Vauxhall Meriva
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. After a mild facelift and a couple of new engines, the Meriva has become even more sensible.
Review
The Meriva is an easy car to understand - it's a cross between a conventional supermini and an MPV. The end result is still less useful than a full-sized people carrier, but it's a good looking, well finished product.
The exterior styling incorporates plenty of Zafira design cues, while a recent facelift has given it more of Vauxhall's new "family look". The cabin is as spacious as before, and packed with neat stowage compartments, while the rear seats fold into numerous different configurations to allow you to vary the relative amounts of legroom and luggage space.
Underneath the Meriva is based on the same set of mechanical underpinnings as the Corsa - although we reckon it drives considerably better than its supermini sibling. The chassis still feels slightly inert from behind the steering wheel, but ride quality is reasonable and refinement is good.
Buyers also get to choose between a decent range of engines. The basic 1.4 litre petrol is fine for low-intensity use, although it gets loud when worked hard. A new 1.6 litre twinport petrol engine gives decent amounts of urge, while the 1.8 litre version is positively rapid. At the top of the range the 1.6 litre turbocharged VXR is almost comically fast - but seriously expensive. The diesel versions are more likely to appeal to sensible buyers, especially the new 1.3 litre CTDi, which combines decent urge with 57 mpg economy on the combined cycle.
Entry level pricing is attractive, although more basic Merivas lack much in the way of kit. The middle and upper reaches of the range are relatively pricey, though - especially when you consider the discounts available on some "proper" MPVs from the next segment up. Dealers are willing to haggle, though - and if the price is right then this is a fine, sensible little car.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
The Meriva's jellymould shape isn't particularly memorable - but the recent revisions have upped its appeal slightly.
Handling
3 star
Composed and safe but the front end rapidly runs out of grip if you get too keen - not the sort of driving the car really encourages, to be fair. VXR version is impressively composed at speed.
Comfort
4 star
The brilliantly designed cabin makes the Meriva dangerously close to being the perfect schoolrun taxi. Rear seat occupants will appreciate the generous legroom.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Well constructed, durable and tough-feeling - well up to the sort of treatment that kids are likely to give it.
Performance
3 star
All engines, with the exception of the base 1.4 litre petrol motor, delivery decent urge. VXR is massively fast - but too expensive compared to hot hatch rivals.
Roominess
5 star
Considering its compact external dimensions the Meriva does a decent TARDIS impression. The cabin has loads of space for both passengers and / or luggage - with lots of neat stowage solutions, too.
Running Costs
4 star
The bigger petrol engines are relatively thirsty by the standards of the segment, especially the VXR. Diesels are cheap to run, especially the new 1.3 CDTi. Servicing and insurance costs are low.
Value for money
3 star
Stingy standard equipment on the cheaper versions knocks the Meriva's appeal to real bargain hunters - and towards the top end of the range it only really makes sense with a decent discount.
