The History Of OPEL Meriva


The Opel Meriva is a mini MPV based on the platform of the third generation Opel Corsa and sold under that name on all of the European markets with the exception of the UK, where it is called the Vauxhall Meriva. It is also sold in Brazil, Mexico and Argentina under the Chevrolet marque. It is built in São Caetano do Sul, Brazil by General Motors do Brasil and in Zaragoza, Spain, by Opel. It first appeared in late 2002.

The Meriva is available with petrol and turbodiesel engines ranging from 1.3L to 1.8L, with power going from 70PS (51kW) to 125PS (92kW). The base model is also available with an Easytronic sequential manual transmission.

In Argentina there are several versions available:

  • GL 1.8L 8V, base model, air conditioning.
  • GL Plus 1.8L 8V, (GL with anti-lock braking system)
  • GL Plus 1.8L 8V, with airbags
  • GLS (top of the line) 1.8L 16V, ABS, EBD, front airbags, special rims, Flex5.
  • GLS Turbo Diesel 1.7L
  • GLS Turbo Diesel 1.8L
  • Easytronic 1.8L 8V, air conditioning, ABS, front airbags, Flex5.

Like its bigger sibling, the Zafira, the Meriva has a flexible interior, named FlexSpace. Although it only has five seats in two rows, the second row can be moved forward and backwards, or pushed into the floor, making a straight platform for increased boot space. The second row can accommodate two or three passengers. In the two-passenger mode, the seats are separated from the doors and from each other much like the front seats. In three-passenger mode the back seat looks like a regular one piece seat. The front seat can be pushed fully backwards while the rear passengers can still get more than a decent amount of leg room. It has a generous trunk that can be further extended pushing the back seats into the floor.

The Meriva has a split A-pillar; this can create some blind spots for driver visibility.

An all new Meriva is expected to debut in late 2009 as a 2010 model based on the SCCS version of the GM Gamma platform. A concept car named "Meriva Concept" was presented at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, showing the styling direction that the 2nd generation will take. There are rumors that it may be brought to North America as a Saturn model , part of General Motors' overhaul strategy of aligning the two brands.

  • Opel Meriva - Europe (except for UK), Singapore, Japan
  • Vauxhall Meriva - United Kingdom
  • Chevrolet Meriva - Latin America, Mexico



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