Opel Meriva
The
four-year old Opel Meriva gets mid-life update and reworked
engine
What's
New
Upon tasting the success of the seven-seat Zafira, Opel
felt that it could repeat the same kind of achievement with
a smaller five-seat MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle). In Europe,
this product will go head-to-head against the Honda Jazz-sized
Renault Modus that's not available locally. In the local
context, the Zafira's little brother will be going against
the Mitsubishi Colt Plus.
Originally
launched in 2003, the facelifted Meriva gets minor cosmetic
changes. To make the vehicle have that Opel-family look,
it gets a new front bumper and grille, and a new pair of
darkened taillights.
Underneath
the bonnet lurks an updated powerplant. The 1.6-litre Ecotec
engine receives variable valve intake control system, increasing
the power output by 5bhp and reducing the fuel consumption
by about six percent. Opel calls the tweaked unit Twinport
Ecotec.
Inside
the cabin is the same affair. The facelifted Meriva still
has the FlexSpace seating concept, boasting a cabin that
can be converted from a five to one-seater and a rear bench
with a 40:20:40 split.
How
it Performs
With the horsepower hike, there isn't much improvement in
the car's 0-100km/h sprint to speak of. Instead, the power
gain helps boosts the Meriva's top-speed from 178kmh to
181kmh and Opel claims the mid-range power between 2500rpm
to 4000rpm has been improved also.
On
the road, the Twinport Ecotec unit is acceptably smooth
with a five-speed semi-automatic gearbox known as Easytronic.
It revs willingly, but tends to get a bit raucous above
3500rpm.
Unlike
a conventional automatic gearbox, the Easytronic still relies
on a clutch to change gear, except it makes do without a
clutch pedal. For first-timers, be prepared to experience
jerky gear changes. This is not the Easytronic's fault,
though. Like most semi-auto gearboxes, you will have to
ease off the throttle slightly whenever the gearbox changes
up a ratio. This driving technique may take a while to get
used to. But once you get it the Easytronic shifts seamlessly.
The
Meriva is a capable handler. However, it doesn't like to
be treated like a hot hatchback. It prefers to zip around
the bends at a leisurely pace, while the softly sprung suspension
provides a supple ride on all kinds of road conditions.
The
FlexSpace system allows the middle section of the rear seat
to be collapsed so that the two outer seats can either be
slid forward to allow for more shoulder room or backward
for more legroom. The Meriva's rear bench can be fully stowed
into a flat floor and by doing so will tremendously increase
the cargo area.
How
it Stacks Up
The Meriva comes with four airbags, a single-CD headunit
that's MP3 compatible, disc brakes on all wheels, remote-controlled
central locking, ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution)
and EBA (Emergency Brake Assist).
For
$62,388 with COE, the Meriva is generously equipped. In
addition, the enhanced engine has improved the vehicle's
drivability and the FlexSpace seating system provides great
cabin versatility. It looks like Opel has successfully created
a shrunken Zafira that should prove to be a serious threat
to its peers.
| Technical Specifications |
|
MODEL
Opel Meriva
ENGINE
Engine: 1598cc 16V in-line 4
Max Power: 105bhp at 6,000rpm
Max Torque: 150Nm at 3,900rpm
TRANSMISSION
5 speed semi-automatic
TOP SPEED
181km/h
0-100km/h
14.3s
|
