Opel Meriva 1.4 Enjoy Review

The Opel Meriva spent a week with me and even though I drove the model on launch back in 2012, it was a fond and pleasant reunion.

Opel launched the Meriva back in 2012, but has subsequently cut the range down to a single model in 2014 – the one you see here in Enjoy specification. Many would assume most MPVs are quite slow and boring to drive. I’m happy to report the Opel Meriva is not sluggish in any way and is surprisingly quick through the gears.

Performance

Power comes from a lovely 1.4-litre turbocharged engine boasting 103 kW and 200 Nm of torque. Those figures will sound familiar if you’re an Opel fan, as this is the same engine which can be found under the bonnet of the Opel Astra GTC coupe – a car which I particularly enjoyed driving.

The engine is smooth and there’s no hesitation when you want to overtake. Power is sent from the engine to the front wheels via a typically Opel solid and clunky six-speed gearbox. It’s interesting to note that Opel isn’t offering an automatic derivative for this model as I’d assume most customers would appreciate the ease of use. Despite its 1.4-litre size, the Opel Meriva is a little thirstier than expected. Our test route to Cape Point and back saw a figure of 8.2 l/100km.

Opel Meriva FlexDoors

One of the best things about the Opel Meriva is its rear passenger doors. They’re known as FlexDoors and feature rear hinges. Opel says they’re better because they can open much wider than standard doors and to be honest, I can see why it makes sense to have doors which open in this manner. It’ll be easier to load cargo and children into the back, and you can open/close without leaving the driver’s door. As far as practical gimmicks go, this is one of the best.

Storage compartments

Speaking of practicality, the Opel Meriva features an incredible amount of storage compartments. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many cup holders and compartments in any other car. According to Opel, there are no less than 32 places to put keys, phones and handbags – astonishing.

It’s very comfortable too, with the driver-orientated cabin offering plenty of headroom for taller folk. The boot and rear legroom is also to be commended. This is primarily thanks to the rear seats offering many positioning configurations. The seats are quality items and on longer journeys, I didn’t suffer from any numbness in the posterior region – a common affliction in many cars.

Standard specification

In terms of features, the Opel Meriva offers a fair amount of kit. There’s power steering, steering wheel-mounted controls for radio, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity, park distance control, USB/aux jack as well as auto headlights and wipers. Safety-wise, the Opel Meriva has six airbags, stability control as well as electronic brake assist and ABS.

Opel Meriva 1.4 Enjoy in South Africa

R 261 500 puts you behind the wheel of an Opel Meriva 1.4 Enjoy. The price includes a 5 year/120 000 km warranty and roadside assist, 5 year/unlimited km anti-corrosion, 5 year/90 000 km service plan.

Another writer’s thoughts on the Opel Meriva

The Opel Meriva epitomises the ‘Soccer Mom’ car for me, it’s steeped in practicality, space and has an abundance of nooks and crannies to store anything and everything. It’s a pity that it’s dated inside compared to everything on the market, the displays and functionality seems to be a generation behind a modern day compact SUV.

The driving position was uncomfortable for me and took a lot of shuffling and adjusting, before I was mildly comfortable. – Ashley Oldfield

Conclusion and summary

I think the Opel Meriva is one of the most underrated cars in its class. Not only does it provide plenty practicality and space, it’s comfortable and has a great engine combination.

The red LCD infotainment screen is a little dated, but that’s a minor personal gripe. The car is solid, safe and offers reasonable value for money. It would be perfect, but the crossover and compact SUV corners of the market may offer more.

Opel Meriva 1.4 Enjoy Quick Specs

We like:
. Great engine
. Spaciousness and practicality galore
. Value for money

We dislike:
. Dated infotainment screen

Also consider:
. Honda Jazz
. Nissan Qashqai
. Kia Soul