Search Car Reviews



See all makes

Vauxhall Meriva CDTi

Everyone who has kids knows how expensive a family can be. That's why Vauxhall introduced the Meriva in the first place - to offer a car with all the flexibility of an MPV, but in the same size and price range as an average supermini.

By Dieter Rodatz

July 2003

Everyone who has kids knows how expensive a family can be. That's why Vauxhall introduced the Meriva in the first place - to offer a car with all the flexibility of an MPV, but in the same size and price range as an average supermini.

When it came to running costs though, the Meriva suffered. Petrol engines are fine for small cars, but load them up with a family and both economy and performance suffer.

What it needed badly was a diesel. Besides having more pulling power, a good oil-burner will halve your running costs. Recognising that customers were unlikely to wait until the new 1.3-litre engine developed with Fiat becomes available in 2005, Vauxhall was originally going to launch the car with the 1.7-litre DTi engine from the Corsa, which would have given it a foothold in the sector. But thankfully it had a change of heart, and decided to treat us to a far more advanced common-rail engine which can really show its class in this competitive market.

The 1.7-litre CDTi is a development of the existing DTi units and debuted in the Astra in May. It's far quieter, more responsive and has much greater refinement than the old direct-injection engines, thanks to the advanced fuelling system. It also complies with Euro IV emissions regulations, meaning company car drivers can wave goodbye to the three per cent tax loading applied to dirtier diesels.

In the Meriva, driven here in Opel guise, the engine works well. It's not the fastest turbodiesel in its class, with a 0-62mph time of 13.1 seconds, but the car enjoys lively in-gear responses and stress-free cruising characteristics. Coupled with a claimed fuel economy figure of 64mpg, this could sway many buyers - but those who like their cars sharp to drive should look elsewhere.

As with other models in the Meriva range, the CDTi has a detached driving experience. The steering feels lifeless, the gearchange is balky and the brakes, although effective, are spongy and lack feedback. There's also excessive bodyroll in corners and pronounced understeer if you turn in too quickly.

However, the car wins back brownie points thanks to its interior. Not only is the innovative FlexSpace system immensely practical and simplicity itself to use, but the Meriva also has a quality feel that's becoming more and more apparent in Vauxhall products. Soft-touch plastics, a neat, angular dash and chunky controls give the car a more upmarket feel than its key rivals, while the simplicity of the dashboard layout is refreshing. Storage space is excellent, too.

Prices have yet to be confirmed, but expect to pay about ΂£500 more than the equivalent 1.8-litre petrol model when it arrives in September.

For an alternative review of the latest Vauxhall Meriva visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

0 Comment

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -

Pictures

Sponsored Results

Find New Cars

Find your new Vauxhall Meriva with our new car search:

Find New Cars
Find Used Cars

Find your Vauxhall Meriva with our used car search.

Find Used Cars

FIRST OPINION

    The Meriva isn't a great driver's machine - but it's an excellent family car. In diesel form, it's even more attractive to buyers, given the unit's refinement and mid-range grunt. But with fierce dealer discounting in this market, Vauxhall will have to offer excellent spec levels and keen incentives to achieve its sales targets.
 

AT A GLANCE

    1.7 CDTi on sale in September
    75bhp 1.3 diesel won't hit UK showrooms until early 2005
     
    - Advertisement -