New Meriva VXR Sambas In

The hot Zafira GSi's little brother has arrived. It might be wearing a Chevrolet badge, but this Meriva is a carbon copy of how the forthcoming Vauxhall-badged VXR supermini-MPV will look.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Chris Thorp

27th October 2004

The car seen here is destined for the South American market, and was unveiled at last week's Sao Paolo Motor Show in Brazil. Called the SS - Super Sports - it showcases the 17-inch alloy wheels and chrome-trimmed wing mirrors and roof rails that will set the Meriva VXR apart from lesser models.

But that's not all; insiders claim the Vauxhall version will go even further. A spokesman said: "The VXR Meriva will be more extreme than this Chevy." To match the styling, the flagship will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine offering more than 170bhp.

When the VXR variant goes on sale in 2006, it will spearhead the launch of a revised Meriva range. The good news for performance fans is that it is tipped to cost around ΂£15,500 - little more than the current range-topping model.

Meanwhile, for buyers after more luxurious transport, Vauxhall has launched the Signum Exclusiv. Prices start at ΂£17,995 for a 1.8-litre petrol-engined model - ΂£650 less than the existing entry-level version - and rise to ΂£21,795 for the 148bhp 1.9-litre CDTI diesel auto. Extras include colour-screen satellite-navigation and 18-inch alloy wheels.

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