New Vauxhall Meriva Details

New turbocharged flagship VXR

February 15, 2006 7:54 PM
Filed Under: European, Vauxhall

Press Release

There’s a new look, new technology and a hot new addition to the family as Vauxhall continues to move its stylish and dynamic model range forward with a revised version of its smallest MPV.

On sale now, New Meriva gets a freshened front end, with a reprofiled bumper and more prominent V-grille, which brings the mini-MPV into line with the latest Vauxhall family look. At the rear the Meriva gains dark rear lamp lenses and a classy chrome strip across the tailgate. New paint schemes and wheels combine with a revised cabin, featuring extra chrome detailing and fresh fabrics, to complete the stylish new look.

Two new engines are available, and both offer exceptional economy. The high-tech 1.3-litre CDTi diesel, as used in Corsa and Tigra, appears in Meriva for the first time, delivering an impressive combined fuel economy figure of 56.5mpg allied to a lively top speed of 98mph. The award-winning 75PS unit features common-rail injection and four-valves per cylinder to ensure excellent economy and smooth responses.

The second new addition is to the petrol engine line-up, in the form of the 1.6-litre 105PS Twinport engine used in Astra and Zafira. With 5PS more than the outgoing Meriva 1.6, the newcomer is livelier yet more economical, having a top speed of 112mph and a combined economy figure of 42.2 mpg – a six percent improvement over the outgoing car.

New Meriva is also the next model to join Vauxhall’s VXR performance line-up, with a 180PS turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and distinctive styling.

All versions of New Meriva will feature several technical innovations which are unique in its class, including a halogen version of Vauxhall’s innovative Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL). More affordable than the Xenon lighting used in existing versions of AFL, the Halogen set-up includes curve lights that adjust beam angles subject to speed and steering angles. The system offers far greater night time visibility over standard Halogen lighting without the cost of a full Xenon system.

Other New Meriva features include a power release tailgate and interior lighting that can be activated by remote control, leading the way to the car in the dark – fitted as standard in all models. Follow-me-home headlights are also standard on all models, while optional mobile phone installation with Bluetooth interface is also appearing on the options list for the first time.

Thanks to its FlexSpace concept, New Meriva will continue to offer the same versatility and flexibility that its predecessor has offered since 2003. Despite its compact 4.05 metres length, Meriva offers generous storage and plenty of comfortable seating, and can be quickly and easily transformed from a five-seater into a four, three or two-seater in just a matter of seconds.

New Meriva will be the first of several new products to join the Vauxhall line-up in 2006, with prices starting at just £9,995.





Design and Dynamics

New Meriva continues Vauxhall’s theme of offering the very best in stylish design and driving dynamics.

The neat lines are instantly identifiable, with new classy touches such as dark-tinted rear lamp lenses and a smart chrome strip that runs across the base of the tailgate.

Up front, there’s a new grille and bumper, while new round fog lamps adorn higher-range models. The dimensions are the same as before, but the look is bolder and more confident, in keeping with the image of what has become the European market leader in its class.

But the smart looks aren’t all, for New Meriva has been designed to offer the best in dynamic ability and comfort. The ‘Dynamic Safety Chassis’ has excellent levels of grip and neutral handling characteristics, meaning it is ideally set-up to deal with the majority of real-life situations from motorway cruising to avoiding emergencies.

The ABS system is highly advanced, with discs all-round and standard electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). ESP and Traction Control are on the options list, and further bolster New Meriva’s dynamic package.

On models fitted with Easytronic automated manual transmission, Hill Start Assist is also standard. This maintains pressure in the braking system for 1.5 seconds after the foot brake is released, giving the driver enough time to select a gear and apply the accelerator without rolling back. As soon as the car starts to move, braking pressure is released.

Meriva VXR dynamics

Meriva VXR features an exclusive Sport Chassis, which is even more dynamic that the standard car to react quicker to driver input.

Tested at GM’s high-speed test centre at Pferdsfeld, Germany, as well as the legendary Nurburgring, the Meriva VXR’s chassis is 10mm lower at the front and 15mm lower at the rear than the standard car. Higher spring rates and stiffer dampers (up to 50 per cent) significantly reduce body roll, while 60 per cent stiffer bushes all round further sharpen the driving experience.

VXR models come with 17-inch alloys as standard, shod with 205/45 ZR 17 88W tyres. Ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear help keep things in check, while the Electronic Power Steering has a quicker 16.7:1 ratio than the standard car, delivering exceptional precision and responsiveness.

The standard ESP system is set to interact later than on standard cars, allowing the driver to set the car up more flexibly under hard driving.

Inside Story

The package might be compact, but there’s nothing small about the inside of New Meriva, with its innovative seating layout and unrivalled versatility.

The clever FlexSpace seating is carried over from the previous model, allowing the standard five-seat cabin to be transferred into a more spacious four-seater, or even a two-seater with van-like practicality in seconds.

Depending on the arrangement of the rear seats, Meriva has the capacity to carry between 330 and 560-litres of luggage, while with the seats dropped fully this increases to over 1,410-litres. Storage spaces are ample, too, with a wide range of compartments, luggage nets and bag hooks, plus a secret compartment under the boot floor that’s specially designed to conceal a standard-sized briefcase or laptop computer.

The multi-function Travel Assistant, pioneered on the previous Meriva, is also available, clipping into the rear seat centre and offering an extra five-litres of concealed storage and fold-out cup holders.

But it’s not only practicality that marks New Meriva out from the crowd. The cabin has been revitalised with a range of new, high quality trim materials. The fabrics feature clean, modern graphics, while the ergonomic standards of the cabin are improved significantly to include higher grade plastics and neat touches, such as chrome detailing on the gear lever, door handles and dashboard dials.

New Meriva also features an innovation in interior lighting, never before seen on a car in this class. Using a remote control, the car’s headlights and interior lights can be turned on for up to 30 seconds, helping guide your way to the car in the dark and increasing the safety and security of owners at night. Although a feature that some makers might charge extra for in premium models, it’s fitted as standard even to entry-level Merivas.



Safety and Security

No cargo is more precious than your family, and as Meriva was designed from the outset with families in mind its safety standards are among the highest in its class.

As well as active safety features such as the dynamic chassis and excellent braking system, New Meriva has been designed to stand up well should an unavoidable accident occur.

The front crash structure is designed in such a way that the energy of an impact is spread three ways – underneath and around each side of the passenger cell. Reinforcements in the doors, A-pillars and wheel wells add strength to the structure, making intrusion less likely to affect occupants.

Twin front airbags are standard on all models, as are Vauxhall’s patented Pedal Release System and two ISOFIX mountings on both outer rear seats. Features such as head curtain airbags, side airbags and Active Head Restraints are available as options for further peace of mind.

New Meriva also sees an adaptation of Vauxhall’s lauded AFL Adaptive Forward Lighting. Previously only available with Xenon headlamps, AFL can now be ordered with halogen bulbs at a cost of £250.

Halogen AFL comes with two key functions. The first is a static cornering light, which illuminates an area up to around 90 degrees from the direction of travel when performing low-speed manoeuvres.

The second function is the Dynamic Curve Light, which reacts to the steering wheel angle and road speed at all times when driving. The beam of the headlamps swivels by up to 15 degrees, allowing a far better view of the road ahead and contributing massively to driver and passenger safety.

Another lighting feature, this time common to all Merivas, is the introduction of ‘Follow-me-home’ headlamps, which remain on for 30 seconds after the driver exits the car to provide a well-lit passage to their house. It will be standard on all models from launch.

Range and Prices

New Meriva is available to order now, in four standard trim levels as well as VXR.

The entry-level Expression, from only £9,995 on-the-road, is available with a choice of 1.4 petrol or 1.3 CDTi engines and comes with a new front bumper and grille, darkened tail lamps, remote central locking and immobiliser, chrome effect door handles, handbrake button and gearknob trim, door-to-door illumination and ‘lead me to the car’ lights.

Life models are available with 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines, or 1.3 and 1.7 CDTi diesels. Equipment highlights include a stereo-radio/CD player and electric windows, while the next model up – Club – adds air conditioning and heated electrically-adjustable door mirrors, plus body-coloured door mouldings. As well as the engine choices for Life, it can be ordered with a 1.8-litre 125PS petrol engine.

The range-topping Design adds twin electric sunroofs, alloy wheels, cruise control, Solar Protect rear glass and Twin Audio – Meriva’s pioneering stereo system that allows front and rear seat passengers to listen to different radio stations or music formats through individual headphones.

VXR trim levels and pricing are detailed in the next chapter of this press pack.


Prices

Expression 1.4 £9,995

Expression 1.3 CDTi £10,995

Life 1.4 £11,400

Life 1.6 £12,100

Life 1.6 Easytronic £12,600

Life 1.3 CDTi £12,700

Life 1.7 CDTi £13,450

Club 1.4 £13,100

Club 1.6 £13,800

Club 1.6 Easytronic £14,300

Club 1.8 £14,500

Club 1.8 Easytronic £15,000

Club 1.3 CDTi £14,400

Club 1.7 CDTi £15,150

Design 1.4 £13,280

Design 1.6 £13,980

Design 1.6 Easytronic £14,480

Design 1.7 CDTi £15,330

Design 1.8 £14,680

Design 1.8 Easytronic £15,180


Key options

Halogen AFL £250

Bluetooth Phone compatibility £300

Travel Pack (First aid kit/warning triangle/spare bulbs/fire extinguisher) £54

Premium Pack (Cool bag/headlamp protectors/velour mats/mudflaps) £288

Protection Pack (ESP/traction control/curtain airbags/passenger seat ISOFIX/Active Head Restraints/front seat occupancy detection) £600

Plus Pack (15-inch Structure wheels/fog lights/leather steering wheel/SolarProtect Glass/Cruise Control £500

Rear Parking distance sensor £183

Roof-mounted removable DVD Player £695

Twin Audio System with headset £100

Flagship gives Meriva range an ‘Overboost’

Just when you thought there were no niches left in the market, Vauxhall has introduced the world’s first performance mini-MPV.

Hot on the heels of the mould-breaking Astra, Vectra and Zafira VXRs, the Meriva VXR adds a whole new dimension to the world of enthusiasts’ motoring with the world’s first hot mini-MPV.

As enthusiasts have come to expect from the VXR brand, the Meriva hasn’t just been given a few tweaks and a tuned engine – instead, Vauxhall has gone the whole hog to make sure that the smallest VXR will be able to hold its own against any modern hot hatchback, and might even be able to give a few supercar drivers a shock.

Under the bonnet is an all-new 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that develops 180PS, making it the most powerful car in its class by a significant margin. Driving the front wheels through a close-ratio six-speed box, Meriva VXR accelerates from 0-60mph in just 7.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 137mph.

The state of the art powerplant weighs just 131kg and features a water-cooled turbocharger integrated into the exhaust manifold, as well as an ‘Overboost’ function which can temporarily increase the torque if required.

The turbo’s Overboost system increases the engine’s torque by 15 per cent, from 230Nm to 266Nm, and is determined by the speed with which the accelerator pedal is depressed. It’s especially useful when overtaking, or in an emergency situation where a driver feels the need to accelerate out of trouble, and allows the extra torque to remain available for up to five seconds, before seamless regulating the torque output back to its normal level.

To cope with the extra power, the chassis has been thoroughly reworked to give the driving dynamics expected of a car carrying the VXR badge on its tailgate. The chassis is 10mm lower at the front and 15mm lower at the back than standard Merivas, while MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion-beam with coil springs at the rear ensure secure and consistent handling, while ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear mean Meriva VXR stops as well as it goes.

The exterior styling has been upgraded with reprofiled front and rear bumpers, which clearly link with the style featured on the latest VXR’s big brothers – the VXR Astra, Zafira and Vectra models. 17-inch alloy wheels in the distinctive VXR style complete the look, with 205/45 ZR 17 tyres.

Inside, Meriva VXR retains all the practicality of the acclaimed FlexSpace seating system, but with a dose of its own, unique style. Sports Recaro seats hug the front seat occupants into position, while VXR logos adorn the dials, gear lever, instruments and steering wheel.


Technical specifications

Vauxhall Meriva VXR


Engine: 1598cc, 4-cyl turbo

Power: 180PS (132Kw) @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 230PS @ 2,200-5,500rpm (266Nm on Overboost)

Compression ratio: 8.8:1

0-60mph: 7.9secs

Top speed: 137mph

Gearbox: six-speed close-ratio manual; final drive ratio 3.94

Brakes: ventilated discs, front; solid discs, rear

Length: 4,068mm

Width (mirrors extended/retracted): 1,948mm/1,694mm

Wheelbase: 2,630mm

MPG (urban/combined/extra-urban): 27.2/44.8/36.2

C02 emissions: 187g/km

Turning circle: 10.50m

Luggage capacity (Up to load cover/all seats folded): 360-litres/1,410-litres

Kerb weight: 1,330kg

Gross vehicle weight: 1,785kg

Price: £16,495


Technical Specification

New Meriva


Length 4052mm

Width (extended/retracted mirrors) 1948/1694mm

Height 1624mm

Wheelbase 2630mm

Track front/rear 1449/1464mm

Turning clearance (wall-to-wall) 10.9m

Turning clearance (curb-to-curb) 10.5m

Luggage capacity (seats up/all folded) 360-litres/1410-litres

Kerbweight 1330kg

Gross Vehicle Weight 1785kg

Payload 455kg

Max ft axle load 900kg

Max r axle load 950kg

Max roof load 75kg


Model

1.4

1.6

1.8

1.3 CDTi

1.7 CDTi

Emissions standard

Euro 4

Euro 4

Euro 4

Euro 4

Euro 4

Fuel

95 Octane unleaded

95 Octane unleaded

95 Octane unleaded

diesel

Diesel

Cylinders

4

4

4

4

4

Displacement

1364cc

1598cc

1796cc

1248cc

1686cc

Max Power

90PS@ 5,600rpm

105PS@ 6,000rpm

125PS@ 6,000rpm

75PS@ 4,000rpm

100PS @4,400rpm

Max Torque

125Nm@ 4,000rpm

150Nm@ 3,900rpm

165Nm@ 4,600rpm

170Nm@ 1,750-2,000rpm

240Nm@ 2,300rpm

Compression ratio

10.5:1

10.5:1

10.5:1

17.6:1

18.4:1

0-60mph

13.4secs

12.4secs

10.3secs

16.6secs

12.4secs

Top speed

104mph

112mph

118mph

98mph

111mph

MPG (Urban/Extra Urban/Combined)

34.0/53.3/ 44.1

32.1/51.4/ 42.2

25.9/46.3/ 35.8

45.6/65.7/ 56.5

42.2/62.8/ 53.3


Engines and transmissions

New Meriva sees a host of technological improvements over its predecessor, not least under the bonnet.

Three new engines are available, bringing new appeal to the model range in all areas of the market.

The first new unit is a 1.3-litre high-tech diesel, which has already proved a huge success in Corsa, Tigra and Astra.

The 75PS unit – the smallest common-rail diesel in the world, is Euro 4 compliant and features a maintenance-free Diesel Particulate Filter as standard. Despite its modest capacity, the unit develops an impressive 170Nm of torque and offers impressive refinement, even at high speeds.

It returns a superb combined fuel economy figure of 56.5mpg, (65.7mpg extra-urban and 45.6mpg urban) and accelerates from 0-60mph in 16.6 seconds, with a top speed of 98mph where conditions allow.

The second new unit is a development of Vauxhall’s 1.6-litre TwinPort petrol engine, which develops 105PS. That’s 5PS more than the outgoing 1.6-litre unit, but despite that the engine is more efficient, showing gains of up to eight per cent in fuel consumption.

That translates to a combined fuel economy figure of 42.2mpg, or 51.4mpg on the extra urban cycle and 32.1mpg urban. Performance is lively, too, with 0-60mph despatched in 12.4 seconds and a top speed of 112mph.

Third, but by no means last, is the Meriva VXR’s 1.6-litre turbo. Based on the 1.6 Twinport, the 180PS engine features an overboost facility to increase torque on demand by up to 15 per cent. The lightweight VXR engine weighs just 131kg, meaning excellent performance of 0-60mph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 137mph, plus respectable fuel economy of 36.2mpg combined (44.8mpg extra-urban/27.1mpg urban).

Other powerplants in the New Meriva line-up include the continuation of the popular 90PS 1.4-litre and 125PS 1.8-litre petrol engines, plus the 100PS 1.7-litre CDTi diesel.

With the exception of the Meriva VXR, which comes with a close-ratio six-speed gearbox, all New Meriva models feature a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, with optional Easytronic transmission available on 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol models as a £500 option.