Vauxhall Meriva (2010 – 2017) Review

Vauxhall Meriva (2010 – 2017) At A Glance

3/5

+Practical and easy to get in and out of. Facelifted 2014 models get impressive new 1.6-litre CDTi engine.

-Spacesaver spare a £105 option. Pricey top models. Old 1.7-litre CDTi best avoided. Suspension is set-up for sportiness rather than comfort.

Insurance Groups are between 5–17
On average it achieves 81% of the official MPG figure

The second-generation Vauxhall Meriva was a huge step-forward from its predecessor and established itself as an innovative and very capable small people carrier. Despite facing tougher opposition from with the C-MAX and the likes of the Citroen C3 Picasso, the Meriva still has plenty to recommend it.

The big talking point is its unique Flexdoor arrangement. Vauxhall has gone for rear-hinged rear doors, which if nothing else offer a significant talking point. We used to call them ‘suicide doors’, but since then, they've been fitted to several cars, such as the Rolls Royce Phantom.

The doors have various locking systems which make them safe and it's fair to say that they are more than just a gimmick. Both they and the front doors open extra wide (with four separate click-stops) and facilitate very easy entry and exit.

For 2014, the Meriva received a subtle facelift. The styling, which needed little in the way of updating, remains as it was with staggered side windows which give rear seat passengers more glass area. Ideal for children in the back who are prone to car sickness. The clever seating and luggage arrangements remain as they were.

The big news is the arrival of a new 1.6-litre CDTi unit that Vauxhall calls the 'Whisper Diesel', which will eventually replace the old 1.3-litre and pensionable 1.7-litre diesels. Also, the appealing 1.4-litre turbo engine has been tweaked for lower emissions and improved fuel consumption.

If you're looking for a small MPV, the Meriva is a worth considering. The quirky Flexdoors are a user-friendly feature and it has a spacious interior with good rear passenger room. Rather oddly for a family car it feels like a driver's MPV, with a handling balance baised towards the sporting side. If you're after the last word in comfort, you may well want to look elsewhere.

Real MPG average for a Vauxhall Meriva (2010 – 2017)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

81%

Real MPG

25–59 mpg

MPGs submitted

524

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Do dealers have to keep parts available for cars up to 10 years old?

"I have a 9 year old Vauxhall Meriva B 1.4 Petrol Turbo. The steering pump has failed (again) and has failed its MoT. I cannot find a replacement pump either new, reconditioned or even second hand. A garage has told me that there are plenty of parts that will fit but will not extinguish the yellow light so will automatically fail the MoT. Any suggestions as to what to do with my very expensive paperweight? I thought that there was a requirement for dealers to keep parts for at least 10 years"
It is surprising to hear that this part is not available given that your car is not particularly old or rare. We have no doubt you have tried many different companies to source a replacement, but we would suggest trying other Vauxhall dealers around the country, Vauxhall specialists, online parts specialists, breaker's yards, online auction sites or even Vauxhall owner clubs. You may also wish to try an independent Vauxhall specialist who may be able to fit a pattern part and extinguish the warning light to avoid the MoT failure.
Answered by David Ross

Can I fit an additional boot handle to help my mother who has restricted movement?

"Some years ago you recommended a Meriva for my mother which has been good, however now she has restricted movement so can't use the boot which she needs for her rollover because she can't reach the top of the hatch when it is open. Are you aware of anything I can fit to it that she can use to pull the hatch down?"
Mobility solution providers do offer additional straps that can be fitted to the tailgate to assist those with limited range of movement, such as this example: https://www.desgoslingmobilityltd.co.uk/products/general-adaptations/boot-strap/
Answered by David Ross

Unhappy about Vauxhall's Lifetime warranty - should I complain?

"I took my Vauxhall Meriva into the same main dealer as last year for a service to keep my Lifetime warranty up. They said my sump plug was stripped and would need a Helicore Insert at £89.63! On my Lifetime warranty it states components covered: engine. If a thread on a sump plug hole isn't the engine why did they fix the faulty water pump then? That's the engine. The plug has only been out 10/11 times in its life. They say it's a wear and tear item. Why doesn't my warranty cover it? Would an email to the CEO do any good? "
It will be difficult to prove it is a manufacturing fault but I suggest you make a formal complaint, in writing, to the service manager of the dealer. If that doesn’t work, try complaining to Vauxhall too.
Answered by Sarah Tooze

Why does an MoT check bring up a different car?

"I'm considering buying a Vauxhall Meriva but when I did an MoT check on the registration it came up with a Vauxhall Corsa. Is the Meriva part of the Corsa range?"
The Meriva and Corsa are two completely different cars. The MoT check should show the correct model. If it doesn't then it would suggest an issue with the car itself or the DVLA registration. Either way, I'd suggest finding another car for sale.
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

What does a Vauxhall Meriva (2010 – 2017) cost?