First Drive: Opel Meriva

By Scott Hayes on 22 March, 2012 in Road Tests

The third generation Opel Meriva mini-MPV features the brand’s latest design language, together with an number of innovative functions, as well as an efficient and punchy turbocharged engine.

Following the design elements introduced on the Opel Astra and new Astra GTC, the Meriva features the blade motif in the body sides, while a distinctive ‘wave’ has been introduced to the belt-line. This design feature affords a low window line that improves visibility, especially for rear seat occupants, most likely to be children. A further distinguishing feature is the centralised location of the door handles for both front and rear doors, made possible by the rearward opening action of the ‘FlexDoors’. From the front, the Meriva sports a prominent Opel badge, flanked by large “eagle eye” headlamps. The rear view is characterised by the tapering glass window and gloss black cover that ends above the license plate mount. The Meriva has its own identity, but is clearly a member Opel’s latest family of cars.

The interior is well equipped as standard, features classy switch-gear and plenty of practical features throughout. Passenger space is adequate both up front and in the back, while the boot can accommodate 397-litres, or 1 497-litres with the seats folded down. The FlexDoor system employed on the Meriva means the rear doors open rearwards up to an angle of 84 degrees (wider than the 67 degree average). This configuration provides easier entry and exit, as well as easier access to the rear seats in general, especially when fitting child seats for instance. For added safety, all doors are electronically closed and locked at speeds of over four kilometres per hour. They unlock when the vehicle is stationary, or in the event of a crash when in-car restraint systems are deployed.

The Meriva also features a flexible seating system, which Opel call ‘FlexSpace’. FlexSpace allows the Meriva to be transformed to a five, four, three, or two seat configuration depending on the needs of the moment. The outer seats at the rear can slide 140 mm forwards, 50 mm backwards and 50mm laterally. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, offering 240 mm of adjustment fore and aft, while the steering wheel is also adjustable for height and reach. An electronic parking brake frees up space between the front seats and has allowed Opel to install a ‘FlexRail’ storage system. FlexRail allows interchangeable storage units to slide on aluminium rails located between the front seats, including an arm rest. A downside of the system, however, is that its extension to the floor in the back does compromise legroom for the centre rear seat, making it a squeeze for three passengers to fit.

The Opel Meriva is available in two levels of specification – Enjoy or Cosmo. Some of the standard equipment on both models includes: Tinted windows; Daytime running lights; Telescopic and tilt adjustable steering wheel; Height adjustable driver’s seat; Electrically powered front windows; Electric park brake; FlexRail console with tray/cup holder; Puddle lights at base of B pillar; 12 volt outlet in centre stack and at the rear of centre console; Radio/CD/MP3-player with 4-speakers and USB and auxiliary connections; Front and side airbags for front seats; Full length curtain side airbags.

The Meriva Cosmo model is set apart by: Leather steering wheel with bezel and satellite audio controls; FlexRail centre console with armrest; 17-inch alloy wheels; Door-sill plates front and rear; Body colour door handles with chrome accent; 3D instrument cluster with chrome accents; Body colour side mirrors.

The new Opel Meriva is only available with 1.4-litre, turbocharged, petrol engine. With 103 kW and 200 Nm between 1 850 – 4 900 r/min, the Meriva cruises comfortably on the open road with plenty of ‘go’ left for overtaking or climbing hills. The 6-speed manual transmission is easy to operate and, when done quickly, will work with the engine to launch the mini-MPV from 0 – 100 km/h in 10.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 196 km/h. Opel claim an average fuel consumption of 6.7 L/100km, but expect this to reach over 9 L/100km when enjoying the engine’s power.

The local launch had us travelling through the Free State, where the long straight roads proved the Meriva’s very comfortable ride and impressive levels of noise insulation. The quiet ride is helped by the Neutral Torque Axis engine mounts, which work to separate the loads induced by the engine from the weight of the engine and the torque movement of the engine under power. The result is less resonance and vibration inside the cabin.

With 32 storage areas and multiple configurations via the FlexSpace and FlexRail functions, the Meriva is surely one of the most versatile mini-MPV’s available. Competitors like the Renault Scenic, Volkswagen Touran and Citroen C3 Picassio, battle to match the Meriva in the ‘bang for the buck’ stakes and, in terms of styling, the Meriva offers a better blend of sensibility with a little flair.