These are the very first photos of the all-new Opel Meriva MPV, taken only days after the Peugeot 3008. Is this a coincidence? We think not, especially when the same roads are being used by both test teams.
For owners of the current Meriva, it might be hard to believe that this is the successor to their car. However, we've known for quite some time that the German car company wants to move away from the dorky MPV look and target crossover buyers. Without this change, the Meriva would have been discontinued.
Opel picked a great partner for this project, since the Peugeot 3008 has been selling in good numbers since launch. Europeans can't get enough of its roomy cabin and frugal engines, not giving too much concern for the lack of 4x4 capabilities.
A few years back, General Motors and PSA Peugeot-Citroen signed a deal that could have reshaped the industry. Unfortunately, the Karl/Viva and C5-Insignia projects have been canceled. All that's left is this model, which will be assembled at GM´s Saragossa plant in Spain together with the Mk2 Peugeot 3008.
The platform that's to be used by both cars is called EMP2 and helped Peugeot win "Car of the Year" recently. Unfortunately, we can't tell you if the two car companies will share engines.
The all-new 3008 is said to include a 3-cylinder petrol 1.2 PureTech with 130 PS and a 1.6-liter making 165 PS. Diesel options will be the most numerous, ranging from a basic 120 PS model to the most powerful 2-liter making 180 PS.
The Meriva has access to a variety of engines from the 2015 Astra. Unfortunately, Opel has ditched the unique Flexdoor system, but it could be rewarded with better sales and market position. The overall dimensions and market position will be similar to the Nissan Qashqai, suggesting a starting price of around €20,000.
Opel picked a great partner for this project, since the Peugeot 3008 has been selling in good numbers since launch. Europeans can't get enough of its roomy cabin and frugal engines, not giving too much concern for the lack of 4x4 capabilities.
A few years back, General Motors and PSA Peugeot-Citroen signed a deal that could have reshaped the industry. Unfortunately, the Karl/Viva and C5-Insignia projects have been canceled. All that's left is this model, which will be assembled at GM´s Saragossa plant in Spain together with the Mk2 Peugeot 3008.
The platform that's to be used by both cars is called EMP2 and helped Peugeot win "Car of the Year" recently. Unfortunately, we can't tell you if the two car companies will share engines.
The all-new 3008 is said to include a 3-cylinder petrol 1.2 PureTech with 130 PS and a 1.6-liter making 165 PS. Diesel options will be the most numerous, ranging from a basic 120 PS model to the most powerful 2-liter making 180 PS.
The Meriva has access to a variety of engines from the 2015 Astra. Unfortunately, Opel has ditched the unique Flexdoor system, but it could be rewarded with better sales and market position. The overall dimensions and market position will be similar to the Nissan Qashqai, suggesting a starting price of around €20,000.