Opel Meriva, 2014

 

 Opel Meriva, 2014

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 Flex Doors, 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 celebrated its world premiere at the 2014 Brussels' Motor Show in mid-January 2014.

The new Opel Meriva is a consistent continuation of the previous concept enhanced with finer ingredients. It receives a new face that has the characteristics of the new Opel Insignia revealed at the 2013 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 belt line, raising the Meriva's appeal and placing it neatly alongside the ADAM, the Cascada and the Insignia.

The new Meriva features Opel's new generation diesel power train, 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 Newt on meters 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 Opel Meriva also receives a new, state-of-the-art Intelli Link 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 Intelli Link comes standard with comprehensive map information covering the whole of Europe, and further updates can easily be downloaded via USB.

Fresh design with chic features and elegant chrome elements
Opel's design philosophy - sculptural artistry meets German precision - fits perfectly with a small, highly flexible monocab. The new Meriva benefits from many improvements that give it a more refined appearance. The front fascia now features a new grille with higher chrome content, as well as chrome accents embracing the fog lamps. The grille is framed by the newly-designed front headlights with an eagle eye graphic. For the first time, LED daytime running lights are available. On the side, the new elegant chrome beltline effectively highlights the waved design that accentuates the rear window. This feature and the centrally located door handles mark out the innovative FlexDoors, rear-hinged rear doors which allow for easy entry into the vehicle.

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 Opel Meriva remains the only small monocab offering 18-inch wheels which give it a unique stance and presence on the road, placing it a cut above its competitors.

New Euro 6-clean diesel generation with trend-setting technology
The new Meriva boasts the new generation Opel 1.6 CDTI medium-displacement turbo-diesel engine. Developed from scratch, this engine is just making its debut in the Zafira Tourer. In the Meriva, its several variants will progressively replace the 1.3 and 1.7 CDTI power units. The new 1.6 CDTI convinces with strong performance, great fuel economy, and impressive refinement. However, it does not just cater to its passengers but also to the environment. Already today, it complies with the future emissions regulation Euro 6, that will come into force in September 2015.

Initially, Opel offer the new Opel Meriva with the 100kW/136hp version of this new generation engine. The all-aluminum power unit with Common-Rail direct injection and Variable Turbine Geometry Turbocharger offers 320 Newtonmeters of maximum torque at 2,000 rpm. This is 6 additional hp and 20 Nm more than the 1.7 CDTI it succeeds, allowing for a substantial improvement in acceleration: The new Meriva swiftly reaches 100 km/h from standstill in just 9.1 seconds, vs. 9.9 seconds previously. However, it also impresses with its values in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions thanks to the lowest frictions of its engine class between1,500 and 2,500 rpm. Consumption and emissions are expected to be of only 4.4 liters per 100 kilometer and 116 grams per kilometer respectively. This is a 10% improvement compared to the previous 96 kW/130 hp 1.7 CDTI (which required 4.9 liter and produced 129 grams). Additional versions of the new generation 1.6 CDTI with even lower fuel consumption and CO2 levels will be introduced in the first half of 2014.