THE Vauxhall Meriva mini-MPV has been given a mid-life facelift.
Rivals include the Ford B-MAX.
Visual changes are minimal – limited to some new headlights inspired by the revised Vauxhall Insignia, an updated grille and some chrome trim around the frontfoglights. LED daytime running lights are now an option, as are LED taillights and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The clever FlexDoors system remains, whereby the back doors hinge from the rear rather than the front to aid practicality, while inside you’ll find the same FlexSpaceinterior with various seating possibilities.
However, the big news for company car drivers is the introduction of an all-new 1.6-litre CDTi diesel engine.
It’s 10% more efficient than the 1.7-litre CDTi engine it replaces – making it lighter on fuel and cheaper to run. The 136PS diesel produces 320Nm of torque from 2000rpm yet will manage 64.2mpg and just 116g/km of CO2 emissions.
Figures have not yet been announced, but that should bring the new model’s company car tax down to 18% from the old mean the car’s 22%.
The Meriva’s decent mpg and emissions figures put it on a par with the practical Kia Venga 1.6 CRDi, which manages an almost identical 64.2mpg and 117g/km of CO2. However, that car is less powerful and takes two seconds longer to reach 60mph – completing the sprint in 11.1 seconds compared to the Meriva’s 9.1 seconds.
So, the updated Vauxhall Mervia satisfies the need for low running costs, but how does it fare for standard equipment?
Although exact specs haven’t been announced yet, trim levels are predicted to closely follow the old model. This means entry-level models get electric front windows and an aux-in for your MP3 player, but miss out on vital kit like air-conditioning and cruise control. However, top-spec cars are more lavishly equipped, with a panoramic sunroof and leather seats.
If you want a versatile mini-MPV with low running costs, then updated Vauxhall Meriva could be the car for you. Be warned, though – the basic Expression model is best avoided due to its sparse kit list.
