It was supposed to be a secret until next week's Geneva Motor Show, but Vauxhall’s Meriva concept has been leaked!
Following on from the official sketch of the new city car, these images reveal all the details of the new Corsa based five-door. With a sharp style and attractive details the new Meriva is set to see Vauxhall tempt buyers away from trendy rivals.
The features set to draw the biggest crowds at the Geneva show are undoubtedly the revolutionary rear hinged back doors. While Mazda RX-8 and MINI Clubman already have similar openings, the Vauxhall’s FlexDoors are unique because the front and rear doors can be opened independently of each other.
The downside is that designers have been forced to include a conventional B-pillar to maintain occupant protection in side impacts.
Other styling cues include what Vauxhall calls Blade body sides - neat ticks stamped into the bodywork behind the front wheels.
At the back, designers have penned a rear screen that stretches up over the roof to create a lighter cabin environment.
The production version of the new Meriva is set to go on sale in the UK early next year. Sharing many parts with the current Corsa, the people carrier will get a range of engines including 1.3-litre and 1.7-litre CDTI diesels and a 1.6-litre turbo petrol. What’s more, all units will have stop-start technology to help to improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions.
