2006 Opel Meriva

[HarleyEarl]

New Opel Meriva World premiere in Bologna
Text & Photos courtesy of General Motors Corporation
11-08-2005

New Design, New Engines and Enhanced Technology


New: 1.3 CDTI high-tech diesel (75 hp) and 1.6 TWINPORT gasoline engine (105 hp)
Premiere in segment: Halogen cornering and curve light (AFL)
Meriva OPC with 180 hp 1.6 turbo expands Opel’s sport model range

The Opel Meriva goes into 2006 with new design and new engines, plus an extended range of technological features, including cornering and curve light (AFL – Adaptive Forward Lighting), available for the first time in the minivan class (“small monocabs”). The Meriva, which has sold over 500,000 units since its debut in May 2003, leads its segment in terms of registrations in Germany and Europe. The new edition of the multi-variable minivan can be ordered now, with prices starting at 14,520 euros. The compact five-seater makes its premiere at the Bologna Motor Show (December 3 – 11) and will be available at Opel dealerships in February, as will the all-new high-performance version, the Meriva OPC.



The Meriva’s distinctive new design elements at the front and rear - like the grille with wide chrome crossbar - now even more clearly reflect Opel’s dynamic design language. Interior highlights include new upholstery with fresh colors and chrome accents, underlining Opel’s high-quality standards in this class. Optional leather/fabric or all-leather upholstery is also available. With a new 1.3 CDTI, high-tech entry-level diesel and a 1.6-liter engine with fuel-saving TWINPORT technology, additional highly-efficient power units enhance the Meriva range.



The new 1.3 CDTI engine with common-rail injection, four-valve technology and swirl control, produces 55 kW/75 hp. It features a maintenance-free particulate filter as standard.

The 1.3 CDTI ECOTEC, familiar from the Corsa and Astra, was named ‘Engine of the Year 2005’ in the 1.0 – 1.4-liter displacement category by automotive jounalists from 26 countries, thanks to its refinement, responsiveness and low fuel consumption. It takes the Meriva to a top speed of 157 km/h and only requires an average of 5.0 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. The Meriva 1.3 CDTI is available from 16,235 euros.



The second new engine in the Meriva range is the 1.6 TWINPORT ECOTEC, also used in the Astra and Zafira. With a power output of 77 kW/105 hp, it delivers five horsepower more than the previous 1.6-liter gasoline engine; but with average fuel consumption of 6.7 liters per 100 kilometers, it is around six percent more economical than its predecessor. The Meriva 1.6 TWINPORT reaches a maximum speed of 181 km/h, and prices start at 15,445 euros.



In addition to the new grille with wide chrome crossbar, the Meriva’s face is defined by the bumper with large central air intake, side air intakes and integrated round fog lamps. The new edition’s rear features a chrome strip and dark tinted tail lights. The interior is upgraded by new upholstery with modern design and colors, new décor trim strips on the instrument panel and doors, chrome décor on the interior door handles, gear shift and hand brake lever, as well as new instrument graphics.



In addition, all Meriva variants are available with an increased range of technological features. As the first car in its class, the Opel minivan is now available with AFL halogen cornering and curve light, making nighttime driving safer and more comfortable. The optional mobile telephone installation is now available with Bluetooth interface and voice control. New standard equipment includes a power release trunk and welcome light function – headlamps and interior lighting can be turned on by remote control for 30 seconds, leading the way to the car in the dark.



In May 2003, Opel opened a new dimension in the compact class with the Meriva. Thanks to its FlexSpace concept the five-seater still sets standards with its interior versatility. FlexSpace offers optimum freedom in interior configuration, enabling quick and easy transformation of the Meriva from a five-seater into a spacious four, three, two or one-seater with generous storage space, without the cumbersome removal of seats. With ample interior space and compact dimensions (length: 4.05 meters), the Meriva is not only ideal for city traffic, but also provides spacious comfort on longer journeys.



The high-performance version of the versatile minivan, the Meriva OPC, is new to the range, with prices starting at 23,000 euros. The newly developed, 132 kW/180 hp, 1.6-liter ECOTEC turbo engine ensures powerful performance. It takes Opel’s new sports van from zero to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds, and accelerates it to a top speed of 222 km/h. The Meriva OPC makes its world premiere at the Essen Motor Show from November 25 to December 4. Edited November 9, 2005 by HarleyEarl