Third Generation Available: New Opel Vivaro on Sale Now

• €24,600: Attractive starting price in Germany for Opel Vivaro Cargo
• For every purpose: Opel Vivaro as Cargo, crew cab, Combi and chassis
• Right sizing: Three lengths up to 5.30 metres, 1.90m in height for underground parking
• Heavy duty: Payload rises to more than 1,400 kg, trailer capacity to 2,500 kg
• Mobile office: Multimedia connectivity, sensor-controlled sliding doors
• For all road conditions: IntelliGrip traction control and bad-road package
• Performance plus frugality: Economical Euro 6d-TEMP-certified engines

New Opel Vivaro

Opel is now taking orders for the new Vivaro, with prices starting at €24,600 (all prices in Germany, excluding VAT). Deliveries to customers will begin this summer. Compared to the previous model, the third-generation Vivaro is available in three instead of two lengths (4.60, 4.95 and 5.30 metres), able to carry a 200-kilogramme higher payload (up to more than 1,400kg) and, with a trailer capacity of up to 2,500kg, tow half a tonne more. Also, most versions are only 1.90m high and can therefore enter underground parking. A wide range of assistance systems and advanced technologies are optionally available, including IntelliGrip traction control, a 180-degree rear-view camera and multimedia infotainment. Useful features such as sensor-controlled sliding doors and FlexCargo load-through provide additional functionality.

Opel Vivaro variants: Cargo, crew cab, Combi and platform chassis

New Opel Vivaro Cargo

Opel offers the new Vivaro in four base versions. The entry-level panel van is the Vivaro Cargo priced at €24,600. The 4.60m Small is powered by the Euro 6d-TEMP certified, 75kW/102hp 1.5-litre diesel with six-speed manual transmission (NEDC fuel consumption1: urban 5.6-5.4 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.9-4.7 l/100 km, combined 5.2-4.9 l/100 km, 135-130 g/km CO2; WLTP fuel consumption2: combined 7.4-6.3 l/100 km, 194-165 g/km CO2). Opel Vivaro Cargo S offers 4.6m3 of cargo volume, which can be increased to 5.1m3 via the optional FlexCargo load-through, so that objects up to 3.32m-long (instead of 2.16m-long) can be carried inside. As the backrest of the centre-seat with the FlexCargo option can be folded and used as a table, the van can also be converted into a mobile office. Load-length and cargo volume increase to 4.02m and 6.6m3 with the Opel Vivaro Large.

For a price starting at €27,550, customers can configure their new Opel Vivaro as a crew cab with two rows of seats for up to six people. From €28,500, Opel Vivaro as FlexSpace crew cab offers even more flexibility. In this version, the standard grid behind the second row is not fixed, instead it can be folded behind the front row, which further increases the utility of the vehicle. The floor of the cargo area is covered with wood and features an anti-slip surface with aluminium rails.

The third model variant, Opel Vivaro Combi (starting price €26,250) is the right choice for transporting passengers, offering up to nine seats (depending on equipment and seating configuration) – ideal for bringing workers to the building site or employees to the office.

In addition to the previously mentioned versions, the third-generation Vivaro is also available as a platform chassis, onto which numerous conversions (such as cooled containers, tippers and recovery vehicles) can be installed.

Top technologies: Assistance systems for comfort and safety

Opel has made the new Vivaro generation safer, more comfortable and more practical than ever. For the first time customers can order sensor-controlled sliding doors – all it takes to open the doors is a movement of the foot under the corresponding side of the vehicle.

The front camera and radar-controlled assistance systems include lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, intelligent cruise control and speed limiter, forward collision warning and emergency braking, blind-spot warning and park pilot front and rear.

For the first time the Vivaro features an optional head-up display that shows important information such as speed, various assistance system settings and navigation information in the driver’s field of vision. Another novelty is the 180-degree panorama rear-view camera that displays the view behind the Vivaro on the seven-inch colour touchscreen of the Multimedia Radio and Multimedia Navi pro infotainment systems. Both are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Multimedia Navi Pro offers Europe-wide navigation with 3D map display.

Stability and safety on a variety of slippery surfaces – such as mud, sand or snow – is provided by the advanced IntelliGrip traction control system with five modes. Twenty-five millimetres of higher ground clearance and underbody protection are available with the additional work-site set-up. Opel will also offer the new Vivaro with all-wheel drive from Dangel as soon as the order books open.

Low friction six-speed manual gearboxes or a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission contribute to the high efficiency. Service intervals of up to 50,000 km help to further reduce running costs.

Already in 2020 the range of efficient powertrains will extend to include a purely battery electric version. Opel will thus begin the electrification of its LCV portfolio and the Vivaro will not only be ready for work in villages or urban outskirts, it also be able to cover the “last mile” in inner cities.

Economical and future-ready: Advanced powertrains

The Euro 6d-TEMP-certified engines range from 1.5 to 2.0 litres with power outputs from 75kW/102hp till 130kW/177hp (NEDC fuel consumption1: urban 6.5-5.0 l/100 km, extra urban 5.3-4.6 l/100 km, combined 5.8-4.7 l/100 km, 152-125 g/km CO2; WLTP fuel consumption2: combined 8.0-6.0 l/100 km, 211-158 g/km CO2). The engines in overview:

Engine	1.5 Diesel	1.5 Diesel	2.0 Diesel	2.0 Diesel	2.0 Diesel
Power	75kW/102hp	88kW/120hp	90kW/122hp	110kW/150hp	130kW/177hp
@ rpm	3,500	3,500	3,750	4,000	3,750
Max. torque	270	300	340	370	400
@ rpm	1,600	1,750	2,000	2,000	2,000
Emissions class	Euro 6d-TEMP
Transmission	6-speed	6-speed	6-speed	6-speed	8-speed automatic
Consumption according to NEDC in l/100 km
Urban	5.6-5.4	5.1-5.0	6.5-6.1	6.2-5.8	6.3-5.9
Extra urban	4.9-4.7	4.7-4.6	5.3-4.9	5.2-4.8	5.3-5.0
Combined	5.2-4.9	4.9-4.7	5.7-5.4	5.6-5.2	5.7-5.3
CO2 combined in g/km	136-129	130-125	152-142	152-137	149-141
Consumption according to WLTP in l/100 km
Combined	7.4-6.1	6.9-6.0	8.0-7.0	7.8-6.8	8.0-6.9
CO2 combined in g/km	194-159	181-158	211-183	206-179	209-182

!NEW! Opel Meriva MPV: Segment Leader with Top Comfort for “Best Agers”

• Forward-looking: Designed for the young at heart and young families with children
• Award-winner: Only production car with AGR seal for overall ergonomic concept
• Functional: FlexDoors system for comfortable, back-friendly entry and exit
• Ultra-modern: IntelliLink, economical whisper-diesel and low-friction automatic gearbox

Opel Meriva MPV is the first and only production vehicle in the world with an AGR seal of approval (from German Campaign for Healthier Backs) for an entire ergonomic concept.

New Opel Meriva MPV – upgraded, more efficient, more attractive and more comfortable than ever – cuts a fine figure both inside and out, making it a big hit with customers of all ages. In April the multi-functional Opel van was again number one in its segment (MPV B-Segment) in Germany, leaving all its main competitors behind. An important criterion for success is that the further developed version of the flexibility champion is as back-friendly as its predecessor. This is a key factor for a vehicle that is especially designed for active “Best Agers” who are over 50 and still young at heart and young families with children. The German Campaign for Healthier Backs (“Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.”) awarded its prestigious AGR quality seal to the Meriva, making it the first and only production vehicle in the world with such a seal of approval for an entire ergonomic concept.

“Best Agers” – A discerning group of customers on the rise

They are active, mobile and know what they want. Part of the demographic shift is the continuous growth of the so-called Best-Agers group. Some of them realize their professional dream as they get older and pursue a second career as a self-employed businessperson. Others invest more and more of their income in leisure activities such as holidays and travel. Therefore individual members of this group are increasingly interested in personal mobility. Out of the around 54 million passenger car driver’s license holders in Germany, around ten million are estimated to be older than 65 years of age, according to government statistics and the German Traffic Safety Council.

In the first seven months of 2013, the average age of new car buyers was 52.4 years old, while in 1995 this average was 46.1 years. Every third customer was older than 60, according to researchers at the CAR Automotive Research Center at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Scientists predict an increase in the average car buyer age to 55 in 2020.

The age of the purchasers has nothing to do with the usual clichés associated with old age pensioners and their habits on the road. Indeed marketing analyses and forecasting in the auto industry established that the “sixty-plus generation” was increasingly looking for a car that simply creates an emotional buzz and delivers the highest possible level of comfort, cabin-layout clarity, safety, design and ergonomics. These are all qualities offered by the Opel Meriva, which is now even more comfortable thanks to the new whisper-diesel and the clever IntelliLink infotainment system.

Innovative FlexDoors enable easy entry and exit

Innovative FlexDoors enable easy entry and exit: The most salient component of the Opel Meriva’s celebrated ergonomics concept is the revolutionary patented door system with its 84-degree opening angle.

The most salient component of the Meriva’s celebrated ergonomics concept is the revolutionary patented FlexDoors system. While the usual opening angle of doors is 68 degrees, Meriva’s 84-degree opening doors in front and rear allow easy access for all passengers. In order to facilitate entry and egress regardless of whether the car is parked in a tight or wide parking space, they have four different opening steps until they are almost perpendicular to the car. Another advantage of the exclusive FlexDoors is that they make it easy to enter and exit without twisting or sliding, even in tight spaces, and are therefore easy on the back. Sturdy grab handles right and left on the B-pillar that are intuitively used make it easier to move inside. The higher seating position of driver and co-driver enables better all-round visibility.

Ergonomics and flexibility – this is how interior concepts work today

 Plenty of room: Opel Meriva front seats offer a class-leading range of adjustment – 240 mm forwards/backwards and 65 mm in height.

The FlexSpace system which is standard in the Opel Meriva MPV makes it possible to transform the interior quickly and smoothly from a five into a two-seater. The seats do not need to be cumbersomely dismounted. The standard Opel Meriva front seats offer a class-leading range of adjustment – 240 mm forwards/backwards and 65 mm in height, making it possible for people of all shapes and sizes to find the most comfortable and appropriate seating position. In addition, optional fully adjustable ergonomic seats certified by AGR and featuring additional tilting, extra lumbar support, thigh extension and four-way adjustable head-rests are also available. For more comfort on cold days, the new Meriva offers multi-stage seat heating and is the only car in its class with a heated steering wheel. So the driver does not need to wear gloves, which in turn increases safety.

Heightened comfort is further ensured through a pre-installed Park Assist for ease of parking with detection in both the rear and front or front only. In the new Meriva, a rear-view camera is now available which displays any parking hazards on the 7-inch monitor of the IntelliLink infotainment system. This gives the Meriva driver excellent visibility to the rear without having to twist and turn his/her back.

The optional halogen curve and cornering light with LED daytime running lights that adapt to the road and make turning at crossings safer ensures both optimum visibility for the driver as well as of the car for other traffic users.

For increased load requirements, a maximum storage volume of 1,500 liters with a flat loading area is available. In addition, the Meriva features another clever transport solution: the back-friendly FlexFix bicycle carrier recommended by the AGR. Opel’s innovative FlexFix rear bike carrier system can carry two bikes with a maximum load of 40 kg. FlexFix is always on board the Meriva, integrated in the rear bumper, where it easily slides in and out like a drawer.

New generation IntelliLink infotainment system

New Opel Meriva boasts a new generation IntelliLink infotainment system enabling seamless smartphone integration into the vehicle. The large, high-definition, seven-inch color monitor offers a new interface with IntelliLink graphics that make the system easier to read and operation faster and more fluid. The system features Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, and additional connectivity via USB. Fast and precise navigation is embedded in the optional systems Navi 650 and Navi 950 IntelliLink. Destinations can be entered easily via voice command using rapid ‘one shot entry’ (request navigation and just speak out the address in a single phrase) while keeping both hands on the steering wheel.

Bestselling Opel with wide powertrain spectrum

New Opel Meriva MPV comes with a new range of gasoline, LPG and diesel powertrains. The highlight is the new generation 1.6 CDTI diesel engine that impresses with its low consumption and environmental friendliness as well as outstanding running smoothness and exceptionally low noise generation. With CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per kilometer, the Meriva will undercut the 100 g mark in the future and offer the best combination of comfort and efficiency.

The new low-friction manual transmission units offer a new level of gear-change comfort in combination with all gasoline, LPG and diesel engines. In addition, a six-speed low-friction transmission that further increases comfort is now available with both 88 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp versions of the 1.4 Turbo gasoline engine as well as with the 81 kW/110 hp Turbo diesel unit.

!NEW! Opel Sets Flexibility Standards: 15 Years of the Flex7 Seating System

Road to success: Flex7 launched with first Zafira in January 1999

Market success: Zafira evolves from trendsetter to “lounge on wheels”

Recipe for success: More Flex concepts inspired by Flex7 in other Opel models

Technology that inspires: The Opel Zafira Tourer offers ultra-modern engine technology and maximum versatility with the Flex7 Plus seating system.

In 1999, the Zafira monocab set the standard for fully integrated on-board flexibility with the launch of Opel’s unique Flex7 formula. The sophisticated seating concept began its path to success from the start of Zafira production, and was given detailed enhancements when the next generation model arrived in 2005. Success came quickly. The trendsetting Zafira was awarded the “Golden Steering Wheel” in its first year of sales. More than 2.2 million first and second generation Zafiras were sold before the Zafira Tourer, the “lounge on wheels”, was introduced in 2011, offering a perfect blend of functionality and comfort.

Opel Zafira – The seven-seat compact van pioneer

Opel Zafira (1999) - First Opel MPV with Flex7

The successful Flex7 formula is essentially the same today as it was back in 1999: maximum on-board flexibility without seat removal. Starting with the first-generation Zafira, the third row of seats could be folded down, individually or together, flush with the luggage compartment floor. To enable an impressive maximum load volume of 1,700 liters, the driver then just had to fold down the seat cushions and backs of the middle row before pushing them up against the first row seatbacks. In just 15 seconds, the Zafira could be transformed from a seven to a two-seater. “We wanted everything to be as easy and effortless as possible,” says Frank Leopold, Engineering Group Manager Innovation, Show Cars & Advanced Packaging, the ‘father’ of the Flex7 concept. “As a typical customer, we imagined a mother holding her child and then having to change the seating configuration.  No competitor was able to offer comparable flexibility. Suddenly even major shopping trips could be a relaxed experience, because you didn’t have to worry about everything fitting in the car.” And thanks to the high seating position and generous seating space, driving the Zafira was just as relaxing.

Flex7 seating system for the Opel Zafira (MY 1999). 

With the arrival of Flex7, the era of having to remove and carry heavy seats around to provide more space was over at Opel – although even today, 15 years later, similar systems are not commonly provided by competitors.

Opel Zafira Family and Opel Zafira Tourer – The successful duo for all needs

For the second generation Zafira in 2005, Opel engineers optimized the handling of the second row seats so they could be folded down in a 40:20:40 split, enabling comfortable seating for adults in the individual outer seats. Then, in 2011, the introduction of Flex7 Plus made the new Zafira Tourer the ultimate master of versatility. While the third row seats could still be folded down flush with the floor of the luggage compartment, the second row was completely re-designed. No longer a bench layout, it now consisted of three individual seats which could all be folded down, thus creating an even larger, completely flat floor. The three seats were also designed to slide longitudinally by up to 210 mm independently of each other. With the second row seats folded down, the maximum load volume was now increased to 1,860 liters. “With this flexible interior, the Zafira Tourer is also ideal for business travel, making it much more than a family van,” says Leopold.

First-class traveling in the “lounge on wheels”

Opel Zafira Tourer - Lounge Seating system

The highlight of the Opel Zafira Tourer is still its optional Lounge Seating system, which gives second-row passengers generous seating space comparable to an upper-class sedan. A clever and easy-to-operate folding/rotating mechanism transforms the back of the middle seat into comfortable armrests for passengers in the outer seats, which can slide up to 280 mm backwards – giving a best-in-class value for lots of extra legroom. The seats can also slide 50 mm towards the center of the cabin, a true novelty in the segment enabling generous shoulder space.

Flex series: Recipe for success for other Opel models

Since Flex7’s arrival in 1999, a series of flexible interior concepts has also been integrated in other Opel models. The FlexSpace seating concept, FlexDoors and the FlexRail center console in the Opel Meriva, as well as the FlexFix bicycle carrier and the FlexFold rear seat backrest in the Astra Sports Tourer, all have their roots in the Flex7 system of the first Opel Zafira. “Our goal was to offer innovations that fit each model – be they back-friendly, family-friendly or an upgrade to the vehicle,” says Leopold.

Overview: Opel Flex Innovations

1999	Production and market launch of first Zafira. The new Flex7 seating system sets the standard for the first generation of fully-integrated onboard flexibility.
2003	With its world-first FlexSpace, the Opel Signum offers more room and comfort than ever before. The rear bench seat consists of two individually adjustable single seats giving exceptionally generous legroom. The center element of the rear bench can also be transformed into an armrest or storage console.
2003	The Meriva establishes the small monocab segment. Thanks to the FlexSpace concept, the Meriva can be quickly transformed between five, four, three or two-seater layouts, without removing any seats.
2005	Enhancement of Flex7 system with the second generation Zafira. The second row seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 split.
2006	Opel is the first and only automaker to offer the bicycle carrier FlexFix in the new Corsa. It is fully integrated in the rear bumper and can be pulled out like a drawer to transport two bicycles.
2009	A creative idea from Opel engineers and designers, FlexFloor is introduced in the compact class. It allows easy-to-use stowage for a wide variety of cargo, increasing the new Astra’s loading flexibility. The trunk floor is moveable and can be positioned at three levels. When fixed at the lowest level, up to 370 liters of space is available.
2010	The second generation Meriva’s FlexDoors is an innovative rear-hinged rear door system that makes it easier to enter and exit the vehicle. The highly flexible FlexSpace rear seating system and Opel’s patented, integrated FlexFix bicycle carrier combine to make the Meriva a real flexibility champion. It is the only vehicle to have received a seal of approval from the Campaign for Healthy Backs (AGR) in recognition of its overall ergonomic concept system features. The Meriva also includes the FlexRail console system.
2010	The Astra Sports Tourer is the first compact wagon outside the premium segment to offer a remote seat-folding function with FlexFold – a system which folds the rear seatbacks at the touch of a button. It is complemented by other smart, upscale features. Space-efficient trunk design enables a load volume from 500 to 1,550 liters.
2011	The new “Master of Versatility” is the Zafira Tourer. Interior highlights include the Flex7 Plus seating system and the optional “Lounge Seating System”.
2013	Opel offers the patented FlexFix bicycle carrier for almost all models from A to Z: Antara, Astra, Corsa, Meriva and Zafira Tourer. The newest members in the FlexFix club are the sub-compact SUV Mokka and the lifestyle ADAM. With the second generation of the FlexFix carrier, the Astra Sports Tourer and Zafira Tourer can carry up to four, and the Mokka up to three bicycles.
2014	An improved FlexRail center console is premiered in the new Meriva. With the same versatility and practicality, it now enables more legroom in the rear.

!NEW! Opel Meriva MPV: World Premiere at the Brussels Motor Show

• Refreshed, crisper design for the star amongst the small monocabs
• Full Euro 6 certified powertrain range including new generation 1.6 CDTI
• First diesel monocab below 100g CO₂ with only 3.8 liter/100 km
• Perfect Smartphone Integration with Opel’s new IntelliLink infotainment system
• Undisputed flexibility and ergonomics is the Meriva’s key to success

New Opel Meriva MPV - Now with new generation 1.6 CDTI

The new Opel Meriva MPV – upgraded, more efficient, more attractive and more functional than ever – celebrates its world premiere at the Brussels’ International Motor Show (16.-26. January 2014). In addition to its unique flexibility, Opel’s small monocab now also stands out with a refreshed, crisper design, and with an array of state-of-the-art technologies that further enhance its comfort and efficiency. A complete range of Euro 6-certified engines make their appearance, including a new generation 1.6 CDTI that is the quietest and most efficient in its class; one of its versions will enable fuel consumption as low as 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers. Furthermore, for the first time in a gasoline or diesel monocab, emissions will go under 100g – with just 99g/km CO2 emissions. New gearboxes enable softer and more precise shift operation, and a new generation Opel IntelliLink infotainment system with enhanced speed and functionality perfectly integrates smartphone functionality into the cockpit.

When it was launched in 2003, the first generation Opel Meriva created the segment of the small monocabs, and set the standard for flexibility made accessible to a wide public. The second generation in 2010 raised the standard in a spectacular way with innovative features that do not only further enhance flexibility but also ergonomics – such as  rear-hinged FlexDoors making ingress and egress much easier, the highly variable rear seating system FlexSpace, exquisite ergonomic front seats, many clever storage solutions, and Opel’s unique FlexFix fully integrated rear-end bicycle carrier system. These trailblazing features make the current Meriva the Ergonomics Champion, as has been concluded by independent health experts and, together with its elevated seating position, are key to its success.

Opel Meriva MPV is also impressively setting a benchmark in quality and customer satisfaction. The new TÜV Report 2014 published December 2013 after nearly 8 million used cars of all kinds and brands were inspected reveals that the Opel Meriva is the car with the lowest defect rate. In the ‘two to three-year old cars’ category – basically featuring all Merivas of the second generation inspected by the TÜV -, it has beaten all models from Mazda, Toyota, Porsche, BMW and Audi, and stands out as the overall ’best in quality’ of all inspected passenger cars in Germany. It has therefore been awarded the TÜV Gold Certificate. Not only TÜV professionals and experts praise the Meriva, its users also do: In the Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study (VOSS) Index from the J.D. Power Satisfaction Survey, the Meriva also left all competition behind and finished first in ranking, with an astounding 80.6 percent mark. This is particularly relevant, as the market research institute J.D. Power and Associates measures the satisfaction of car owners who have been driving a model for an average of two years and have the corresponding practical ownership experience.

“The new Meriva is better-than-ever”, says Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales of Opel. “The Opel Meriva has set the standard in the segment – if not in the industry – for ergonomics, affordable flexibility and quality. Now it offers an even more comfortable overall driving experience thanks to state-of-the-art technologies – a new range of Euro 6 certified engines including a last generation 1.6 CDTI that is the most silent in its class; new transmissions that offer smoother and crisper shifting; and a new generation Opel IntelliLink infotainment system that integrates smartphone functionalities into the vehicles. And as we have also made sure to offer the new Meriva at even better prices than before, it is more attractive than ever for customers who want to combine superior comfort, superior functionality, and superior value for money”.

Fresh, upgraded design with crisp details and sparkling chrome accents

New Opel Meriva MPV - LED technology is now available for the Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Opel’s design philosophy – sculptural artistry meets German precision – fits perfectly with its small, highly flexible monocab. New Opel Meriva MPV benefits from many improvements that enhance the precise looks of key features and give it a more refined appearance. A new grille with higher chrome content, as well as chrome accents embracing the fog lamps now defines the front fascia. The newly designed sparkling front headlights with an eagle eye graphic frame the grille. LED technology is now available for the Daytime Running Lights (DRL), resulting in a crisp, high-tech look.  On the side, the new elegant chrome beltline effectively highlights the waved design that accentuates the rear window and offers additional visibility to small children sitting in the rear seats. This feature and the centrally located door handles are part-and-parcel of the innovative FlexDoors, rear-hinged rear doors that allow for easy entry into the vehicle. The dynamic and elegant character of the rear gets a new touch of class thanks to energy-saving LED lights with new, accentuated high quality graphics.

The dynamic and elegant character of the rear gets a new touch of class thanks to energy-saving LED lights with new, accentuated high quality graphics.

New Euro 6-certified powertrain offer with state-of-the-art, efficient 1.6 CDTI

The new Opel Meriva MPV comes with a new range of gasoline, LPG and diesel powertrains that already comply with the future emissions regulation Euro 6 which will come into force in September 2015.

New Euro 6 turbo-diesel engine Opel ECOTEC 1.6 CDTI - Power and Torque 

The highlight is the new generation 1.6 CDTI turbo-diesel engine that had its debut in the Opel Zafira Tourer. It convinces with low consumption and environmental friendliness, as well as with outstanding running smoothness and exceptionally low noise and vibrations. This whisper-diesel is simply the most silent in its class. A highly sophisticated all-aluminum power unit with Common-Rail direct injection, it will replace both the 1.3 CDTI and 1.7 CDTI that used to power the Meriva.

The first version of the 1.6 CDTI available in the new Meriva develops 100kW/136hp and consumes just 4.4l/100km while emitting 116g/km CO2. This is a 10% improvement in efficiency compared to the previous 96 kW/130 hp 1.7 CDTI (which required 4.9 liter and produced 129 grams). It has been made possible, amongst others, thanks to engineering measures allowing the 1.6 CDTI to feature the lowest frictions of its engine class between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm. In addition, the new 1.6 CDTI also delivers 320 Nm of maximum torque (+ 7% vs the previous 1.7 CDTI) at 2,000 rpm.

Further versions of the engine will be launched in the close future, including two executions with 81 kW/110 hp output. One of them will particularly stand out, with a fuel consumption of a mere 3.8 liters per 100km and CO2 emissions of just 99 grams per kilometer, making the Opel Meriva MPV the first gasoline or diesel monocab under 100g.

Transmissions in the new Meriva MPV have also been improved thanks to Opel’s 50 million euro investment into the optimization of its five- and six-speed gearboxes. Numerous changes to their components and the gear-change mechanisms, as well as to their integration into the vehicle have ensured a substantial enhancement in the smoothness and precision of gear shifting. The new low-friction manual units offer a new level of gear-change comfort in combination with all gasoline, LPG and diesel engines. In addition, a six-speed low friction transmission is now available with both 88 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp versions of the 1.4 Turbo gasoline engine. This combination of automatic transmission and gasoline power will fulfill expectations amongst Meriva customers.

New generation IntelliLink infotainment system

New Opel Meriva MPV - interior with  IntelliLink infotainment system

The new Opel Meriva MPV boasts a new generation IntelliLink infotainment system enabling seamless smartphone integration into the vehicle. The large, high-definition, seven-inch color monitor offers a new interface with IntelliLink graphics that make the system easier to read and operation faster and more fluid. The system features Bluetooth hand-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, and additional connectivity via USB.

New Opel Meriva MPV - High-definition, 7-inch color monitor with new IntelliLink graphics 

IntelliLink in the new Meriva has a standard CD player and DAB+ – Digital Audio Broadcast – is offered as an option that raises the bar in terms of range of radio stations reached, reliable reception and sound quality. Navigation is an inherent part of the system, through both the Navi 650 and the Navi 950 IntelliLink. It is extremely precise and fast in calculating itineraries and zooming in and out, and destinations can be entered easily via voice recognition using rapid ‘one shot entry’ (request navigation and just speak out the address in a single phrase) as is possible in the Insignia’s system.

Meriva’s comprehensive flexibility and ergonomic concept is key to its success

Despite new arrivals in the segment, the Opel Meriva MPV remains unrivalled in its first-class-offering of prime flexibility and ergonomic comfort. Indeed, customers expressly choose it for these attributes and a high seating position. Meriva’s customer base including young families, young mothers and retired grandparents have all stated that easy-to-use flexibility and superior comfort for the money are a prime consideration for them.

New Opel Meriva MPV - FlexDoors system

Opel Meriva MPV is the first and only automobile in the world that has been certified for its overall ergonomic concept. In 2010, independent health experts from the AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.), the ‘Campaign for healthy backs’ awarded the Meriva with their sought-after-quality seal for guaranteeing superior ergonomics and back protection. The certification is based on the Meriva’s four core and exclusive innovations: The highly flexible FlexSpace rear seating concept; the FlexDoors system that widely opens all doors at 84° and which, with its rear-hinged rear doors and solid handles on the B-pillars, makes ingress and egress much easier and comfortable; the ergonomic front seats with their multiple adjustment possibilities; and the unique FlexFix integrated bicycle carrier that always remains in the car and can be simply deployed anytime like a drawer. All these continue to make the Meriva the leader in flexibility and ergonomics.