Vauxhall New Meriva Meriva Estate (2006-2010) Car Review

Vauxhall New Meriva Meriva Estate (2006-2010) Review Change...

Vauxhall New Meriva Meriva Estate (2006-2010) Performance

The Meriva is offered with a range of petrol and diesel engine options, from 1.4 to 1.8 petrol variants and a 1.3 or 1.7 diesel. The mid-level 1.6 is the petrol engine of choice, with 150PS and 150Nm torque it has plenty of power when needed yet still manages over 42mpg combined. Both diesel options are worth considering, combining a good power delivery with plenty of low down torque. The 1.3CDTi is especially surprising, feeling much stronger than the quoted 75PS would suggest. Possessing torque in spades does help the small diesel in the real world though – 170Nm @ 1750-2500rpm.

Vauxhall New Meriva Meriva Estate (2006-2010) Driving

The Meriva is an easy car to drive thanks to light steering and comfortable suspension, which soaks up most that is thrown at it. At speed on trickier roads though the Meriva feels less comfortable, with some body roll and understeer, though the fact it is an MPV must be taken into consideration. On motorways and longer journeys the suspension set up makes for a relaxed and pleasant trip for driver and passengers.

Vauxhall New Meriva Meriva Estate (2006-2010) Equipment

The different models in the Meriva range will need to be carefully considered before purchase to make sure the car selected has the equipment needed. The entry level model – Expression – is a relatively basically equipped vehicle, the different variants being used to add on things such as alloy wheels, CD player, electric heated mirrors and so on.The top of the range Meriva – Design – has an excellent range of standard equipment it has to be said, with twin electric sunroofs, separate rear seat stereo and cruise control just examples of what is provided.

Vauxhall New Meriva Meriva Estate (2006-2010) Practicality

The innovative FlexSpace system makes the Vauxhall Meriva supremely practical, providing the ability to move each of the three rear seats independently. They also have the option of being folded flat to create a large load area with a capacity in excess of 1,400 litres. This flexibility of seating gives the Meriva the capacity to manage easily many permutations of passenger/luggage.

Vauxhall New Meriva Meriva Estate (2006-2010) Quality

The Vauxhall Meriva feels very well put together, with a sturdy, robust feel to the controls and materials which is reassuring for an MPV. Mechanically too the Meriva feels solid, with the engines and all major mechanical components having been tried and tested, with no particular faults found.

Vauxhall New Meriva Meriva Estate (2006-2010) Safety

The Meriva received a four star rating on the Euro NCAP tests, helped by the standard fitment ABS, front and side airbags, EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and Isofix mounting points for child seats. The Meriva also has the option of more airbags and the excellent Adaptive Forward Lighting system which redirects the headlamp beam on corners.From a security perspective all models have a vehicle immobiliser and visible VIN plus remote central locking and deadlocks.

Vauxhall New Meriva Meriva Estate (2006-2010) Running costs

As with the rest of the Vauxhall range the Meriva enjoys relatively low service and maintenance costs, making the cost of ownership very reasonable. The car also has good levels of fuel economy and low insurance costs thanks to the standard safety and security features. The car also has a 20,000 miles/12 months service schedule plus a three year warranty on the mechanical aspects of the car, with bodywork covered for 12 years.