![Bugatti Bird-gate Followup: Driver identity revealed <b>[*UPDATE:</b> Now with actual crash video!]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/11/bugatti-veyron-swim-1258147199_143x85.jpg)
Officially Official: Opel Meriva Concept ready for Geneva
by Damon Lavrinc on Feb 28th 2008 at 11:57AM 
Click above for more high-res images of the Opel Meriva Concept
The current Opel Meriva on sale to Europeans is a rather ho-hum affair, which is why there's actual anticipation for the Meriva Concept that will debut next week at the Geneva Motor Show. Images of the Meriva Concept have already leaked out, but Opel has made the concept's existence official by releasing the good, high-res stuff and an accompanying press release. This four-door hatch concept that's guaranteed a spot on the production line is cloaked in Opel's new design language, which means clean lines and a simple face with the brand's new grille.
There are two elements of the Meriva Concept that we find interesting enough to mention again (the rest you can read in the press release after the jump), which include its rear FlexDoors and the kink in its window line. Rear suicide doors are a common feature on concept cars because they allows designers to eliminate the B-pillar, giving photographers a better view of the interior from behind the velvet ropes. The Meriva Concept, however, retains its B-pillars, suggesting the rear suicide doors have a definite shot at making it to the final production car. We also like the downward kink in the rear window line because it's more than just an aesthetic flick of the designer's pen. Belt lines on cars have been rising for decades, and all too often this means outward visibility is compromised for rear seat passengers. By adding this small kink, Opel has given a little bit of the greenhouse back to rear seat riders. We'll finally meet this car in person next week at the Geneva Motor Show, but we don't expect it to make the return trip badged as a Saturn like so many other Opel models.
Gallery: Opel Meriva Concept
[Source: Opel]
PRESS RELEASE
MERIVA CONCEPT: DYNAMIC DESIGN AND INNOVATIVE FLEXDOORS SYSTEM
- FlexDoors make monocabs more versatile, comfortable and safer
- Design: New level of dynamics and improved practicality
The Meriva Concept takes flexibility to new heights with its innovative FlexDoors system, which consists of rear-hinged rear doors that swing open toward the back of the car. As the B-pillars have been purposely retained for passive security reasons, the Meriva Concept's front and rear doors can also be opened independently of each other. Other rear-hinged rear doors already on the market can only be opened after the front door has been opened. This innovation makes access to the car interior much easier and also offers a range of safety benefits over conventional car doors. In the Meriva Concept, this innovation is combined with the highly variable FlexSpace rear seating system familiar from the production Meriva.
The FlexDoors system also enhances comfort and functionality, as the highest point of the roof – just behind the B-pillars – is exactly where the passengers enter and exit the vehicle.
This architecture enabled designers to create a very dynamic and unique silhouette, with the arched roof line sloping down to the C-pillars.
Especially eye-catching is the dynamic "wave" in the window line just behind the B-pillars, which provides an excellent all-round view for rear passengers, particularly for children. The body also boasts the distinctive "blade" bodyside form, which was a design element of the GTC Coupé and Flextreme. Another feature is the U-shaped windshield, which stretches up and back over the rear passengers' heads – echoing the Astra GTC's panorama windshield. The slim A-pillars and windshield pulled far down ensure plenty of light and a spacious interior atmosphere. Both elements contribute to the outstanding all-round visibility for the occupants.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
len simpson 12:18PM (2/28/2008)
Bob, make this the Volt! Not near as freakish.
Reply
John Calkins 12:23PM (2/28/2008)
A close friend’s first car was a lime green Opel Gt. As a sixteen year old I thought that it had cool lines. Boy was it a piece of junk. http://hotcookies.net
Reply
Rboyett 12:38PM (2/28/2008)
This would make a nice looking Saturn.
Reply
jjpg2000 12:40PM (2/28/2008)
Replace the Outlook with this!
Reply
Rboyett 4:55PM (2/28/2008)
At first I thought that "replace the Outlook" was a crazy statement. But when you consider that GM hasn't supported the Outlook with proper advertising and the Chevy Traverse is coming this fall, I think you're dead on.
Saturn doesn't need something as big as the Outlook anyways.
zamafir 12:43PM (2/28/2008)
This would make a great saturn, ignoring the new Mazda 6 influence in the rear lights and interrior, I like this, quite a bit.
Reply
Ligor 12:48PM (2/28/2008)
this would murder the Mazda 5 if it came over as a Saturn
Reply
Dazza 3:01PM (2/28/2008)
The Opel Zafira rivals the Mazda 5 as a C-segment MPV. The Meriva is a smaller B-segment machine.
iSpec 1:28PM (2/28/2008)
Philadelphia Eagles Headlights--kewl
Reply
Joel 1:53PM (2/28/2008)
This NEEDS to be a Saturn. It's the perfect urban station wagon for today's smaller families. I see so many Scion boxes on wheel's with baby seats so there has to be a market for these type of mini-minivans/cuvs.
Reply
Rick 2:10PM (2/28/2008)
Take away the stupid-er I mean suicide doors and that is HOT! Small cars can sell here if they are HOT! Domestic cars can sell here if they are HOT. That means we'll never see this here, or Saturn will screw it up again.
Reply
slim 2:10PM (2/28/2008)
yeah, looks good. now, if they do bring this over as a saturn, any chance they'd offer a manual? that's one of the reasons i really respect the mazda5.
Reply
Xcountryflyer 4:01PM (2/28/2008)
This needs to be a Saturn to add to the brand differentiation. Once again--our Euro counterparts are making much better cars than their domestic teammates.
Reply
Cire 4:37PM (2/28/2008)
If the production version of the Meriva is as nice as this concept, then I say add it to Saturn's lineup A.S.A.P. The only quip I have with this vehicle is the suicide doors. How useful or necessary are suicide doors if there is still a prominent B-pillar present to block access? Regardless of this, I still like the design and want to see it badged as a Saturn product.
Reply
PJ 6:32PM (2/28/2008)
IIRC, Chevy is bringing the Zafira over at the next model change.
The Meriva is likely one size too small for Americans to get their heads around (now, anyway).
Reply
GOT 7:39AM (2/29/2008)
Cool, I like it! There's much beauty to the design. I really like the proportions and the overall design gestalt. It looks like it needs bigger wheels though... or something done to the wheel-arch.
Now if GM could manage to make this a Saturn without ruining the design, the details and the decoration , then it would be a smash hit I think.
Reply
captain underpants and the bringdown gang 4:19PM (2/29/2008)
What if Saturn made the Fit? ...this would be it.
Reply