GM’s European unit have unveiled the interior for its new Vauxhall/Opel Meriva compact MPV! The Meriva is an MPV in the B-segment, built on GM’s Gamma/SCCS platform so I don’t think its a Zafira replacement, which is a C-segment vehicle.
A key feature of the Meriva being touted extensively in press releases (and probably soon ad campaigns) are the vehicle’s FlexDoors, which are basically rear-hinged suicide doors for the rear doors. GM says this provides easier access into the interior, and it’s probably one of the very few examples of suicide doors on a concept car making it to production. But since the B-pillar remains, I don’t see how it being rear-hinged changes anything.
The Meriva will also have a ‘FlexRail’ system which is basically a storage zone for random items like handbags, books, iPods, sunglasses, etc. FlexRail’s floor module comprises two cup holders, Aux-in/USB connections and a 12-volt socket.
Above this area, there are two polished aluminum rails, and on the top of the line SE model, there is a flip-top armrest module attached with a smaller cupholder tray below it. Both can be shifted into a variety of fixed positions along the rails, while rear seat passengers benefit from the option of a rear armrest module, which can be fitted to the centre seat back section when it’s folded down between them.
And finally the final ‘Flex’ feature is FlexSpace, which allows various cabin configs without having to remove any seats. Both outer rear seats can be moved fore and aft individually, and can also slide inwards o provide more shoulder width and leg room in a spacious four-seat layout. Additionally, rear seat backs can be fully lowered without having to remove their head restraints. The Meriva’s boot capacity grows from 400 litres up to 920 litres with the seatbacks folded. If you use all the space up to the roof, 1500 litres of capacity is available.
The Meriva strikes an uncanny resemblance to the Suzuki MPV concept shown in India this month but that could be due to the fact that GM used to have some kind of stake in Suzuki. But Suzuki is in bed with Volkswagen now.
Look after the jump for hi-res images of the new Meriva.
[zenphotopress number=999 album=779]
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Does it really make a difference as to whether the doors open the 'suicide' way or the conventional way? In terms of easier access or anything like that i mean…
beautiful car indeed, but it would be more flex if those B pillar are removed…
it looks counter productuve now that the rear door is in the way… funny
sliding rear door should be more practical..other that looks great/or weird/great mktg (depend on taste)…can't see the diff compared to conventional door.
Seriously, this looks better than Alza.
haha .. rear window using manual oldskol way .. same as saga/savvy :p .. it is for low-spec only i think :D .. overal, this car remind me of merc B170
nice car but GM sucks
squawk…no doubt…
not better…its is superior than alza…haha
Looks like direct competitor to not-so-mercedes B class
It makes a difference. Those old very large low mobility UK people will be able to enter the car a bit more easier with this.
Can't see the third row seats..
Not bad for overall design except for the Hyundai'ish design (Genesis Coupe) at the shoulder line there. Hmmm…suicide doors keep sell me off! :-)
Thats becoz there are no 3rd row seats… its like a Jazz/A or B-class Merc… so, its not an Alza competitor either! Alza can carry 6/7 people, so in that sense its better than the Meriva here!
Nice car, looks like concept.
i think the third seat is something like alza…thats why it is hidden in the pictures…
in bed with volkswagen. paul, you really are one funny guy.hahaha.
nicer than exora hehe
nicer but not practical
another wagon perasan mpv…lol
Cantik apaaa…..