Opel Meriva 1.7 CDTI: our road test

The doors, the rear seats, the center console and even the door-frame bicycles. Everything is Flex. Except for the engine range, now composed alone units powered by gasoline. And so, four months after launch, Opel makes available for the Meriva 1.3 CDTI diesel engines also (75 ecoFLEX hp and 95 hp) 1.7 CDTI and its variations from 100 (only with six-speed automatic transmission), 110 and 130 CV. A necessary step - pending Version LPG and Start & Stop that debuted in 2011 - especially considering the impact of diesel engines to total sales: in Italy it reaches 30% - compared with a European average of

45% - while Portugal even 90% of the symbol has sold Meriva CDTI. Integrating the new four-cylinder forced strategists to redefine Russelsheim sales forecasts, revised upwards (130,000 in 2011) after an encouraging 2010, which will conclude with the prediction of plate 85,000 cars.

The Meriva II may finally be acquired not only to meet obligations of concrete or features, so freeing the previous generation too shabby. Much of the credit is due to the new styling - inspired to ' namesake concept , presented two and a half years ago - from the lines and rounder Pacios designed to mask size of a higher segment: 4.29 m length (+24 cm compared to the Meriva I), 1.81 in width (+11 cm) and 1.62 in height, with a wheelbase of 2.64 meters (+1 cm). The Meriva is well positioned between the compact MPV "pure" (Musa, Kia Come) and the C-segment MPV (Citroen C4 Picasso, Renault Scenic X-Mod), making this his promiscuity welcome to provoke further uncertainty to the potential buyer. The cabin is designed to comfortably accommodate four adults and one child, and has some clever solutions like FlexRail system (which runs the rail central armrest) or sliding rear seats. Sufficient load compartment, adjust the volume and well-shaped but not excellent (400/1.500 liters).