17 16,525.00 17,365.00

Exclusiv 1.4 16v 140PS Manual 14,697.87 2,572.13 17,270.00 18,140.00

Exclusiv 1.3CDTi 75PS Manual 14,731.91 2,578.09 17,310.00 18,025.00

Exclusiv 1.7CDTi 16v 100PS Automatic 16,604.26 2,905.74 19,510.00 20,475.00

SE 1.4 16v 100PS Manual 14,119.15 2,470.85 16,590.00 17,430.00

SE 1.4 16v 120PS Manual 14,727.66 2,577.34 17,305.00 18,145.00

SE 1.4 16v 140PS Manual 15,361.70 2,688.30 18,050.00 18,920.00

SE 1.7CDTi 16v 100PS Automatic 17,268.09 3,021.91 20,290.00 21,255.00  

Equipment Summary

• S = Standard   O = Option  P = Part of Bluetooth hands free kit

POWERTRAINS

• Choice of five launch engines, from 75PS to 140PS, all Euro 5 compliant
• Two further diesel engines to join range soon after launch
• A range of efficient 1.4-litre petrol engines
• New 1.7 CDTI diesel has  six-speed automatic transmission, first for Meriva

The new Meriva’s powertrain line-up is focused on efficient performance that underscores Vauxhall’s strategy of down-sizing and turbo-charging to deliver real world fuel economy and dynamic performance. Offering a power bandwidth from 75PS to 140PS, six out of the seven engines which will complete the range are now turbocharged. All Meriva engines meet tough Euro 5 regulations.

The petrol line-up has been thoroughly re-worked around a new generation of 1.4-litre engines that replace the existing 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8-litre units, reducing fuel consumption, yet increasing power. The 1.4 naturally-aspirated engine now comes with double cam-phasing to deliver 100PS and combined cycle fuel consumption of just 46.3mpg. It is joined by two turbocharged versions: a new 120PS unit, producing 46.3mpg and a 140PS unit, producing 42.2mpg.

Diesel power starts with a 75PS 1.3 CDTi engine which features closed loop catalyst control. The result is combined fuel consumption of 57.6mpg and emissions of just 129g/km.  A 100PS 1.7 CDTi is available with a six-speed automatic transmission, a first in the Meriva range.

Two additional diesel variants will join the engine line-up later this year: a low CO₂ emitting ecoFLEX variant powered by a 95PS 1.3 CDTi engine, and a 1.7 CDTi equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and developing 130PS.

More efficient 1.4-litre petrol variants replace larger engines

The petrol range comprises three versions of an advanced 1.4-litre  chain cam engine, one naturally-aspirated and two turbocharged and all Euro 5 compliant, replacing the traditional larger capacity engines for efficiency as part of Vauxhall’s downsizing strategy.

The entry-level 1.4-litre, naturally-aspirated Twinport engine develops 100PS at 6,000 rpm, a specific power output of 71.4PS per litre. Its key strength is fuel economy, and it achieves 46.3mpg on the combined cycle. Displacement is increased by 34cc to 1398cc.

This version replaces the previous generation 1.4-litre engine, giving 11 per cent more power and four per cent more torque, together with improvements in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

The 1.4-litre Turbo version is available in two states of tune. In line with Vauxhall’s downsizing strategy, it replaces the current 1.6 and 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engines for an improvement in fuel efficiency and power. 

The most economical 1.4 Turbo produces 120PS and 175Nm of torque between 1,750 and 4,800 rpm, together with 0-62mph acceleration in 11.5 seconds, yet offers fuel consumption of just 46.3mpg.

Strong performance with flexibility is the focus of the 140PS version, the most powerful engine in the new Meriva line-up. An impressive 200Nm of torque is generated between 1,850rpm to 4,900rpm, helping it achieve 0-62mph in just 10.3 seconds. Combined fuel consumption is still an excellent 42.2mpg

The 1.4’s water-cooled turbocharger, spinning at up to 240,000 rpm, is integrated into the exhaust manifold, close to the engine for a fast throttle response. Air-to-air intercooling increases the intake charge density.

The adoption of reinforced pistons and forged con-rods allows the use of a relatively high 9.5:1 compression ratio despite higher stresses and loads. Under-skirt piston oil cooling jets and exhaust valves filled with sodium are further measures to ensure durability under higher internal temperatures.

Two diesel engines at launch; two to follow this summer

At launch, the CDTi turbo diesel line-up includes the entry level version of the 1.3-litre engine (75PS) and one 1.7-litre variant (100PS). Later in 2010, the diesel choice will be broadened further by an ecoFLEX variant of the 1.3 CDTi (95PS) engine with even lower fuel consumption and emissions, and a more powerful variant of the 1.7 CDTi engine developing 130PS. All engines comply with Euro 5 regulations.  

16-7-2010: Vauxhall completed the new Meriva’s diesel engine line up with the addition of two ultra-efficient units that boost the range’s green credentials and offer more performance than before. This brings the total number of engines in the Meriva range to seven, comprising three petrol and four diesel units.

The first new addition is a 95PS 1.3 CDTi engine, which will power all Meriva ecoFLEX models. Featuring closed-loop combustion control, the 1.3 CDTi (95PS) uses a variable geometry turbocharger and is mated to a gearbox with taller ratios. As a result, the Meriva ecoFLEX’s emissions drop to 119g/km and it achieves fuel consumption on the combined cycle of 62.8mpg – a 9 per cent improvement over the 1.3 CDTi engine in the Meriva’s previous range. The 1.3 CDTi ecoFLEX joins the 1.3 CDTi (75PS), which was available from launch.

The new 1.7 CDTi (130PS) offers more performance with up to 300Nm of torque from 2000-2500rpm. It gets from 0-60 in 9.6 seconds with a top speed of 121mph yet still achieves 54.3mpg and CO₂ emissions of just 138g/km. A variable geometry turbocharger has been fitted with position feedback sensor for more precise control of boost pressure. In addition, a new intake manifold reduces weight and an electrically controlled variable swirl system optimises combustion.

All 1.7 CDTi (130PS) Merivas have six speed manual gearboxes as standard and provide a more performance-focused alternative to the 1.7 CDTi (100PS), which also comes with a 6-speed box.

2-10-2010 Pricing updated:

* denotes new Meriva models.    

3-11-2010: Finalist in 2011 European Car of the Year Awards.

25-11-2010: 5-STAR EURO NCAP RATING: 89% Adult Protection; 77% Child Protection; 55% Pedestrian Protection; 86% Safety Assist.

Road test and video: Vauxhall Meriva 2010 Road Test and Video

More at www.vauxhall.co.uk

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