Vauxhall Meriva Estate 2003 - Present

Aside from an annoying advert with two young lads pretending to be boring old gits, the Meriva has brought to the UK’s roads than most people realise.  The introduction, in 2006, of the VXR version brought a wide range of useful cars.  Size wise it sits between the Corsa and Astra, but the shape makes it feel bigger.  Sharing engines and other components with both of the established marques the Meriva comes to the table with a lot of heritage.  It manages to give large car space but with more like supermini driving, and the VXR gives plenty of thrills. 

Vauxhall were one of the first to market in the people carrier market and the Zafira is still one of the models that sets the standard for the class.  They’ve very cleverly taken this learning and used it to expand their range.  The Meriva is one of the fruits of their evolution.  It looks something like a small square van and from a distance even looks like a squashed version of a school minibus. 

Once inside though the feeling is one of freedom, largely generated by the space and versatility within.  There are five seats on offer, the back three of which fold to the floor with ease, and the front passenger seat even folding down onto itself to offer more carrying space.  The rear seats are all individual and can be folded down together or separately as required.  Materials used within are solid and lend a feel of quality.  Everything works well, just as intended.

The range of engine options available were initially borrowed from the Corsa and Astra ranges.  There is nothing too substantial on offer until you get in the VXR model, which houses a 1.6L turbo powerhouse.  This model will take it’s passengers to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 137 mph and it feels like a madman.  It’s like the motoring equivalent of driving Animal from the Muppets into town, which is quite an experience.  The rest of the range are for the most part competent, but not really exciting. The two 1.8 petrol engines offer reasonable performance with just over ten seconds to reach 60 mph and top speeds a little light of 120 mph.  They are all at least reasonable when looking at the economy.  The VXR is impressive with 36 mpg and there are lots of mid forties, from petrol units and up to mid fifties from the oil burners.  The 1.8 only manages 38 mpg so best invest in the VXR, better to be had for a sheep than a lamb and all that!

The Meriva represents a really good range of motors, with lots of useful space and features it’s got quite a bit to offer a wide range of punters, and with such a wide choice of engines there’s sure to be something for anyone.  Did I mention there’s a VXR model…

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