Vauxhall Meriva Euro NCAP 4 Stars
The Meriva (sharing components with the Corsa and Astra) is good to drive and offers an amazing amount of space and versatility for a small car.
Despite its MPV looks, the Meriva handles well. However its main selling point is its FlexSpace system which enables the three rear seats to be moved independently. They can also be folded into the floor to provide a significant load bay. Four six-foot adults can
travel in a Meriva and all feel spoiled for room, making the Meriva one of the most spacious, passenger-friendly small cars in the market.
Equipment levels in all but the entry level Expression model are good, including some nice touches like the Twin Audio system, which allows rear-seat passengers to listen to their own music independent of those in the front. Life models get a CD player and electric windows, while Club models get air conditioning and electrically-adjusted and heated door mirrors. Design models add
twin electric sunroofs, alloy wheels and cruise control. The VRX model has a full body kit, 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof spoiler and Recaro sports seats.
The Meriva gained a four-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating and all models have ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, ISOFIX child-seat mountings on the two outer rear seats and dual front airbags as standard. Deadlocks and remote central locking
are also fitted on every car. Extra airbags are optional as is Adaptive Forward Lighting, which angles the headlamps to give improved visibility when turning corners.
The 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8litre petrol engines offer strong performance while the 1.3 and 1.7 litre diesels complete the range. An automatic gearbox is available on 1.6 and 1.8-litre petrol models only. For those seeking performance look no further than the VXR version with its 180bhp 1.6-litre turbocharged engine and six-
speed gearbox, rocketing it from 0 to 60mph in under eight seconds.
For the more environmentally conscious dont ignore the 1.7 diesel, with emission levels as low as 140g/km and a VED rating of C. Whats more it also achieves combined fuel consumption of over 50mpg a real plus for anyone in the market for an MPV yet concerned about the planets well being.
All new Merivas are covered by a one-year unlimited
mileage warranty as well as an additional second and third year no-fee customer option warranty with a mileage limit of 60,000 miles. Vauxhall also guarantees all new vehicles against perforation by corrosion of the bodywork and underbody, where it occurs as a result of defective materials or workmanship, for six years from the date of first registration. Twelve months Vauxhall Assistance is provided automatically from first registration and covers incidents such as accidents, mechanical breakdown, flat tyres to illness whilst driving.
About the manufacturer
Vauxhall is committed to seeking the most efficient processes and technology to control and reduce waste,
pollution and the emissions from its vehicles.
It is working hard to increase the efficiency of its recycling process by designing products from the start to be recyclable. It has the twin aims of decreasing the waste produced during vehicle production and then further reducing waste at the end of a vehicle's life. This drives preservation of precious material and energy resources for the benefit of the planet.
The strategy rests on two principles: Recycling Orientated Design / Design for pre-treatment Development and implementation of material 'cycles' for vehicle production. The aim is to support both GM engineers and suppliers in the development of vehicles and components where recyclability is built in. The process also helps engineers to analyse parts,
components and vehicles with regard to their recyclability and recoverability. One of Vauxhalls recycling targets is to increase the quantity of recycled materials, also known as recyclates, in the production of its cars. More than 90 plastic recyclate types have been specified and approved for use in production. Recyclates are always preferred over virgin material, as long as their usage is technically feasible and economically viable. The Vauxhall recycling team takes every effort to maintain high standards of performance and mechanical and thermal durability.
Vauxhall complies with new legislation introduced in 2003 that requires all car manufactures and vehicle importers of new cars into the United Kingdom to take back vehicles from last owners or keepers (free of charge) at the end of their life and to ensure that they are treated in an environmentally responsible fashion. Vauxhall have appointed Autogreen Ltd as their sole service provider in the UK to manage the free take back of our last owner's vehicles. Vauxhall is obliged to take back all vehicles from January 2007 free of change to the last owner provided certain qualifying conditions are met. Vehicles placed on the market after July 2002 will also be entitled to free take back as long as the same requirements are met.
To view Vauxhalls environmental philosophy and policy go to www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/morefromvauxhall/sustainability.do