2011 Opel Meriva Review

Innovative, versatile and elegant: The second generation Opel Meriva, at first at the Geneva Motor Show 2010, will set new standards for versatility cars with a host of innovative features designed to enhance the flexible use of space. And that's all packaged in a typical, modern design.

When the innovative self aboard the versatility of a compact seven-seater Zafira in 1999, Opel has created a new market segment for small, affordable people carrier when it launched its first generation Opel Meriva in 2003. Its revolutionary FlexSpace rear seating concept, a high driving position, spacious interior, the Opel Meriva has been a great deal of flexibility are still small. This popular formula has allowed a consistent result in a small SUV segment, with sales in Europe totaling over one million units.

Now the second generation of the Opel Meriva again raises the bar for affordable, on-board flexibility. Its FlexSpace system has been further developed in a more intuitive and easy to use. It also includes FlexDoors, innovative rear-hinged rear doors, which facilitate the cabin - the first volume of the manufacturer. In addition, the new Meriva large interior space to enhance the revolutionary concept of a flexible center console, as well as the unique FlexFix Opel - an integrated bike carrier back, which is stored in the storage box.

Opel Meriva flexibility is enhanced by expressive exterior and interior design that takes the award-winning sculptural design language of Opel. Its unibody silhouette is fluid, elegant and dynamic. The graphics rear window features a distinctive wave accentuating the rear-hinged FlexDoors, improves the visibility of the rear seat passengers, especially children.

A new benchmark for the versatility of a train

"With the flex Opel Zafira 7 seater Meriva FlexSpace and concepts, we have invented an entirely new kind of flexibility built into the motherboard," says Alain Visser, vice president of sales, marketing and after sales of Opel / Vauxhall. "With the new Meriva, we wanted to design a champion of versatility in the automotive industry. I see no other car offers many ideas that make life easier."

Increased flexibility is extended to all areas of the new Opel Meriva. In the cabin FlexSpace innovative rear seat, introduced the Opel Meriva has been further developed: it requires much less effort to move the seats to their different positions, or lay down.

Throughout the cabin, storage space is larger, with convenient locations provided for items that are carried inside a car. The console system consists of revolutionary FlexRail interchangeable storage units that can slide on rails located between the front seats allows easy storage and adaptable to any type of use.

The front seats are large similar to those of the new Opel Astra and Insignia. They offer a wide range of first class adaptation - 240 mm front / rear and 65 mm height - allowing people of all sizes and ages to find comfort in their travels. Also new for the Opel Meriva is the availability of the company's integrated rear bicycle FlexFix Opel unique.

Entering a new era of doors

Opel Meriva a new dimension in access to rear seats, rear hinged door on the rear only. FlexDoors system is the first time a volume manufacturer in the industry. Unlike other known systems hinged rear doors available, FlexDoors features full-size doors that open independently, without an overlap shell of the front doors. A conventional B-pillar makes this independent opening possible, while maintaining the rigidity of the body and good protection against side impacts. It also has a handle that makes it even easier entry and exit.

FlexDoors provide great functionality and it is easy to enter and exit the rear seat. Place the hinges on the amount of C also allows more space for passengers' feet to swing past the B-pillar flange. The FlexDoors is also open to 84 degrees, much wider than conventional doors, where from 68 to 70 degrees is the norm. These passengers also benefit from the same angle of 84 degrees. FlexDoors are also more ergonomic and more convenient for passengers before opening FlexDoors where to put a jacket, a briefcase or an umbrella behind the front seat.

FlexDoors also increases safety, especially for young families. Parents can get in the back seat easier to help deformation, and children can be safely controlled when to enter and exit the vehicle. For example, when both the front and rear doors are open at the same time, the security area is created, and the child and parent to leave the car without a door that separates them, and to reduce children exiting 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. No need to twist or slip out of the back seat.

FlexDoors concept has been successfully tested and evaluated on the market, and customers since 2006 Opel Meriva. And 'supported by a series of patented locking system, designed to maximize security.

Expression of the Opel minivan

In and out, Opel Meriva Opel advance new language expressive design - sculptural artistry combined with German precision - and follows the same focus on quality, already seen on the Insignia and the new Astra.

Opel designers have created a dynamic and stylish MPV. Bottom, sweeping roofline, combined with the side of the blade Opel signature motive of the body and the rear window line gives the wave Opel Meriva, fresh and distinctive look.

The FlexDoors We invite you to an interior landscape of the harmony of flowing lines and surfaces. The instrument panel shape surround wing improves the feeling of width and amplitude. The striker bent stack contributes to this and adds to the sportiness and sculpture.

The interior is decorated with six different levels of color and finish. The largest selection ever offered on an Opel. The high level of fit and finish chosen textures and materials and furnishings and decoration of control is typical of more expensive cars.

Opel Meriva start with six green engines

The new Meriva will benefit from a longer wheelbase, wider track front and rear contribute to a better handling and greater comfort.

The engine range features economical and efficient turbo engines offer a power bandwidth from 75 to 140 hp. A special version will also be offered economic ecoFLEX. Opel Meriva will offer a selection of five speed manual and 6-speed gearbox and a 6-speed automatic.

Designed and developed by Opel in the Engineering Center in Rüsselsheim, Germany, New Opel Astra to be built in Zaragoza, Spain, and is scheduled to go on sale in the summer of 2010.