Vauxhall Meriva to 'come of age'

Vauxhall Meriva to 'come of age'

Vauxhall has announced that its Meriva model will "come of age" will the addition of class-leading Euro-6 diesel engine and a new look.

The second-generation Meriva is set to go on sale in the UK next month, with the car manufacturer claiming that the new design and addition will turn the compact MPV class of vehicle on its head.

Vauxhall has added rear-hinged rear doors to the vehicle, increasing the opening for passengers by as much as 20 per cent. The model also boasts a FlexSpace system, providing rear passengers a variety of combinations for the seating.

A new grille and chrome accents have been added to the new model, framing the front fog lamps and newly-designed headlamps.

Daytime LED running lights have been added to the Meriva for the first time and LED tail lights are offered as an optional extra.

The 1.6 CDTi Euro-6 compliant diesel engine that has been added to the model is the same one that made its debut in the Zafira Tourer.

It has set a benchmark in the compact MPV sector for both efficiency and refinement, producing 136 PS and 320 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, while achieving 64.2 mpg and just 116 g/km of CO2 emissions.

The new engine has also improved performance in the Meriva range, with the second-generation iteration accelerating from a standing start to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds.

The figures represent a ten per cent improvement over the outgoing 1.7 CDTi in terms of economy and emissions.

Vauxhall's petrol engine Meriva range (1.4 100 PS, 1.4T 120 PS and 140 PS) remains and is now fully Euro-6 compliant.

As yet, prices have not been announced by the manufacturer, with a decision expected to be made next month when the vehicle goes on sale. The first customer deliveries are expected to take place in January 2014.

Posted by Louise Clark