Opel Meriva

OPEL MERIVA (A) - 2003-2010 - Overview

The first generation, named the Meriva A, is based on the third-generation Opel Corsa C. It went on sale in late 2002.
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.
The Meriva was sold in South America from 2002 through 2012 as the Chevrolet Meriva, where it was replaced in 2012 by the Chevrolet Spin. The initial version had been co-developed by Opel and General Motors do Brasil. It was built in Sao Caetano do Sul, Brazil.
 

Also called: Chevrolet Meriva; Vauxhall Meriva
Production: 2003-2010; 2003-2012 South America
Assembly: Zaragosa, Spain; Sao Caetano do Sul, Brazil

OPEL MERIVA (B) - 2010- Overview

The second generation, named the Meriva B, is slightly larger in size than the previous generation and is classified as a compact MPV.
The Meriva B appeared in 2009. The new model is 4,288mm in length, up from the 4,052mm of the old version which was based on the Corsa. The new model uses revised suspension layout from the former version but with a floorpan associated with the Opel seven seat Zafira Tourer MPV.
Inside the design and layout of the controls, instruments and overall the higher quality reflects the theme offered by the new Astra and Insignia ranges.
The bigger sibling Opel Zafira Tourer that debuted at the 2011 is in the same shape and look like Meriva B.
The new Meriva has adopted a more expressive and dynamic silhouette to its basic cab-forward MPV design. Like the Insignia and Astra, a ‘blade’ features down the side of the body, complementing a window line with a distinct ‘wave’ accentuating the FlexDoors, allowing panoramic views for rear passengers.
The design theme continues in the Meriva’s cabin, with cues taken from the Insignia and Astra enhancing the perceived quality of the materials.
The new Meriva’s seat comfort has also advanced, with the adoption of front seat technology from the Insignia and Astra. Like these cars, the Meriva offers the biggest range of seat adjustment in class, extending to 240 mm (9.4 in) in length and 65 mm (2.6 in) in height. A new generation of front seats, based on those in the Insignia and new Astra, make their debut in the Meriva. Generously proportioned and supportive, with a class-leading range of adjustment, they offer a level of comfort typical of vehicles in a larger segment.
The increased footprint contributes to more stable handling and inherently better road-holding capability. The front and rear axle are derived from the Zafira, which is well established as one of the best handling vehicles in the subcompact sector.
The Meriva B debuted at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March, and went into production in July 2009. The Meriva is the first (and only) car in the MPV class to have succide rear doors, which Opel call "FlexDoors". A panoramic sunroof is also available as standard on the top spec versions. Available in most Merivas is an all-new "FlexRail". Located in the middle of the car, it 'provides convenient and adaptable storage for a wide range of everyday items and is an uninterrupted storage zone that extends rearward from the base of the centre stack and is accessible from the rear seats'. This means, however, that the gear lever is raised and an electronic parking brake is standard.
 

Also called: Vauxhall Meriva
Production: 2010 -
Assembly: Zaragosa, Spain;