Opel has revamped its smallest MPV Meriva and given it more elegance in the style of the larger insignia. Most of the innovations are in the front part, where new lights and a mask boast, while inside passengers are greeted by an above-average spacious cabin and trunk, which even a little "smells" of a higher segment. The diesel engine is also new, which suits it perfectly.
The renewed Opel Meriva received design changes in the spring as part of a cosmetic renovation, which make it even more elegantly and her bring closer bigger sister Insignia. It covers bigger and more imposing motorized the mask including new logo brands, front lights and bumper with different chrome plated rim of the fog lights. The same motif is repeated on the back, where we find a different one tail light graphics, also with a specific amount of chromium added.
However, in order to keep up with the fierce competition in the segment, vehicles have also aged in the field of motorization 1.7 liter diesel engine, replaced with a lot more advanced 1.6-liter, which is bursting with power and performs perfectly when measured under a fuller load.
Otherwise, the meriva has retained all its characteristics, in terms of the correct square shape of the passenger cabin, which pulls behind it an above-average spacious passenger cabin and trunk with the help of many useful touches, such as the improved guide system on the extension of the center console - Flex rail as well as exemplary flexible interior.
Changes discreet but significant
Otherwise, there are no major design changes inside, as the materials and internal arrangement have remained practically unchanged, the more skilled will notice that there is a new center screen of a larger diameter, which the predecessor could not, and this serves to display data navigation devices and parking cameras (in addition to the rest, of course), but of course this is part of it equipment for an additional fee, so that not all Merivas have this useful accessory (necessarily) already in the basic equipment.
The Meriva undoubtedly needed this addition, as the trends in this segment already literally dictate it, and the competition is able to offer it even for slightly less money or to offer an internet connection in the package. This is supposed to be part of it of the intelink system was also offered by meriva, but it is much more complicated or connected to certain phones and not to the mobile operator, than with the competition. But it offers meriva listening to digital satellite the radio and use many applications, say listening “podcast” audio and video files, web navigation and something else. There is also more chrome in the first row of seats, or rather on the dashboard, which only the most loyal members of Meriva or Opel will notice.
Spaciousness with a capital P
There are practically no measurable differences in terms of space, and it was not even necessary. It still offers class above average 1,500 liter capacity with the increased trunk, but at the same time it is space commendably square and correct form, which facilitates loading and usability of the luggage compartment.
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Meriva is also considered one of the better representatives in terms of adaptability, as the previously mentioned flex rail system has been further improved and now offers even easier and more intuitive handling and many useful drawers underneath, and everything is nicely seasoned with a pleasant ambient lighting, which a little more raises the image passenger cabins.
Warm-cold equipment
Regarding the equipment, it is still the case that it is worth deciding on cosmo package or at most something below it, since (only) this one offers everything you expect in this segment, but you will still need to at least look at the list of extras for some treat. This one offers everything you expect in this segment and also requires a slightly more sophisticated clientele, and at the same time, the packages also offer sensible combinations, which are available at fairly reasonable prices. In the list of additional payments, however, we still missed the now "famous" AFL xenon headlights, which we already have, but you besides LED daytime running lights, shine in halogen and not xenon technicians. Although these allow tracking of the beam by the rotation of the steering wheel, the competition in this area can offer even more. The fact that they are only standard in the most expensive equipment package also confuses the trifle rear parking aids, for the front and rear cameras, just like the factory navigation, it is necessary to dig into your pocket.
Under the hood, a new diesel gem
Under the hood, the last motor acquisition was spinning, namely 1.6 liter CDTi diesel that produces 100 kW and 320 Nm of torque, compared to the previous (much older) 1.7-liter unit, there is a lot more cultured, stronger and at the same time more economical. The engine fits the Meriva really well, as it is exemplary powerful and offers excellent intermediate acceleration and jumpiness. It's just a shame because it coughs like some passionate tobacco smoker when it starts up, because it follows it when it starts up a disreputable scumbag, so it looks as if the engine has been behind it for quite a few years and tens of thousands of kilometers.
The engine slows down after a few seconds, but the impression it leaves on the surroundings remains. The engine was also renewed six-speed manual transmission, which is shifts nicer and quieter than the previous one, but at the same time, the gear lever is more precise than the previous one, but it is true that we have already shifted faster and more precisely. He behaves very warm-cold start&stop system, which sometimes for no reason disobeys and requires the driver to restart the engine, which can be annoying, if not dangerous. We used the test vehicle in various modes of use about six liters of fuel, the more the scale tilts in favor of suburban driving and less urban use, however consumption starts drop below the limit of six and towards five liters, but if you run the vehicle on AC, you will aim for around 6.5 liters, and much harder even more than seven liters.
The price is high, but there are also discounts
A look at the price list also reveals the fact that the Meriva is not the cheapest model in the range, but when we include in the equation the fact that there is an engine under the hood that would be more than adequate even in a Zafira tourer, it is clear why this is so. 20 thousand so it doesn't seem too much however, this thought occurs when looking at the full price of the tester, which is exceeded the limit of 24 thousand. But here it must be added that you merchant when visiting the salon, he offers more specific discount, so that before making a decision it is necessary to visit the dealer, because in my opinion they are pleasantly surprised. We were also impressed with the renewed Meriva, as it is a modernly designed smaller minivan with a pleasing and flexible interior and plenty of space, and when we add this diesel, it becomes a real bouncer, but not wasteful when it comes to consumption.
More information:
www.opel.si/meriva
The price of the test vehicle according to the price list: 19,448 euros (basic)/ 24,158 (test)
