Only two derivatives of the brand-new Meriva will be imported to South Africa, the Enjoy and the Cosmo, and both use the same powertrain: a 1,4-litre turbo producing 103 kW with 200 N.m of torque. Maximum torque is available from 1 850 r/min. The engine uses twin overhead cams and four valves per cylinder. The transmission is also shared and is a six-speed manual.
Seating is for five and the boot is large at a claimed 400 dm3. Of course, the most interesting design aspect has to be the rear Flexdoors that open backwards. The Opel team asked us not to use the favourite term “suicide doors” when referring to this new system as these have safety features built in to prevent the doors from being opened when the car is moving. This is actually a very useful feature for family use as you can open both front and rear doors individually and be able to take care of children in the rear and your goods and bags in the front without having a door blocking your activities. The rear door opens 84 degrees for full ease of entry. The interesting swoops on the doors don’t always work but on the Meriva they set the car out from others and is neat and modern.
Another feature is the centre rail that passes between the front seats and allows you to position armrests and cupholders where you want. Lots of storage facilities are sprinkled around the cabin, especially on the higher-spec Cosmo. While both versions have the usual luxuries including cruise control and six airbags, the Cosmo adds larger 17-inch alloy wheels (16-inch on the Enjoy), chrome trim, climate control, a leather steering wheel with satellite controls and a panoramic glass roof with electric sunscreen.
On the launch between Bloemfontein and Clarens, we were impressed with the smoothness and quietness of the engine and the whole cabin. It was so difficult to stick to the speed limit on the N1 that my co-driver picked up a speeding fine. While waiting for the fine to be written out, pandemonium struck as they tried to flag down a new Mercedes-Benz E-Class doing about 200 km/h. But it was futile as we spotted the small blue lights flashing below the bumper. Obviously no mere mortal in that car!
The ride quality is great and the steering also felt fine. Rear seat legroom is very good and both front seats have height adjustment. The rear seats fold flat for a respectable load area for carrying goods. Criticisms? Not many. There is a fair dollop of turbo lag, so it is best to choose your gears wisely before overtaking. The door armrests were a bit narrow and there is no centre armrest on the cheaper model.
Specifications
Model: Opel Meriva 1,4 T
Engine: 1,4-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol
Power: 103 kW at 9 000 r/min
Torque: 200 N.m at 1 850 r/min
0-100 km/h: 10,3 seconds
Fuel consumption: 6,7 L/100 km
CO2: 196 g/km
Top speed: 196 km/h
Price: R234 000 (Enjoy), R254 000 (Cosmo)
Service plan: 5 years/100 000 km
Service intervals: 15 000 km