Vauxhall/Opel Meriva interior unveiled!

Vauxhall/Opel Meriva interior unveiled!

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.

Vauxhall/Opel Meriva interior unveiled!

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.

Vauxhall/Opel Meriva interior unveiled!

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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Paul Tan

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Comments

  • 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…

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  • beautiful car indeed, but it would be more flex if those B pillar are removed…

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  • ynnad on Jan 19, 2010 at 6:57 pm

    it looks counter productuve now that the rear door is in the way… funny

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  • 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.

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  • squawk on Jan 19, 2010 at 8:00 pm

    Seriously, this looks better than Alza.

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  • MyDear on Jan 19, 2010 at 9:49 pm

    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

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  • Mazda 3 MPS on Jan 19, 2010 at 10:37 pm

    nice car but GM sucks

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  • squawk…no doubt…

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  • not better…its is superior than alza…haha

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  • Looks like direct competitor to not-so-mercedes B class

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  • mystvearn on Jan 20, 2010 at 12:52 am

    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.

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  • nighttrain on Jan 20, 2010 at 1:35 am

    Can't see the third row seats..

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  • torque (Member) on Jan 20, 2010 at 2:30 am

    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! :-)

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  • NotMPV on Jan 20, 2010 at 2:40 am

    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!

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  • Nice car, looks like concept.

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  • i think the third seat is something like alza…thats why it is hidden in the pictures…

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  • in bed with volkswagen. paul, you really are one funny guy.hahaha.

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  • The Royal Proton Bas on Jan 20, 2010 at 5:52 pm

    nicer than exora hehe

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  • THe Royal Proton Sup on Jan 21, 2010 at 12:07 am

    nicer but not practical

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  • THe Royal Proton Sup on Jan 21, 2010 at 12:09 am

    another wagon perasan mpv…lol

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  • AnakSarawak on Jan 21, 2010 at 3:43 am

    Cantik apaaa…..

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