Geneva Motor Show 2008

These are the first pictures of the Luton brand’s exciting new Meriva baby MPV. The model will offer extra style and flexibility over the existing Corsa supermini on which it’s based. Equipped with a versatile seating layout, as well as novel rear doors and a classy interior, the new Meriva will take the fight to the likes of the MINI Clubman and Volkswagen Golf Plus, as well as Ford’s forthcoming Fiesta-based supermini-MPV.

And thanks to its striking looks, it’s sure to turn heads wherever it goes. At the front there is a short overhang which will make town driving and parking manoeuvres easy. The show car in our pictures wears Opel badges, but Vauxhall variants will feature a fresh version of the company’s trademark ‘V’ grille and a new-look Griffin logo.

Look down the Meriva’s flanks and you’ll spot what bosses are referring to as ‘Blade’ character lines stamped into the bodywork, just behind the front wheels. A further neat styling touch is the kink halfway along the window line – a shape that is mirrored in the front and rear lamps.

At the back, the tailgate opens into the roof, giving a wide boot aperture to take the sting out of loading awkward objects. But the Meriva’s stand-out feature is the way passengers get into the rear of the cabin. It’s fitted with rear-hinged FlexDoors, similar to those seen on its MINI Clubman rival, as well as the Mazda RX-8.

Unlike with those two cars, though, these can be used independently – so occupants will be able to climb in or out of the rear without the people in the front seats having to move. The only downside is that designers were forced to retain a traditional B-pillar to ensure the car offers strong side-impact crash protection.

Under the skin, the Corsa platform has been stretched, so the Meriva has plenty of legroom. And although it’s a strict five-seater, flexibility is boosted by the fact that the rear bench slides to increase cabin or boot space.

Up front is a sweeping and simply laid-out dashboard, complete with cowled dials lifted straight from the Corsa. Switchgear for the stereo, air-conditioning and satellite navigation systems is grouped together in the centre console. The Corsa also donates its mechanicals. As a result, buyers will be able to choose from a wide range of engines, including the smooth and torquey 1.3 and 1.7-litre CDTI diesels. And all models will come with stop-start technology to boost economy.

Meanwhile, performance fans will be able to pick an aggressive-looking VXR version. This is equipped with a 189bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, plus lowered, stiffened suspension.

Finally, an efficient hybrid model is also expected to be introduced. This will see a 1.3-litre CDTI diesel work in tandem with a small electric motor, and promises class-leading fuel econ­omy and low emissions as a result.

The new Meriva is set to go on sale in UK showrooms early in 2009. And while Vaux­hall has yet to make an official announcement on prices for the range, it’s expected to command a premium over the outgoing version, which starts from £10,495.