The new Vauxhall Meriva mini-MPV will be available to car leasing customers in the UK this June. The new car will only receive minor changes from the example already seen at the 2008 Geneva motor show.
The new Vauxhall Meriva mini-MPV will be available to car leasing customers in the UK this June. The new car will only receive minor changes from the example already seen at the 2008 Geneva motor show. The concepts rear-hinged suicide doors have been left on the car that enable better rear access and make the car even more family friendly. The doors open at an angle of nearly 90 degrees but can only be opened when the car is stationary due to an automatic lock that engages as soon as the car moves.
Styling wise the car is very similar to the concept but has also used design cues from other Vauxhall cars such as the Astra and Insignia. The 'blade' design feature that has been used on these vehicles also shows on the Meriva. A subtle change has been to incorporate a kink in the rear glass that will enable children in the rear seats to look out of their windows more easily.
When we look inside the car we can see that the FlexSpace system that was used in the old car has evolved. It now allows for even greater flexibility as rear seats can be folded away entirely or slid further back to allow for better leg room. There is also a sliding storage system called FlexRail that allows for storage bins to slide along so they can be used by either front or rear passengers.
This new car will be launched in March at this years Geneva motor show where car leasing customers will be able to get a closer look at the combination of Vauxhall cars used in its production. Parts of the Astra, Corsa and Zafira have been used to allow for a wider front and rear track along with a longer wheelbase. This gives the new Meriva improved handling characteristics over the old car as well as better crash protection.
The engine line-up will feature those similar to that on the Astra. There will be a range available from 74bhp to 138bhp with improved fuel economy of 15 per cent to go along with them. Emissions have been lowered across the range but Vauxhall will also offer a low-CO2 Ecoflex version of the car as well for those car leasing customers looking to be a little more frugal.