 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
2010 Opel Meriva news, pictures, and information | ||
| Tweet | ||
New Opel Meriva: The Flexibility Champion
* nnovation: A multitude of unique features extends leadership in flexibility* Coolness follows function: Rear-hinged FlexDoors improve cabin access
* Debut: World premiere in Geneva, March 4
Rüsselsheim. Innovative, versatile and elegant: The second generation Opel Meriva, to premiere March 4 at the Geneva Motor Show, will set the new standard for automotive versatility wîth a multitude of innovative features engineered to optimize the flexible use of space. And it is all packed in a distinctive, contemporary design.
After pioneering automobile on-board versatility wîth the compact seven-seater Zafira in 1999, Opel created a new market §egmènt for small, affordable monocabs when it launched the first generation Meriva in 2003. With its revolutionary FlexSpace rear-seating concept, high seating position and roomy cabin, the Meriva was big on flexibility yet small in size. This popular formula has enabled it to consistently lead the small monocab §egmènt, wîth sales in Europe totaling more than 1 million units.
Now, the second generation Meriva again raises the bar for affordable, on-board flexibility. Its FlexSpace system has been further developed to become even more intuitive and easier to use. It also introduces FlexDoors, innovative rear-hinged rear doors that facilitate access to its cabin – a premiere for a volume manufacturer. Moreover, the new Meriva features great interior storage space enhanced by a revolutionary concept of flexible center console, as well as the Opel-exclusive FlexFix system – the integrated rear bicycle carrier that is stored like a drawer under the luggage compartment.
The Meriva's flexibility trademark is enhanced by expressive exterior and interior styling that carries forward Opel's award-winning new sculptural design language. Its monocab silhouette is fluid, elegant and dynamic. The rear window graphic features a distinctive wave accentuating the rear-hinged FlexDoors, improving the view for rear seated passengers, particularly children.
The new reference in on-board versatility'With the Zafira Flex 7 and the Meriva's FlexSpace seating concepts, we invented a new kind of fully integrated, on-board flexibility,' says Alain Visser, Vice President Sales, Marketing and Aftersales Opel/Vauxhall. 'With the new Meriva, we wanted to engineer the new versatility champion in the automotive . I don't see any other car offering so many ideas that make one's life easier.'
Increased flexibility is extended to all areas in the new Meriva. In the cabin, the innovative FlexSpace rear seating system introduced in the first Meriva has been further developed: It requires even less effort to move the seats in their different positions or to fold them down.
Throughout the cabin, storage space is considerably increased wîth convenient locations provided for items commonly carried inside a car. The revolutionary FlexRail console system consisting of exchangeable storage units that can slide on rails located between the front seats provides convenient and adaptable storage for any kind of use.
Úp front, the generously proportioned seats are similar to those of the new Astra and Insignia. They offer a class-leading range of adjustment – 240 mm forwards/backwards and 65 mm in height – allowing people of all size and age to find optimal comfort for their journeys. Also new for Meriva is the availability of Opel's unique FlexFix integrated rear bicycle carrier.
Entering into a new era of doors
Meriva opens up a new dimension in rear seat access wîth unique rear-hinged rear doors. The FlexDoors concept is a first from a volume manufacturer in the . Únlike the few well-known rear-hinged doors systems available, FlexDoors features full-sized doors which open independently without the need for a clamshell overlap by the front doors. A conventional B-pillar makes this independent opening possible, while ensuring good body rigidity and side impact protection. In addition, it has a handle that further facilitates entry and exit.FlexDoors provide great functionality by making it easy to get into and out of the rear seat. Locating the door hinges on the C-pillar also allows more clearance for passengers' feet to swing past the B-pillar flange. The FlexDoors also open up to 84 degrees, much wider than conventional doors, for which 68-70 degrees is the usual standard. Front passengers also benefit from the same 84 degrees opening angle. FlexDoors are also more ergonomic and convenient for the front passengers to open FlexDoors when stowing a jacket, a briefcase or an umbrella behind the front seat.
FlexDoors also provide greater safety, especially for young families. Parents can reach into the rear seat more easily to help wîth buckling up, and children can be more safely guided when getting in and out of the vehicle. For example, when both the front and rear doors are open at the same time, a safety zone is created as both child and parent can get out of the car without a door separating them, reducing the risk of children stepping out into traffic.
FlexDoors add style to increased functionality. Stepping in and out of the vehicle not only feels much more natural, it looks cool and elegant. It's no longer necessary to twist or slide out of the rear seat.
The FlexDoors concept has been successfully market tested and evaluated wîth Meriva customers since 2006. It s supported by an array of patented locking systems designed to optimize safety.
Monocab expression of new Opel design
Inside and out, the Meriva moves forward Opel's new, expressive design language – sculptural artistry meets German precision – and adheres to the same focus on quality already seen on Insignia and the new Astra.Opel designers created a dynamic and elegant monocab. A lower, sweeping roof-line combined wîth Opel's signature blade side-body motif and the wave rear window line give the Meriva a fresh, distinctive character and look.
The FlexDoors invite you to an interior landscape of harmoniously flowing lines and surfaces. The wraparound wing shaped instrument panel enhances the feeling of width and roominess. The forward leaning center stack contributes to this and adds a notion of sportiness and sculpture.
The interior is appointed wîth six different levels of colour and trim. The widest choice ever offered on an Opel. The high standard of fit and finish of the chosen textures and materials as well as the layout and decoration of the controls is typical of more expensive cars.
Meriva to launch wîth six environmentally friendly engines
The new Meriva benefits from a longer wheelbase, wider front and rear tracks, all contributing to improved handling and greater ride comfort.The range of powertrains features economical and efficient turbocharged engines offering a power bandwidth from 75 to 140 hp. A particularly economical ecoFLEX version will also be offered. The Meriva will offer a choice of 5 and 6-speed manual transmissions as well as a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
Designed and developed at Opel's engineering center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new Meriva will be built in Zaragoza, Spain and is scheduled to go on sale this summer.Source - Opel
| Vauxhall Celebrates Double Victory At Fleet World Honours | |
 | Luton – Vauxhall scooped two awards at the prestigious Fleet World Honours 2013, retaining the Best MPV award for the Zafira Tourer and winning the Best Small Van gong for the Combo. The Fleet World Honours, presented yesterday at the Royal Automotive Club, are held annually for those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have achieved the highest possible level of excellence in the fleet sector. 'The Zafira Tourer wins again because it combines practicality, cost eff...[Read more...] |
| Subaru Holds The Line On 2014 Legacy® And Outback® Pricing | |
 | • Most versions keep same MSRP as 2013 models. • 2014 Legacy 2.5i starts at $20,295. • 2014 Outback 2.5i starts at $23,495. • EyeSight™ driver assistance feature now available on more models. Cherry Hill, N.J., - Subaru of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 2014 Legacy and Outback model lines, with most versions having no increase over the 2013 models. Starting at $20,295, the 2014 Subaru Legacy remains the most affordable midsize all-wheel drive sedan in America. The 20...[Read more...] |
| Nissan Sentra Named 'Most Affordable Compact Sedan' By Cars.Com | |
 | NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The newly redesigned 2013 Nissan Sentra has been named Cars.com's 'Most Affordable Compact Sedan of 2013.' After assessing 11 compact sedans equipped with six key features and factoring in five years of fuel costs, Sentra sits atop the Cars.com list with $730 separating it from the next most affordable car on the list. According to the editors at Cars.com, the Sentra bested its closest competitors thanks to its segment-leading fuel costs. Each vehicle included in the Cars.c...[Read more...] |
| New Holden VF Commodore Range: Looks to Turn Heads, Prices That Change Minds | |
 | • Commodore makes cutting-edge technology an every-day luxury • Auto Park Assist, MyLink with Siri Eyes Free* and rear view camera standard • Simplified pricing, added features and value to reward and win new customers • New Evoke nameplate kick-starts the range Holden has significantly increased the value of Commodore with new features and reduced recommended retail prices across the VF sedan and Sportwagon range by between $5,000 and $9,800. Launching a simplified line-up, Holden has crea...[Read more...] |
| HONDA EARTH DREAMS TECHNOLOGY ENGINES NAMED AMONG WARD'S 10 BEST ENGINES FOR 2013 | |
 | Honda Earth Dreams Technology Engines Named Among Ward's 10 Best Engines for 2013 4-cylinder and V-6 engines from all-new 2013 Accord honored TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 12, 2012 - Two Honda Earth DreamsTM Technology engines powering the all-new 2013 Honda Accord were named to Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 2013. Nearly every 2013 Accord on sale in the United States is equipped with one of the honored engines; the direct-injected 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and the 3.5-liter V6 eng...[Read more...] |
 2010
Opel
models |
| Opel Astra |
| Opel Insignia OPC | 2010 Opel Concepts |
| Opel Flextreme GTE Concept |
| Opel GTC Paris Concept |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Alfa Romeo | Citroen |
| Fiat | Lancia |
| Morgan | Peugeot |
| Renault | Seat |
| Skoda | Vauxhall |
| Opel: 2000-2010 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Opel History |
| Other models by Opel |
| Manufacturer Website |
| Related Articles and Event Coverage |
| 2010 Geneva Salon International de l'Auto |
| GT Kadett Manta |
© 1998-2012. All rights reserved. The material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
