It's a new model with a new name and it doesn't replace anything. Step forward then the Opel Meriva that is just about to go on Irish sale, writes Andrew Hamilton.
If Opel's expectations are right, it will be replicating the appeal-and success-of a bigger Opel MPV sibling, the Zafira. Meriva is also of the MPV ilk and in its internal packaging, it amazingly manages to break new boundaries.
Going on Irish sale late this month, there will initially be two 1.6 and 1.8 petrol engines and a 1.7 litre turbodiesel. Opel people claim it will bring much-needed new business to Opel. Over 50 per cent of sales are projected to be conquest, bringing in first-time Opel buyers. Meriva may be new in European markets but it has been selling very successfully for around a year now in South American markets. The Brazilian-built car is badged as Chevrolet.
We had a second-time driving experience with Meriva last week. The Spanish-built models drove with reassuring precision on wickedly twisty Majorcan roads and there was plenty of steering feel.
Our first-time drive was last year in Calfornia in the Brazilian Chevrolet version. It was much less opulent internally while the superior driving feel of the European Meriva was enhanced by a smarter trim, revised spring and damper settings and a power steering that has been adjusted for European arms.
Common to both is the very clever packaging which Opel calls FlexSpace and for which it has submitted several patent applications. Opel engineers have divided the rear seat system into three entirely independent units, two broad individual seats and a narrower centre seat. In this basic configuration, three people have ample space. Legroom, is according to Opel, 31mm more than in the Zafira in the middle row while headroom for rear seat passengers is said to be 27mm more.
Getting more interior space was achieved by moving the bulkhead as close to the front axle as possible. The Meriva also offers driver and front passenger a clear view of traffic and the road, by extending the windscreen further into the roof.
The new jargon in car manufacturing these days is "vehicle architecture" with "mix and match" capabilities. The new Meriva was developed along these lines with a Corsa drivertrain, the front suspension of the Astra, the rear suspension of the Astra estate car and the Vectra's steering column. It was a global approach too with Meriva a team effort involving both Brazilian and German engineers.
John Maher, Opel Ireland's new managing director sees the Meriva leading the marque's revival here along with the recently launched Vectra. "It's true we have suffered recently but now we are climbing back and that's going to be helped a lot by the conquest business that this most innovative vehicle will bring. I think we are starting another MPV revolution."
Prices will start at "below €20,000" according to Maher. Actual prices will be announced tomorrow. He is expecting 800 sales this year and 1,700 in 2004.