Opel Meriva

Opel Meriva

Manufacturer	Opel Chevrolet
Parent company	General Motors
Also called	Chevrolet Meriva Vauxhall Meriva
Production	2002—2008
Assembly	Zaragoza, Spain São Caetano do Sul, Brazil
Class	Mini MPV
Body style(s)	5-door MPV
Layout	FF layout
Platform	GM Gamma platform
Engine(s)	1.3L I4 1.8L I4
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2630 mm (103.5 in)
Length	4050 mm (159.4 in)
Width	1695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1625 mm (64 in)
Related	Fiat Punto Opel Corsa Opel Combo Opel Tigra
Manuals	Service Manual

Chevrolet Meriva

The Opel Meriva is a mini MPV based on the platform of the third generation Opel Corsa and sold under that name on all of the European markets with the exception of the UK, where it is called the Vauxhall Meriva. It is also sold in Brazil, Mexico and Argentina under the Chevrolet marque. It is built in São Caetano do Sul, Brazil by General Motors do Brasil and in Zaragoza, Spain, by Opel. It first appeared in late 2002.

The Meriva is available with petrol and turbodiesel engines ranging from 1.3 L to 1.8 L, with power going from 70 PS (51 kW) to 125 PS (92 kW). The base model is also available with an Easytronic sequential manual transmission.

In Argentina there are several versions available:

• GL 1.8 L 8V, base model, air conditioning.
• GL Plus 1.8 L 8V, (GL with anti-lock braking system)
• GL Plus 1.8 L 8V, with airbags
• GLS (top of the line) 1.8 L 16V, ABS, EBD, front airbags, special rims, Flex5.
• GLS Turbo Diesel 1.7 L
• GLS Turbo Diesel 1.8 L
• Easytronic 1.8 L 8V, air conditioning, ABS, front airbags, Flex5.

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. It has a generous trunk that can be further extended pushing the back seats into the floor.

Safety

The Meriva has a split A-pillar; this can create some blind spots for driver visibility.

Future

An all new Meriva is expected to debut in late 2009 as a 2010 model based on the SCCS version of the GM Gamma platform. A concept car named "Meriva Concept" was presented at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, showing the styling direction that the 2nd generation will take. There are rumors that it may be brought to North America as a Saturn model , part of General Motors' overhaul strategy of aligning the two brands.

Names and markets

• Opel Meriva - Europe (except for UK), Singapore, Japan
• Vauxhall Meriva - United Kingdom
• Chevrolet Meriva - Latin America, Mexico

External links

Opel (corporate site) Russian Opel Club