The grand Meriva compact MPV’s noticeable feature is a novel rearwards-opening back passenger door set-up. It is sensibly effective, but it doesn’t build as wide an opening as the sliding side doors utilized on the Ford B-MAX.
One great thing is that, Vauxhall Meriva includes an upmarket cabin that features profusion of soft touch materials and is vigorously constructed. It is practical, too.
The Meriva also proposes a convincingly grown-up driving experience. Calm handling and decent refinement provide the little Vauxhall a bigger car feels, whereas the supple ride does a fine job of soaking up bumps. But the whole engine range is disappointing, along with dated petrol units and some raucous diesel.
Hop behind the wheel of the Meriva and get ready to be pleasantly surprised – it actually drives relatively well, in spite of a tall body that looks as if it’s going to incline into bends too much, but actually doesn’t. On winding roads, the Meriva reveals good handling all thanks to the blend of well-weighted steering, muscular grip and excellent body control, which all add up to plethora of agility.
Even on the rougher road surfaces of UK, the car is still rationally comfortable, mainly with supple suspension sopping up bumps easily. Refinement is impressive, too. Road noise is chiefly well suppressed, which aids to make long motorway journeys a breeze – though some of the older diesel engines are a little bit intrusive.
The Vauxhall Meriva has been around a while now, and that’s reflected in its previous engine line-up. The entrance-level 99bhp 1.4-Litre petrol engine fights along with the Meriva’s bulk and provides a 0-62mph figure of 14.0 seconds. The striking 118bhp turbo is only a slightly better – it’s silent at cruising speeds, but with just 175Nm of torque, it demands to be worked really hard to make the most of the performance. Vauxhall simply claims 0-62mph in a relaxing 11.3 seconds.
The active 138bhp petrol version is improved but never feels as strong as its power figure claims. Diesel fans are better furnished for, all cheers to the introduction of Vauxhall’s latest 1.6-Litre CDTi unit. It’s obtainable in 94bhp, 108bhp and 134bhp guises and is an effortless and punchy performer. It is extremely efficient, too. Less inspiring are the 1.3-Litre and 1.7-Litre CDTi units. The former gathers just 74bhp and takes the Meriva from 0-62mph in a cool 16.9 seconds, whilst the latter is clattery and crude – although it’s only accessible along with a six-speed automatic transmission. All the other models receive a positive five-speed manual, except the 138bhp 1.4 Turbo and all 1.6 CDTi versions, which get a nice six-speed unit.
The whole Vauxhall range appears along with a standard three-year, 60,000-mile warranty – and it’s seemed a bit stingy for a while now. The monster Meriva is up against competitors such as the Kia Venga, which has an impressive seven-year cover, and the Hyundai ix20, which comes along with five years.
