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2009 Opel Meriva news, pictures, and information

Opel Meriva: Compact Exterior, Spacious Interior

• Extraordinary versatility thanks to innovative FlexSpace concept

• 1.3 CDTI and 1.4 TWINPORT ecoFLEX variants

• First mini-MPV wîth ESP as standard, halogen curve and cornering light


The Meriva is by far the best-selling mini-MPV in Europe. The contemporary five-seater highlights its position as class leader wîth exclusive technology options such as curve and cornering light. Like the Zafira, the Meriva's standard FlexSpace concept sets new benchmarks in terms of interior versatility and makes the most of this recipe for success. FlexSpace allows optimum freedom for reconfiguring the interior easily and quickly without requiring removal of the seats. With this concept, the five-seat Meriva can be quickly and effortlessly transformed into a spacious four, three, two or one-seater wîth generous luggage compartment volume. The Meriva's good aerodynamics (Cd = 0.31) and seven state-of-the-art four-valve ECOTEC engines that range in output from 55 kW/75 hp to 132 kW/180 hp ensure low fuel consumption.

New in model year 2009

Úntil now, the 1.3 CDTI wîth 55 kW/75 hp was the only model in the Meriva range that carried the ecoFLEX badge, Opel's seal for engines wîth particularly low fuel consumption and emissions. In the new model year, the 1.4 TWINPORT wîth 66 kW/90 hp joins the ecoFLEX family, underlining the fact that gasoline engines wîth Opel's TWINPORT technology are also exceptionally economical and clean. The model year update also included improving the efficiency of a number of engines – the Meriva 1.8 ECOTEC, for instance, now consumes around 0.6 liters less fuel per 100 km. Optional 16-inch alloy wheels in 7-spoke trapezoidal design are now also available for the Edition and INNOVATION variants.

Design and packaging

The Meriva's interior boasts ergonomic controls and instruments, attractive upholstery and décor trim, as well as high-quality chrome applications, while the OPC variant has a host of sporty elements. Comfort factors such as the distance and angle to the §teering wheel, pedals and control buttons in the cockpit define the Meriva's proportions, which were designed from the inside out. The long wheelbase of 2.63 meters allows for plenty of interior space, despite compact exterior dimensions. The clever FlexSpace concept is the key to the Meriva's outstanding versatility. Comfort in the rear is ensured by the variable tilt-adjustable seat backs, and the seats which can slide longitudinally and laterally. The mini-MPV can be quickly and easily transformed from a five all the way to a one-seater without removing any seats. By folding the 40:20:40-split rear bench forward, up to 1410 liters of cargo space is created, and wîth the front passenger seat back folded down, a 2.40-meter long load area is available.

Passive safety

The Meriva received four stars in the Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) crash tests, qualifying it as one of the safest cars in its class. With the rigid body structure as a basis, impact energy is distributed along predefined load paths in the event of a high-speed collision. Front and side airbags for front occupants, five adjustable head restraints, five three-point safety belts (with belt pretensioners and belt-force limiters in front), two ISOFIX child seat fixtures for the outer rear seats and Opel's patented Pedal Release System (PRS) are all standard equipment. In addition, the Meriva can be ordered wîth front and rear head curtain airbags including active head restraints in front (standard in OPC).

Equipment and extras

The Meriva range encompasses four different equipment lines, plus the sporty OPC version. Equipment highlights include:
Meriva – Driver and front passenger front and side airbags, ESP, FlexSpace concept, storage bin under luggage compartment floor, fixed luggage compartment cover, service interval indicator, welcome light when car is unlocked, height-adjustable §teering wheel and driver's seat, ISOFIX mountings, power §teering, radio remote control central locking, power release tailgate
Meriva Edition (in addition to Meriva) – Air conditioning, heated power exterior mirrors, power windows in front, stereo CD-Radio CD 30 MP3, reading lights, fog lamps, door-to-door lighting, Comfort package (additional storage compartments and nets, glasses holder, front armrest)
Meriva INNOVATION (in addition to Edition) – Halogen curve and cornering light, heated front seats, on-board computer (not for 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX), cruise control
Meriva Cosmo (in addition to Edition) – Electronic Climate Control (ECC), rear power windows, leather §teering wheel, 16-inch alloy wheels
Meriva OPC (in addition to Edition) – 17-inch alloy wheels wîth 205/45 R 17 tires, OPC sport chassis, special OPC parts (including: instruments, tailpipe, brakes, radiator grille, roof spoiler, side sills and bumpers), OPC leather sport §teering wheel, fabric/leather upholstery, Recaro sport seats wîth active head restraints in front, front and rear head curtain airbags, cruise control, ECC, power windows in front

A wide range of individual options is available for the Meriva, including xenon headlamps, power slide/tilt sunroof, parking assist and a mobile phone console wîth Bluetooth interface and voice control. For top infotainment there is the DVD 90 Navi, an MP3-compatible stereo-radio wîth a DVD-supported navigation system.

Chassis and active safety

Vital Stats
Engine : 1.4 L., 4-cylinder
Power: 90 hp
Torque: 92 ft-lbs

Engine : 1.6 L., 4-cylinder
Power: 180 hp
Torque: 170 ft-lbs

Engine : 1.2 L., 4-cylinder
Power: 75 hp
Torque: 125 ft-lbs

Engine : 1.8 L., 4-cylinder
Power: 125 hp
Torque: 165 ft-lbs

Engine : 1.6 L., 4-cylinder
Power: 180 hp
Torque: 170 ft-lbs

Engine : 1.7 L., 4-cylinder
Power: 100 hp
Torque: 192 ft-lbs

Engine : 1.7 L., 4-cylinder
Power: 125 hp
Torque: 206 ft-lbs

5-speed Manual, 6-speed Manual, 5-speed Automatic
The Meriva is the first vehicle in its class to feature a standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that ensures optimum driving stability in critical driving situations through targeted brake and engine intervention. The basis for the Meriva's safe yet agile handling is formed by precise §teering, torsionally rigid body construction, a McPherson front axle wîth A-arms and stabilizer mounted on a subframe, as well as a compact torsion-beam rear axle. All variants also have ABS and disk brakes all around (internally ventilated in front), brake assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD).

Engines and transmissions


A total of seven engines are available for the Meriva – four gasoline and three common-rail turbo-diesel units from the ECOTEC series. Displacements range from 1.3 to 1.8 liters and outputs from 55 kW/75 hp to 132 kW/180 hp. The three common-rail turbo-diesels – 1.3 CDTI (55 kW/75 hp), 1.7 CDTI (74 kW/100 hp and 92 kW/125 hp) – all come wîth diesel particulate filter as standard. They all boast low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The 1.3 CDTI requires just 5.0 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers, and emits just 135 g /km CO2, giving it the right to bear the 'ecoFLEX' environmental logo. The 1.4 and 1.6-liter gasoline engines wîth innovative TWINPORT technology achieve significant fuel consumption reductions thanks to variable inlet timing and high rates of exhaust gas recirculation. The 66 kW/90 hp, 1.4 TWINPORT ECOTEC requires only 6.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, which also qualifies it to carry the ecoFLEX badge. The Meriva OPC is the most powerful variant in this model line, and is powered by a 1.6-liter turbo engine wîth 132 kW/180 hp. The multi-variable mini-MPV accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, and has a top speed of 222 km/h. The 1.6 and 1.8-liter (92 kW/125 hp) gasoline engines are available wîth automated Easytronic five-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

Quality and economic efficiency

No compromises on quality. This was the motto for the Meriva from day one. As a result, Opel's mini-MPV achieved the lowest defect rate in the German TÜV (Technical Monitoring Association) report 2007. The two-year new-car manufacturer's warranty, which goes far beyond the mandatory guarantee, further underlines Opel's confidence in the quality of its products. Corrosion-prone body parts are galvanized on both sides, providing the basis for the vehicle's 12-year anti-perforation warranty. In addition, the 'Best Value Car 2007' boasts exemplary figures for residual value. Customers benefit from extended service intervals and reduced maintenance volume, while the Meriva's repair-friendly modular concept leads to favorable insurance ratings and premiums.

Source - Opel

Fresh Drive for Opel Monocab Range

New Agila a star among mini monocabs
New Zafira set for success in compact monocab class
Meriva dominates small monocab classOpel's model range at the Bologna Motor Show (December 7 – 16, 2007) features no less than 17 seats and up to 4280 liters of load volume capacity. This is no illusion, but rather the combined characteristics of Opel's three quick-change artists. The automaker from Rüsselsheim highlights its monocab designs – body models where the hood and trunk are not visibly separate from the cabin – which enable plenty of interior flexibility. Opel consistently sends a clear signal wîth these models' market success and innovative ideas. The top attraction in Bologna is the world premiere of the new Zafira. The benchmark for fully variable seven-seaters in the compact monocab class, the new Zafira boasts fresh design accents and three additional engines wîth improved fuel economy. From February 2008, the European record of two million units sold since 1999 will be within reach. Opel's new monocab highlights continue wîth the Italian premiere of the brand-new Agila. The flexible five-seater wîth up to 1050 liters of load space and exterior length of just 3.74 meters establishes Opel in the mini monocab §egmènt. Completing the monocab trio is the spacious Meriva, which has been the top seller in the small monocab class in Europe since its market launch in 2003. A total of around 280,000 Meriva (120,000) and Europe's top-selling seven-seater Zafira (160,000) models were sold from January through November 2007. The launch of the new Agila in spring 2008 will put Opel in an even better position to defend its top market position in the coming years.

Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer GM Europe, praised the monocab trio as ideal brand ambassadors: 'Opel stands for maximum variability in affordable cars, and we realize this democratization of intelligent vehicle concepts right across our model classes. The new Agila continues the outstanding flexibility of the Zafira and Meriva models, whose extraordinary qualities have helped shape Opel's brand profile.'

Opel's principle of optimal use of space

Opel's strategy for success wîth its monocab range is to offer as much space and practicality as possible within the most compact dimensions conceivable, and to adapt this concept to various model size classes. The patented Flex7 seating system in the 4.47-meter long Zafira is considered the benchmark among technological solutions for maximum interior variability. Europe's top-selling seven-seater can easily be transformed into a two-seater wîth a cargo capacity of up to 1820 liters without cumbersome removal of the seats. With the FlexSpace concept, the Meriva brings an iteration of this successful innovation to the small monocab §egmènt. The 4.05-meter long quick-change artist can be configured in every conceivable way – as a five, four, three, two or one-seater wîth 2.40-meter load-floor length and cargo capacity of 1410 liters. The new 3.74-meter long Agila echoes this flexibility and brilliant simplicity. Folding the 60:40-split rear bench seat back down creates a flat load floor and boosts the luggage compartment volume from 225 to 1050 liters - a capacity unrivalled by the Agila's competitors.

Besides the efficient use of space, other monocab success factors include the high seating position for good visibility and the ease of entry and exit. Currently 13 percent of new passenger car registrations in Europe are for vehicles in this category. Frank Leopold, Manager Innovation, Advanced Package & Concept Cars, Adam Opel GmbH, sees a bright future for monocabs: 'In the past, cars were just made longer and wider to create more space. But Flex7, which is incorporated in the monocab design, presented an alternative. And as just making cars bigger is also not very environmentally friendly, the trend toward efficient innovations à la Opel will continue.'

Intelligent space concept reduces per-head consumption

The intelligent design concept of providing maximum variability and plenty of space despite compact dimensions and less weight are key to the Opel monocabs' environmental compatibility and economy. The new mini monocab is the latest proof of this, as the Agila 1.0 and 1.3 CDTI require just 5.0 and 4.5 liters of fuel respectively per 100 kilometers. The corresponding CO2 value of 120 g/km means when fully occupied, the Agila emits an extremely environmentally friendly 24 g CO2/km and seat. The Zafira 1.6 CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) has an even more impressive emission value: its five-kilogram consumption of H-gas per 100 km results in just 138 g CO2/km. With six passengers plus driver, the Zafira 1.6 CNG – available as an Opel ecoFLEX model from spring 2008 – produces just 20 g CO2/km and seat.

The addition of the new 1.6-liter gasoline engine (85 kW/115 hp) and two 1.7 CDTI common-rail turbo-diesels (81 kW/110 hp and 92 kW/125 hp) expands the Zafira engine range wîth more economical units that provide greater output but consume less fuel. (concept carz) Aside from the CNG unit, there is a total of five gasoline and four diesel engines wîth displacements from 1.6 to 2.2 liters and an output range of 85 to 177 kW (115 to 240 hp). The Meriva also boasts a broad engine range, wîth four gasoline and three common-rail turbo-diesel ECOTEC units. Their displacements range from 1.3 to 1.8 liters, wîth outputs from 55 to 132 kW (75 to 180 hp). The models that attract the greatest attention, however, are the turbo-charged top-of-the line Zafira and Meriva OPCs. Buyers enjoy maximum flexibility combined wîth maximum performance, as the Zafira and Meriva OPC models come wîth Flex7 or FlexSpace coupled wîth a top speed of 231 or 222 km/h respectively.

Únique technology features

The Zafira is not just monocab pioneer in interior flexibility, but also in technology. The IDSPlus (Interactive Driving System) wîth electronic Continuous Dampening Control (CDC) is unique in this §egmènt, and the Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) sets standards, providing a significant boost in safety for car-trailer drivers. While the bi-xenon AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) headlamps wîth dynamic curve light ensure considerably improved road illumination, the panorama roof system offers two benefits for Zafira passengers: it provides a pleasant feeling of spaciousness on board, and helps keep the interior tidy thanks to the roof console running the entire length of the cabin.

'Our monocab range, wîth its high levels of flexibility, state-of-the-art technology at affordable prices and innovative ideas, is rounded off perfectly by the new Agila. This new model will further strengthen our leading position in this §egmènt,' says Alain Visser.

Source - Opel

Opel Meriva: New Design, New Engines and Enhanced Technology

The Opel Meriva goes into 2006 wîth new design and new engines, plus an extended range of technological features, including cornering and curve light (AFL – Adaptive Forward Lighting), available for the first time in the minivan class ('small monocabs'). The Meriva, which has sold over 500,000 units since its debut in May 2003, leads its §egmènt in terms of registrations in Germany and Europe. The new edition of the multi-variable minivan can be ordered now, wîth prices starting at 14,520 euros. The compact five-seater makes its premiere at the Bologna Motor Show (December 3 – 11) and will be available at Opel dealerships in February, as will the all-new high-performance version, the Meriva OPC.

The Meriva's distinctive new design elements at the front and rear - like the grille wîth wide chrome crossbar - now even more clearly reflect Opel's dynamic design language. Interior highlights include new upholstery wîth fresh colors and chrome accents, underlining Opel's high-quality standards in this class. Optional leather/fabric or all-leather upholstery is also available. With a new 1.3 CDTI, high-tech entry-level diesel and a 1.6-liter engine wîth fuel-saving TWINPORT technology, additional highly-efficient power units enhance the Meriva range.

The new 1.3 CDTI engine wîth common-rail injection, four-valve technology and swirl control, produces 55 kW/75 hp. It features a maintenance-free particulate filter as standard.

The 1.3 CDTI ECOTEC, familiar from the Corsa and Astra, was named ‘Engine of the Year 2005' in the 1.0 – 1.4-liter displacement category by automotive jounalists from 26 countries, thanks to its refinement, responsiveness and low fuel consumption. It takes the Meriva to a top speed of 157 km/h and only requires an average of 5.0 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. The Meriva 1.3 CDTI is available from 16,235 euros.

The second new engine in the Meriva range is the 1.6 TWINPORT ECOTEC, also used in the Astra and Zafira. With a power output of 77 kW/105 hp, it delivers five horsepower more than the previous 1.6-liter gasoline engine; but wîth average fuel consumption of 6.7 liters per 100 kilometers, it is around six percent more economical than its predecessor. The Meriva 1.6 TWINPORT reaches a maximum speed of 181 km/h, and prices start at 15,445 euros.

In addition to the new grille wîth wide chrome crossbar, the Meriva's face is defined by the bumper wîth large central air intake, side air intakes and integrated round fog lamps. The new edition's rear features a chrome strip and dark tinted tail lights. The interior is upgraded by new upholstery wîth modern design and colors, new décor trim strips on the instrument panel and doors, chrome décor on the interior door handles, gear shift and hand brake lever, as well as new instrument graphics.


In addition, all Meriva variants are available wîth an increased range of technological features. As the first car in its class, the Opel minivan is now available wîth AFL halogen cornering and curve light, making nighttime driving safer and more comfortable. The optional mobile telephone installation is now available wîth Bluetooth interface and voice control. New standard equipment includes a power release trunk and welcome light function – headlamps and interior lighting can be turned on by remote control for 30 seconds, leading the way to the car in the dark.

In May 2003, Opel opened a new dimension in the compact class wîth the Meriva. Thanks to its FlexSpace concept the five-seater still sets standards wîth its interior versatility. FlexSpace offers optimum freedom in interior configuration, enabling quick and easy transformation of the Meriva from a five-seater into a spacious four, three, two or one-seater wîth generous storage space, without the cumbersome removal of seats. With ample interior space and compact dimensions (length: 4.05 meters), the Meriva is not only ideal for city traffic, but also provides spacious comfort on longer journeys.

The high-performance version of the versatile minivan, the Meriva OPC, is new to the range, wîth prices starting at 23,000 euros. The newly developed, 132 kW/180 hp, 1.6-liter ECOTEC turbo engine ensures powerful performance. It takes Opel's new sports van from zero to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, and accelerates it to a top speed of 222 km/h. The Meriva OPC makes its world premiere at the Essen Motor Show from November 25 to December 4.

Source - Opel
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