Meriva’s new door policy

The Vauxhall family is growing – and here are the pictures to prove it. These amazing spy shots show that the Meriva replacement will be considerably larger. And clever barn doors are set to boost practicality further.

Based on a cut-down version of General Motors’ Delta platform – which will underpin the next Astra hatchback, due in 2010 – the newcomer is the first indication that work has started on putting GM’s Flextreme concept car into production.

Going into battle with rivals such as the Ford C-MAX and Volkswagen’s Golf Plus, the compact MPV will boast sleek looks based on the show car – which made its debut at Frankfurt in September – and incredible flexibility.

That’s because, like the stunning show car, the new model is set to
get rear-hinged back doors – made famous by Mazda’s RX-8. Now the new Vauxhall will be the first car to apply the idea to a production MPV.

As well as offering easy access, the Meriva will also feature a clever interior with removable seats that can be also folded flat.

Just like the C-MAX, the newcomer will have a five-seat layout. There is unlikely to be enough room inside to offer the option of seven seats, and Vauxhall doesn’t want the new model to step on the toes of the Zafira, which is set to grow in size in the future. Engines will be taken from the next-generation Astra line-up, including a host of 1.9-litre common-rail turbodiesels and small capacity turbocharged petrol units, offering pace but low CO2 emissions and excellent fuel economy.

The range is likely to be topped by a 237bhp 2.0-litre turbo VXR model. Stop-start will feature on every engine, with sales getting underway in 2009.