Opel is ushering in a new dimension in the rapidly growing minivan market with the new Meriva. Like bigger brother Zafira, this new five-seat minivan — with its modern design and unique flexspace seating system — sets a new benchmark in interior versatility.
This seating system permits the maximum amount of freedom in rapidly configuring the Meriva’s interior without removing any seats. The five-seat layout can be quickly and easily converted into a spacious four-, three- or two-seater with a generous cargo area. Even the front passenger seat can fold down completely.
This contestant offers a pleasantly high-seat position, assuring a good view of the road and convenient entry and exit. In the regular five-seat configuration this front-wheel drive minivan has three rear seats.
Moving the two rear seats outward changes the Meriva into an exceptionally spacious four-seater. All this is achieved by merely folding the centre seat out of the way.
Offering virtually unlimited versatility, an amazing load length of 2,4m becomes possible with the front passenger seat folded down.
Additional highlights include a 60-litre, three-compartment storage box under the load area floor panels and the multifunctional travel assistant that can be attached to the back of the centre seat after it has been folded down. This feature is standard on the Comfort model. It has an armrest that can be moved forward or backwards, two cup holders and an interior storage box that provides more than five litres of additional storage space.
There is a problem with visibility, however. The driver will probably find that the A-frame pillar obscures his view to a large extent.
The rear seat twin audio system lets second-row passengers ride first class in the Meriva. This is also standard equipment on the Comfort. The twin audio system consists of a module in the centre of the rear console with controls for programme selection and volume adjustment, and sockets for two headsets. These allow rear passengers to listen to a CD while those in front listen to the radio — or vice versa.
Built in an ultra-modern plant near Saragossa in Spain, the Meriva is equipped with the 1,6 Ecotec engine delivering 74kW.
Overall impression
The launch of the Opel Meriva has generated considerably interest, probably because Delta has, until now, lacked a new model with the ”wow” factor.
It is well built, handles beautifully with exemplary straight-line stability and offers the kind of space and convenience that potential buyers and previous owners of the now discontinued Volkswagen Microbus range yearn for.
It is a true ”Euro” car with inter-national appeal — designed in Germany, built in Spain and bought with enthusiasm in South Africa. Naturally, there are more than enough (if this is possible) safety features built into the Meriva. Air bags and ABS brakes, in addition to chassis-strengthening features, as well as superb road holding, largely contribute to the Meriva’s appeal.
Delta Motor Corporation and the Opel range are no strangers to the Car of the Year competition. In 1991 the Opel Monza 160 Gsi scooped the award. Three years later the Opel Kadett 140 took the honours, followed by the Opel Astra 160iS a year later.
However, no multi-purpose vehicle has ever won the Car of the Year award. Perhaps the Opel Meriva is about to make history. In terms of build quality and the inherent fun factor, the Meriva certainly deserves a strong finish — and perhaps even the podium.