VAUXHALL Meriva 2010-2014

Introduced in 2010 at the Geneva Motor Show, the second generation of the small-sized minivan from Vauxhall brought new ideas to a segment where there were not too many contenders.

General Motors didn't want to give up on the European minivans even though there was a small market for those vehicles. Moreover, Europe and UK were still weakened by the world financial crisis, and the economy was still recovering. But families needed cars, and Vauxhall felt obliged to provide them with the Meriva's second generation, which came with fresh ideas.

With an exterior that reminded customers that the Meriva was linked to the small-sized Corsa, the MPV featured big headlights and a grille with a chromed bar at the top. The bumper's lower grille formed, together with the side scoops, a smiling face. But the most unusual side of the car was its profile. The beltline went upwards until the B-pillars and then took a sudden downward step only to rise again up until the C-pillars. Most importantly, the car featured rear-hinged back doors, easing the ingress and egress of the vehicle.

Inside, the high-mounted seats at the front allowed the designers to create more room for the rear passengers. It looks like this vehicle was mostly made for those seated in the back. The idea was to ease the process of installing a child seat and its content. At the front, GM's design team separated the driver and the passenger area by installing a tall center console extended into the center stack between them.

Under the hood, the Meriva offered a wide choice of six engines, both gasoline, and turbo-diesel. Unfortunately, not all versions were available with an automatic transmission.