- by Trish Whelan
Meriva reaches Irish showrooms
29 April 2003: Opel's new Meriva is now available in Irish showrooms priced from E19,700 and available in three trim levels – Life, Enjoy, Design. The Meriva has also this week been awarded a 4-star rating in European NCAP crash tests.
The car comes with a choice of three engines – 1.6i (87 and 100 bhp) and 1.8i (125 bhp). Two 1.7 turbo diesel engines (75 and 100 bhp) as well as Easytronic automated 5 speed transmission will be available in the Autumn.
The five-seat layout can be quickly and easily converted into a spacious four seater. The back seats can also fold to the floor to create a two seater with a
generous cargo area. The Meriva can also be ordered with an optional fold-down front passenger seat, enabling maximum load space.
The key to Meriva’s versatility is its wheelbase. At 2630 mm, it almost matches that of the larger Zafira (2694 mm). The difference in overall length is more marked however with the Meriva (4042 mm) precisely 275 mm shorter than its "big brother". In terms of width (1694 mm) and height (1624 mm) the differences between Meriva and Zafira are only 48 and 56 mm respectively.
With all five seats in use, the Meriva’s load area – depending on the position of the rear seats – still holds between 350 to 560 litres, far more than a conventional compact car. And if more space is required, the Meriva can be rapidly transformed into a transporter with a capacity of 1410 litres and a cargo-area length of 1.70 metres. With the front passenger’s seat folded down, an amazing load length of 2.40 metres and more than 2000 litres storage space is available. Additional highlights include the 60-litre, three-compartment storage box under the load-area floor panels.
The entry level model is the Life comes with ABS, twin airbags, remote control central locking, power front windows/mirrors, CD/Radio with steering wheel controls, driver’s seat height adjuster, immobiliser, centre console with cup and coin holders, and the Flex5 multi adjustable seating system.
The Enjoy model also offers air-conditioning, a "Family Pack" (front & rear reading lights, seat-back tray tables & net pockets, provision for Isofix child seats, and a power outlet in the boot) a "Convenience Pack" (under-seat storage drawer, sunglasses holder and boot cargo net) as well a "Travel Assistant". This is a multifunctional "compact case" which remains attached to the back of the centre seat after it has been folded down and features as an armrest that can be moved forwards or backwards by 70 mm, as well as two cup holders and an interior storage box with five litres of additional space.
The Design version is targeted at the more style conscious driver and boasts such features as 15" six spoke alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, dark tinted glass, Onishi grey or charcoal fabric, charcoal/steel grey carpets, fog lights and body coloured side mouldings/door/boot handles and
mirrors black door pillars and high gloss chrome ornamentation.
"The Meriva epitomises Opel’s new product strategy – "Fresh thinking – Better cars," says John Maher, Managing Director, Opel Ireland. "We have high expectations of the new Meriva and are convinced that the Irish motorist will welcome the special personal freedom afforded by the new Opel Meriva."
New Opel Meriva Retail Prices (excl. delivery and related charges)
Life 1.6 87 bhp Manual 5 Door E19,700
Life 1.6 100 bhp Manual 5 Door E20,700
Enjoy 1.6 87 bhp Manual 5 Door E21,475
Enjoy 1.6 100 bhp Manual 5 Door E22,475
Enjoy 1.8 125 bhp Manual 5 Door E23,475
Design 1.6 87 bhp Manual 5 Door E21,475
Design 1.6 100 bhp Manual 5 Door E22,475
Design 1.8 125 bhp Manual 5 Door E23,475
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