Opel Meriva

Opel Meriva

Manufacturer	Opel
Production	2002–present
Class	Mini MPV (2002–2010) Compact MPV (2010–present)
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive

The Opel Meriva is a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) produced by the German manufacturer Opel, from late 2002 to present. Its first generation was classified as a mini MPV, whereas the second generation is a compact MPV.

In the United Kingdom, it is marketed as the Vauxhall Meriva, while in South America, the first generation was marketed as the Chevrolet Meriva.

Meriva A (2002–2010)

Meriva A

Also called	Chevrolet Meriva Vauxhall Meriva
Production	2002–2010 2002–2012 (South America)
Assembly	Zaragoza, Spain São Caetano do Sul, Brazil (GM Brazil)
Class	Mini MPV
Body style(s)	5-door monocab
Platform	Gamma platform
Engine(s)	1.4 L Z14XEP I4 (petrol) 1.6 L Z16XE I4 (petrol) 1.6 L Z16SE I4 (petrol) 1.6 L I4 (turbocharged petrol) 1.3 L I4 (diesel) 1.7 L I4 (diesel) 1.8 L Z18XE I4 (petrol)
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,630 mm (103.5 in)
Length	4,050 mm (159.4 in)
Width	1,695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1,625 mm (64.0 in)
Related	Opel Corsa C Opel Combo C Opel Tigra TwinTop

The first generation, named the Meriva A, is based on the third-generation Opel Corsa C. It went on sale in late 2002.

Like its bigger sibling, the Zafira, the Meriva has a flexible interior, named FlexSpace. Although it only has five seats in two rows, the second row can be moved forward and backwards, or pushed into the floor, making a straight platform for increased boot space. The second row can accommodate two or three passengers. In the two-passenger mode, the seats are separated from the doors and from each other much like the front seats. In three-passenger mode the back seat looks like a regular one piece seat. The front seat can be pushed fully backwards while the rear passengers can still get more than a decent amount of leg room.

The Meriva was sold in South America from 2002 through 2012 as the Chevrolet Meriva, where it was replaced in 2012 by the Chevrolet Spin. The initial version had been co-developed by Opel and General Motors do Brasil. It was built in São Caetano do Sul, Brazil.

rear view

Opel Meriva (2006–2009)

rear view

Opel Meriva OPC (2006–2009)

Engines

Initial launch

From launch, there were 3 petrol engines and 1 diesel engine. In 2005, the 1.6 8v petrol engine was replaced with a more powerful and efficient 1.4 engine. The 1.6 Turbo was available with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard, and the other engines had a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. The 1.6 (16v) and 1.8 petrols were available with a 5-speed 'Easytronic' gearbox as an option.

Petrol

• 1.4 TWINPORT, with 90 PS (66 kW/89 hp) (from 2005)
• 1.6 (8v), with 85 PS (63 kW/84 hp)
• 1.6 (16v), with 100 PS (74 kW/99 hp)
• 1.8, with 125 PS (92 kW/123 hp)

Both 1.4 and 1.8 are available as flexfuel in Brazil.

Diesel

• 1.7 CDTI, with 100 PS (74 kW/99 hp)

Facelift

Petrol

• 1.4 TWINPORT, with 90 PS (66 kW/89 hp)
• 1.6 TWINPORT 105 PS (77 kW/104 hp)
• 1.8, with 125 PS (92 kW/123 hp)
• 1.6 Turbo, with 180 PS (132 kW/178 hp) (OPC/VXR model only)

Diesel

• 1.3 CDTI, with 75 PS (55 kW/74 hp)
• 1.7 CDTI, with 100 PS (74 kW/99 hp)

Facelift

When the Meriva was facelifted in 2006, the front and rear ends were revised, and three new/revised engines came along as well as an extra trim level, the OPC/VXR.

Meriva B (2010–present)

Meriva B

Also called	Vauxhall Meriva
Production	2010–present
Assembly	Zaragoza, Spain
Class	Compact MPV
Body style(s)	5-door monocab
Platform	SCCS platform
Engine(s)	1.4 L I4 (petrol) 1.4 L I4 turbo (petrol) 1.3 L I4 (diesel) 1.7 L I4 (diesel)
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,644 mm (104.1 in)
Length	4,288 mm (168.8 in)
Width	1,812 mm (71.3 in)
Height	1,615 mm (63.6 in)
Related	Opel Corsa D Opel Combo D
Designer	Niels Loeb

The rear of a Meriva B 1.4

Opel Meriva Concept

The second generation, named the Meriva B, is slightly larger in size than the previous generation and is classified as a compact MPV.

The Meriva B appeared in 2009. The new model is 4,288mm in length, up from the 4,052mm of the old version which was based on the Corsa. The new model uses revised suspension layout from the former version but with a floorpan associated with the Opel seven seat Zafira Tourer MPV.

Inside the design and layout of the controls, instruments and overall the higher quality reflects the theme offered by the new Astra and Insignia ranges.

The bigger sibling Opel Zafira Tourer that debuted at the 2011 is in the same shape and look like Meriva B.

The new Meriva has adopted a more expressive and dynamic silhouette to its basic cab-forward MPV design. Like the Insignia and Astra, a ‘blade’ features down the side of the body, complementing a window line with a distinct ‘wave’ accentuating the FlexDoors, allowing panoramic views for rear passengers.

The design theme continues in the Meriva’s cabin, with cues taken from the Insignia and Astra enhancing the perceived quality of the materials.

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 240 mm (9.4 in) in length and 65 mm (2.6 in) in height. A new generation of front seats, based on those in the Insignia and new Astra, make their debut in the Meriva. Generously proportioned and supportive, with a class-leading range of adjustment, they offer a level of comfort typical of vehicles in a larger segment.

The increased footprint contributes to more stable handling and inherently better road-holding capability. The front and rear axle are derived from the Zafira, which is well established as one of the best handling vehicles in the subcompact sector.

The Meriva B debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March, and went into production in July 2009. The Meriva is the first (and only) car in the MPV class to have suicide rear doors, which Opel call 'FlexDoors'. A panoramic sunroof is also available as standard on the top spec versions. Available in most Merivas is an all-new 'FlexRail'. Located in the middle of the car, it 'provides convenient and adaptable storage for a wide range of everyday items and is an uninterrupted storage zone that extends rearward from the base of the centre stack and is accessible from the rear seats'. This means, however, that the gear lever is raised and an electronic parking brake is standard.

Engines

From launch, the Meriva was available with 5 engines (3 petrol, 2 diesel). The 1.7 diesel is only available with a 6-speed automatic gearbox and the 1.4 turbo (140 PS) and 1.7 (130 hp) are only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Since September 2010, 2 more engines have been available, both diesel - the 1.3 (95 hp) and the 1.7 (130 hp). All petrol engines are Ecotec.

From 2011, Stop/Start was added to certain engines [Engines with (S/S) are bold in CO2 column], a cleaner, more powerful 1.7 CDTI auto was added, and the petrol engines became slightly more efficient. A 6-speed automatic gearbox will soon be available for the 1.4T (120) petrol engine.

Petrol engine
Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Note	CO2 emission (g/km)	Years
1.4 VVT	I4	1398 cc	100 PS (74 kW/99 hp) @6000 rpm	130 N·m (96 lb·ft) @4000 rpm		144 (2010–2011) 143 (2011-)
1.4T VVT		1364 cc	120 PS (88 kW/118 hp) @6000 rpm	175 N·m (129 lb·ft) @1750-4800 rpm		143 (2010–2011) 139 (2011-)
			140 PS (103 kW/138 hp) @4900-6000 rpm	200 N·m (148 lb·ft)@1850-4900 rpm		156 (2010–2011) 151 (2011-)
Diesel engine
Model	Engine	Displacement	Power	Torque	Note	CO2 emission (g/km)	Years
1.3 CDTI	I4	1248 cc	75 PS (55 kW/74 hp) @4000 rpm	180 N·m (133 lb·ft) @1750-2500 rpm		129
1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX			95 PS (70 kW/94 hp) @4000 rpm	180 N·m (133 lb·ft)@1750-3500 rpm		119 (2010-) 109 (2011-)
1.7 CDTI		1686 cc	100 PS (74 kW/99 hp) @4000 rpm	260 N·m (192 lb·ft)@1700-2550 rpm	auto only	168	2010 – 11
			110 PS (81 kW/108 hp) @4000 rpm			160	2011 -
			130 PS (96 kW/128 hp) @4000 rpm	300 N·m (221 lb·ft)@2000-2500 rpm		138

Facelift

A facelifted version was presented as a world premiere at the Brussels International Motor Show in January 2014.

See also

• Opel Corsa
• List of Vehicles by registration number

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Opel Meriva

• Opel Meriva official website
• Vauxhall Meriva 2010 in detail
• New Vauxhall Meriva review