Vauxhall and Opel are ploughing ahead with their new Meriva mini-MPV – our latest spy photos capture the 2010 Meriva on test on the Continent. CAR’s scoop pictures capture a red prototype with only light disguise, finally revealing more of the styling bound for GM’s new baby.
The ‘delta wing’ crease along the flanks is fast becoming a regular fixture on new Vauxhalls (qv Astra and Insignia) and this time the tick kicks off at the top of the front door shutline and drops down to run along the sill. That’s similar to the Insignia treatment, whereas the Astra’s tick is reversed.
But of more interest are the suicide doors, as previewed on the Meriva concept car: the rear items are front-hinged, despite the dummy handles suggesting otherwise on this prototype. There is a B-pillar, but GM insiders hint at plenty of clever packaging solutions to keep the Meriva uber practical.
Vauxhall Meriva (2010): what’s underneath?
Unsurprisingly, the new Meriva will use hardware from the Corsa range of small cars. Expect a suite of small petrol and diesel engines and – economic crisis and all that – there’s no talk whatsoever of a VXR or OPC variant… yet.
Pencil in March 2010 for its production debut. The Geneva show is tipped for the new Meriva’s world premiere.