The Opel Meriva has, since its first appearance in 2003, been the star and benchmark amongst the small monocabs. The second generation launched in 2010 has raised the standard with innovative features such as its rear-hinged FlexDoors, its exquisite, flexible seating, relaxed posture on front- and rear seats and many clever storage solutions. All these make the current Meriva the Ergonomics Champion, as has been concluded by independent health experts. Opel now presents the new Meriva – more sophisticated, more efficient and more functional than ever. It will celebrate its world premiere at the Brussels’ motor show in mid-January (January 16-26, 2014).
The new Opel Meriva receives a new face that has the characteristics of the new Opel Insignia just revealed at the IAA, with an elegant, generously chromed front grille and sparkling design for the lights. LED technology is now available for the daytime running lights and rear lamps resulting in a crisp, high tech look. A fine chrome trim highlights the typical window wave-shaped beltline.
The dynamic and elegant character of the rear gets a new touch of class thanks to LED lights with new, marked high quality graphics. The new Meriva also features newly-designed 17 and 18 inch wheels with premium look and feel. With this, the Meriva remains the only small monocab offering 18-inch wheels.
The new Meriva features Opel’s new generation diesel powertrain, the 1.6 CDTI that is just having its debut in the Zafira Tourer. This ultra-refined whisper-diesel, the quietest in its class, is initially available in the power variant 100 kW/136 hp and delivers 320 Newtonmeters of maximum torque. It consumes just 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers and emits 116 grams of CO2 per kilometer, 10 per cent less than its 96 kW/130 hp, 1.7 predecessor, while it also boasts much better acceleration and performance. In the course of the year 2014, other 1.6 diesel engines will follow, which will be even more economical and have even lower CO2 emissions.
In addition to the 1.6 diesel, all gasoline engines and the LPG variant in the new Meriva already comply with the future, strict Euro 6 emissions limits. The 1.4 liter gasoline engines (88 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp) are now also offered in combination with a reworked low-friction six-speed automatic transmission. As for the five and six-speed manual gearboxes, these have been substantially upgraded and offer more precise shifting, with smooth operation and minimal effort.
The new Meriva also receives a new, state-of-the-art IntelliLink infotainment system with embedded, fast and user-friendly navigation and voice control. The large, high-definition, seven-inch color monitor affords great readability and easy operation. It also displays the image from the rear-view camera. Making calls and audiostreaming via Bluetooth are also possible. The Navi 950 IntelliLink comes standard with comprehensive map information covering the whole of Europe, and further updates can easily be downloaded via USB.
Prices of the new Meriva will be announced in November when its order books are opened, and the first cars will be delivered to customers as of the third week of January.
