2009 Opel Meriva

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 with 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 with 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 with 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 with 55 kW/75 hp was the only model in the Meriva range that carried the ecoFLEX badge, Opel's seal for engines with particularly low fuel consumption and emissions. In the new model year, the 1.4 TWINPORT with 66 kW/90 hp joins the ecoFLEX family, underlining the fact that gasoline engines with 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


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 with front and rear head curtain airbags including active head restraints in front (standard in OPC).

Equipment and extras


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 with Bluetooth interface and voice control. For top infotainment there is the DVD 90 Navi, an MP3-compatible stereo-radio with a DVD-supported navigation system.

Chassis and active safety

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 steering, torsionally rigid body construction, a McPherson front axle with 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 with 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 with 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 with 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 with 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 class
Opel'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 with 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 with 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 with the Italian premiere of the brand-new Agila. The flexible five-seater with up to 1050 liters of load space and exterior length of just 3.74 meters establishes Opel in the mini monocab segment. 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


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 with 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 with 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, with four gasoline and three common-rail turbo-diesel ECOTEC units. Their displacements range from 1.3 to 1.8 liters, with 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 with maximum performance, as the Zafira and Meriva OPC models come with Flex7 or FlexSpace coupled with a top speed of 231 or 222 km/h respectively.

Únique technology features

'Our monocab range, with 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 segment,' says Alain Visser.

Source - Opel

Opel Meriva: New Design, New Engines and Enhanced Technology

The Opel Meriva goes into 2006 with 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 segment in terms of registrations in Germany and Europe. The new edition of the multi-variable minivan can be ordered now, with 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 with wide chrome crossbar - now even more clearly reflect Opel's dynamic design language. Interior highlights include new upholstery with 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 with fuel-saving TWINPORT technology, additional highly-efficient power units enhance the Meriva range.



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.



In addition to the new grille with wide chrome crossbar, the Meriva's face is defined by the bumper with 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 with 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 with an increased range of technological features. As the first car in its class, the Opel minivan is now available with AFL halogen cornering and curve light, making nighttime driving safer and more comfortable. The optional mobile telephone installation is now available with 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 with the Meriva. Thanks to its FlexSpace concept the five-seater still sets standards with 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 with 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.

Source - Opel