Opel’s compact MPV adds style and more substance

The Opel Meriva is a car that has surprised me for some time. Primarily, because it has been so under-rated by Irish motorists. I mean here is a car that in the highly respected TUV 2014 report, which is based on inspections of eight million two to three year-old cars in Germany, rated the Meriva as having the lowest defect rate and the absolute best quality of all those cars. Yes, better than the premium brands too!

The Meriva also has a top ranking with the equally prodigious J.D Power ownership satisfaction ratings. And the new Meriva has achieved the maximum five star result in the Euro NCAP crash test.

It first went on sale back in 2003 and that original generation was sold until 2010, and over 1.06 million were sold in that period. The second generation Meriva has seen a further 330,000 sold, yet we saw less than 100 sold in Ireland last year.

However, Opel will have a newly updated Meriva on sale here in April and I suspect it may exercise the palate of Irish motorists more. And the palate sits not far below the brain, which should take note of the evidence of quality quoted above.

Plus, Opel has introduced a new entry-level Meriva, which will be available from a new lower price of €18,995 for an ‘S’ trim 1.4i petrol variant.

That said, the out-going Meriva has had a couple of issues such as a far from smooth gearbox and not dynamic enough styling to attract trendy small families and older motorists down-sizing.

So let’s deal with these or rather see if Opel has dealt with them. First the looks, and because this is a mid-generation face-lift as opposed to an all-new model, they couldn’t go as far with design changes as they probably would like to have.

It gets a new bumper, new grille and chrome accents, changes to the lights front and rear, plus a new wave panel/ window design in the rear-side doors. The design upgrade has succeeded in making the Meriva look fresh, more technical and refined. It’s certainly sharper looking, and not too dynamic to put off some older buyers, who really will like the access to and quality of the interior! Opel haa also added a couple of new colours to the range.

Of course, Opel now has another similar sized car in its range. The Mokka offers more sportiness and also 4WD ability, while the new Meriva will headline on more comfort and flexibility. It will also offer a higher seating position, more relevant features and ease of use.

And thankfully, the GM owned German carmaker has held on to its innovative rear-hinged FlexiDoors, which really do make access to the back seats much easier. It also has the very variable rear-seating system which it calls FlexSpace.

It has a very good infotainment offering. Just like the Adam and Insignia have had introduced, the Meriva gets it’s own variation of the system, which will follow in to other models such as the Astra.

The new IntelliLink multimedia system allows you to stream music and make calls through Bluetooth phones, tablets or portable devices. Voice commands for navigation, phone calls and music tracks have been introduced for convenience. It will even display texts so you stay connected for every minute of your journey.

The new Meriva majors on ergonomics, with great front seats and they’re very good in the rear too. In fact, the Meriva is the first and only car in the world to be certified for its comprehensive ergonomic concept by independent doctors and back health experts. Back injury/pain sufferers take note!

There is also lots of leg, head- and shoulder-room, and it has 31 storage spaces ( no, I didn’t count them). And Opel’s unique FlexFix, a fully integrated, rear-end bicycle carrier system is also the perfect complement for active individuals and families.

Back to a second issue with the out-going model – the gearbox. Here again, Opel has been hard at work, spending €50 milion on upgrading all its 5- and 6-speed transmissions. In the Meriva versions I drove near Brussels this week, the transmissions were smoother, quicker, softer and more precise. Problem solved!

Opel will offer nine engine options in the new Meriva compared to four on run-out model. And Opel’s new generation 1.6 136 hp turbo diesel ‘whisper’ engine is the star unit. This is the quietest and most efficient engine in the class, consuming as low as 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres (or 74 mpg) and qualifies for road tax band A4 (€200 annually). Of the diesels, the 1.6 litre diesel is the one to go for, because it will replace the 1.3- and 1.7CDTi units totally within a year.

And helping them on their way later this year, Opel claims that for the first time in a petrol or diesel MPV, emissions will go under 100g, with just 99g/km CO2 when it introduces a 1.6 CDTi 110 bhp variant.

The entry model ‘S’ Meriva spec. includes daytime running lights, FlexSpace adjustable rear seats, FlexFloor – an adjustable luggage compartment floor that can be lowered to give you more load height and volume, CD with USB for iPod/ MP3 player and aux-in sockets, electric front windows and heated door Mirrors, door-to-door illumination, remote central dead locking and driver’s seat height adjuster, and electronic stability programme-plus.

The expected best selling SC version gets additional features such as air conditioning, cruise control, active-safety front seat head restraints, FlexRail® centre console system featuring aluminium rails and sliding tray/cup holder, full-size curtain airbags, steering wheel mounted audio controls, ambient lighting in centre console, front seat back pockets, 12-volt electrical accessory socket in rear centre console, rear courtesy lights, as well as remote control security alarm system on 1.6CDTi models. Opel will also offer a top-of-the-line Premium SE trim level.

Dave Sheeran, Managing Director, Opel Ireland told us. “It’s is a more attractive option for customers who prize convenience, flexibility and quality. At the same time, the new Meriva retains 2013 prices with a new lower priced entry level model”.

The new Meriva is sharper looking, drives really well (especially the 1.6 CDTi), is very comfortable and functional. In the segment that accounts for 1.91 per cent share of the overall Irish market, expect to see it challenge the market leading Hyundai iX20; and others like the Ford B-Max, Kia Venga and Citroen C3 Picasso to name but a few.

The Meriva should be to compact MPVs, what S-Max is to bigger people-movers and dare I say what Qashqai is to crossovers. Praise indeed!

New Opel Meriva launch range