New Opel Meriva - a measure of the compact

Opelevskie designers and engineers did not spoil Opel Meriva attention. Subkompaktven, appeared in late 2002, received in 2005, a light facelift, three new motor and charged modification OPC. Appearance of other opelevskih models changed, but the Meriva has continued to look at the world wide open naive "eyes". Yes, and good sales inspire optimism. And almost a decade sold over a million. In Russia in 2008 Meriva came in second in its class with a score of 8,416 cars. While the bestseller among subkompaktnyh monocabs Nissan Note was sold in quantities of 19,244 pieces. True, last year the situation has changed. Meriva sold poorly (2117 cars), yielding Nissan Note (5455), Hyundai Matrix (3402) and the Volkswagen Golf Plus (2391). New Meriva compose a long time. And yet the crisis struck, and Concern General Motors still could not decide to sell the Opel or keep. As a result, Meriva concept revealed at Geneva in 2008. A production car brought to the same only in 2010. Information were given literally bit by bit. Now remain unknown except that Russian prices. New products will be released on the Spanish plant in Zaragoza, and you get to European buyers in the summer. On the part design new Meriva was all better than they were rich opelevtsy: mordashka updated Corsa, vyshtampovki on the sides, like Insignia, taillights and interior in the style of the new Astra. Window-sill line with the spectacular break. The family segment is probably the most stylish and colorful car. Previous Meriva was built on the platform of a hatchback Corsa, and only the rear suspension semi-dependent it was on kompaktven Zafira. Then, as the current odnoob'emnik based on a shortened platform Zafira. True, torsion beam rear made thicker. The developers claim that the car was more spacious due to the changed dimensions. At length the new Meriva vymahala to 236 mm (4288) and a maximum width - 118 mm (1815) and tumbled beyond subkompaktnogo class (4250h1750). Wheelbase stretched by 14 mm (2644). The height has decreased by 9 mm (1615). But the increase in weight - only 60 kg. However, the trunk lost five liters, now it is only 400 liters of volume. But if you fold the rear seats, you get 1500 liters, 90 hp more than the previous Meriva. But the rear seats can be moved a greater distance. By design they are similar to previous Meriva - the middle part of the chair can be folded, making it in the armrest, and the extreme side to move - and you can double sofa instead of triple. Front seats are similar to those installed on the Astra and Insignia. The range of longitudinal adjustment of the driver's seat - 240 mm, vertical - 65 mm. Main feature of the new Meriva - rear doors that open against the move, as the Rolls-Royce. These were the machines of the first half of last century, they called suicidal. This door might suddenly fly open and pull out of the car passengers, trying to close it. For Meriva were specially developed ultra-door locks, which are automatically locked as soon as the car will begin to move. Engineers believe that the innovative door FlexDoors much easier to conventional swing and even sliding counterparts. They open wide - at 84 degrees. Opelevtsy promise that sit back and fasten the car seat will become much easier. Shall see when we take the car for a test drive. Without the middle rack access in the car would be even more convenient. But she decided to leave - first, for safety reasons, and secondly, we had to be wise with the door locks. In Germany, the Meriva stands between 15 and 900 euros. In the basic equipment is electro-hydraulic power steering, two airbags, stability, sound system, air conditioning, central locking and electric windows. Levels of equipment - three exterior colors - nine, and options for interior decoration - as many as seven. The choice of engines is still small. Gasoline - two, in volume of 1,4 liter. Atmosfernik produces 100 hp. with. and 130 Nm. A supercharged can reach 120 liters. with. nyutonmetrov and 175 or 140 liters. with. and 200 Nm. Transmission - 5-speed manual transmission. The most powerful engine is mounted with a 6-step "mechanics" and accelerates the car to 100 km / h in 10.3 sec. Diesels - also two: 1,3 (75 hp.. And 180 Nm) and 1.7 (100 hp.. And 260 Nm). A little later, will be available to more powerful versions of these power units, developing 95 and 130 liters. with. respectively. 1.3 diesel (75 hp..) Can not boast of dynamics, to disperse hundreds took to long 16.9. But consumption in the combined cycle - a little more than four liters. And with the 1.7 turbodiesel offered 6-speed automatic. About OPC charged modification while information is not available. But we hope that it will appear. Corporate colors Opel Performance will be the new Meriva to face.