Opel CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann has revealed that the replacement for the Meriva will swap its MPV looks for “stylised”, SUV-like styling, as the GM-backed automaker looks to take advantage of the growing popularity of this type of vehicle.
Neumann added that the design of the Meriva replacement would be “softer” than that of the brand’s subcompact Mokka SUV, according to Automotive News.
The next Meriva will be built on a PSA Group platform thanks to a deal between General Motors and the French manufacturer. It is expected to be produced by Opel in Spain, alongside next-generation versions of the Peugeot 2008 and Citroën C3 Picasso.
But Neumann says the Meriva will look rather different to its French siblings.
“We didn’t want to come with a badged version of something,” he said.
The Meriva replacement is expected to go on sale in 2017, with a possible reveal at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
