The Meriva range has recently had a makeover and now sports a new face with a more prominent front grille and re-styled bumpers. At the rear, the Meriva gains dark rear lamp lenses and classy chrome strip across the tailgate. New paint schemes and wheels combine with a revised cabin, featuring extra chrome detailing and fresh fabrics, to complete the stylish new look. The Vauxhall Meriva has evolved from the same stable that revolutionised the MPV market with its 7-seater Zafira so it carries a fine pedigree and it makes a good impression.Behind the wheel, there is a functional look to the dash with clear instruments and well-placed controls with some functions located on the steering wheel for extra convenience. The elevated seating position gives a good view of the road and is comfortable to drive with a smooth ride, the steering is precise and it feels accomplished on the motorway as well as around town and on A and B roads. The news is as good for those in the back as in the front, with plenty of space. The seating arrangement offers good versatility as all three-rear seats can be moved independently of each other to increase boot capacity and when needed they fold flat into the floor giving a very large load area. The front passenger seat can be folded onto itself for extra load carrying (not on the VXR).
The Meriva is available with a choice of three petrol engines and two diesel engines. The petrol line up includes a 1.4i 16v Twinport unit the powerful 1.8i 16v and a new addition in the form of the 1.6-litre 105PS Twinport engine used in Astra and Zafira. With 5PS more than the outgoing Meriva 1.6, the newcomer is livelier yet more economical; having a top speed of 112mph. Joining the existing 1.7CDTi 16v unit for the first time, is the high-tech 1.3CDTi diesel, as used in Corsa and Tigra, delivering a lively top speed of 98mph. The award-winning 75PS unit features common-rail injection and four-valves per cylinder to ensure excellent economy and smooth responses. For those wanting the ultimate in performance there's a VXR with an 180PS turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and distinctive styling. This family runabout can hit 60mph in under eight seconds and do almost 140mph.Vauxhall has vastly improved the over all look and quality of its interiors in recent years and Meriva is just one of the beneficiaries. The Vauxhall Meriva certainly offers good adaptability for everyday use.
