In 2010, Opel literally stirred up the compact family car niche by presenting the second generation Meriva at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with a striking appearance and, most importantly, rear-opening rear doors. It is no exaggeration to say that none of the competitors offered a more original car in this segment.
In October 2013, the German automaker presented an upgraded second-generation compact MPV. Opel "Meriva B" initially had an attractive and striking exterior design, probably because it, as a result of restyling, did not change dramatically, but only received minor adjustments - which somewhat refreshed its appearance.
The most noticeable changes in the updated "Meriva", compared to the pre-reform model, are concentrated in the front end: the family "German" received a new bumper with an integrated grille of a larger size, fog lights with chrome-plated frames and new head optics with inverted LED daytime running flags lights. The taillights have undergone minor transformations - they have separated a different "graphics" and more modern filling.
In general, Opel Meriva has a harmonious and attractive appearance, which is distinguished by various "design chips" - giving the car originality. But if the front and rear parts have a "familiar design", then in profile you can see a lot of really interesting solutions. What are they worth: a sloping roof, a broken line of a window sill, stylish ribs on the side surfaces, embossed wheel arches, mirrors on support legs and, most importantly, unconventionally located rear door handles hinting at their unusual opening ... well, beautiful 16 ~ 18 ″ rims complete the image of "Meriva".
The length of the car is 4288 mm, height - 1615 mm, width - 1812 mm (including door mirrors - 1994 mm). Between the axles of the German model, you can measure 2644 mm, and under the bottom (clearance) - 150 mm. Depending on the modification, the curb weight of the car varies from 1316 to 1518 kg.
As a result of the update, the interior of Opel Meriva B received only one innovation - this is a new generation of multimedia complex "IntelliLink" with a large display (alas, it does not recognize fingertips, but it has a high resolution and a well-developed interface) ... Otherwise, it is the same solid interior with high-quality materials that are pleasant to the touch and contribute significantly to the overall level of comfort.
The front end of the compact family car is made in the "corporate style" of the German automaker. The three-spoke multifunction steering wheel has depth and height adjustments, and behind it is an informative instrument panel with a beautiful design and pleasant lighting. The center console, installed at an angle, is literally "strewn" with buttons (the number of which may initially even "scare", but even an inexperienced driver can quickly figure them out).
But most of all, the Opel Meriva is interesting for its spacious interior with wide transformation possibilities. Front seats with pronounced lateral support are able to comfortably accommodate riders of various heights and builds, and six-way adjustments allow you to choose the optimal comfortable position. There is enough space, as well as many niches and drawers to accommodate all kinds of small things.
The main feature of the Second Meriva is the FlexSpace seat adjustment system. The second row here moves back and forth, thereby increasing or decreasing the reserve of space for rear passengers, as well as changing the volume of the luggage compartment (from the standard 400 liters to the required indicators) ... Well, in the case when you need to allocate maximum space for luggage, the rear seat folds entirely or in a ratio of 40:20:40, as a result of which you can get a "hatch" for transporting long items or an absolutely level platform and a space of 1,500 liters. By simple manipulations, the cabin can be configured with two, three, four or five seats.
The FlexDoors system allows you to get in and out of the car with maximum comfort. The door opening angle reaches 84 degrees - which greatly simplifies the installation of child restraints.
Specifications. For the updated Opel Meriva of the 2nd generation, three gasoline engines, three gearboxes and an exclusively front-wheel drive transmission are available in Russia:
- The base version of the car is equipped with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder "aspirated", which generates 101 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 130 Nm of peak torque at 4000 rpm. It can only be combined with a "mechanic" for five gears. Such a tandem does not endow the compact MPV with outstanding dynamics - 13.9 seconds from zero to hundreds and 177 km / h of maximum speed. The car requires only 6 liters of gasoline per 100 km.
- Next in the hierarchy is a 1.4-liter turbo four with 120 horsepower at 4800-6000 rpm and 175 Nm of thrust at 1750-4800 rpm. Paired with a 6-speed "automatic" engine provides "Merive" acceleration to 100 km / h in 12.5 seconds, and its speed capabilities are limited to 185 km / h. Fuel consumption according to the passport in the combined cycle - 7.2 liters.
- The top unit has the same volume as the two previous motors. It is equipped with turbocharging and distributed fuel injection, due to which its power is 140 forces at 4900-6000 rpm, and a torque of 200 Nm is available in the rev range from 1850 to 4900. The transmission is one - 6-speed "mechanics". The dynamic and speed characteristics of the compact van are as follows - 10.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h and 196 km / h top speed. At the same time, the most powerful Opel Meriva has high fuel efficiency - only 6.3 liters per 100 km.
At the heart of the second generation "Meriva" is the "Delta" platform with MacPherson struts on the front axle and a twisting beam on the rear. All wheels are equipped with disc brakes, ventilated at the front.
Options and prices. In the Russian market, the restyled Opel Meriva (before the Opel brand left the Russian Federation in 2015) was offered in four trim levels at a price of 825,000 rubles (for the basic "Joy" - it includes: ABS, ESP, starting assistance system on a slope, front airbags, heated front seats, front power windows, heated and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, and a bad road package).
The top modification "Cosmo" was offered at a price of 967,000 rubles, and it flaunts: climate control, airbags on the sides, a rear view camera, a multimedia system with a color display, full power accessories, 17 "wheels, standard" music "and many others.
