07.11.2005
Meriva celebrates premiere at Bologna Motor Show

At the Bologna Motor Show (December 3 – 11), the Meriva mid cycle enhancement celebrates its world premiere. The Meriva goes into 2006 with a range of new design elements and two new engines. AFL will also be available as of 2006.

The new design elements at the front and rear Opel/Vauxhall's dynamic design language. 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.

Two engines are new to the Meriva range: the 1.3 CDTI diesel and a 1.6-liter engine with fuel-saving TWINPORT technology. The 1.3 CDTI engine with 55 kW/75 hp features common-rail injection and four-valve technology with swirl control. It comes with a maintenance-free particulate filter as a standard and requires an average of 5.0 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers only. The 1.6-liter TWINPORT ECOTEC has a power output of 77 kW/105 hp. It delivers five horsepower more than the previous 1.6-liter gasoline engine while the average fuel consumption (6.7 liters per 100 kilometers) is around six percent lower than its predecessor.

As the first car in its class, the Meriva is now available with AFL halogen cornering and curve light. 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 addition, the Meriva OPC with a 1.6-liter turbo engine and 180 hp will be added to the range. The compact sportsvan makes its world premiere at the Essen Motor Show from November 25 to December 4.

Since its debut in May 2003, more than 500,000 Merivas have been sold in Europe, making it the leader in its segment.