Vauxhall's small MPV...just a five-seater, but with the rear seats adjustable individually, with the outer seats adjustable sideways as well as back and forth. With the seats folded down into the floor, the Meriva has a cavernous load area.
Ride is good with little roll and the range of engines is well matched to the car. However, the new 1.6 and the 1.6 turbo are the most flexible of the engine choices. Economy is good with all petrol engines bringing in mid-30mpg. Insurance is also reasonable with all but the lowered VXR between 4 and 6.
Apart from the 1.8, road and engine noise are good. Driving position is good with all controls at hand, but the thick windscreen pillars significantly block the driver's forward view.
The build is solid and the mechanics are all tried and trusted, so reliability should be a taken. Safety is also well-provided with anti-lock brakes and passenger and driver's airbags as standard. There are also special child seat mounts on the outer rear seats.
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Vauxhall MERIVA.