Click above for a high-res gallery of the Opel Meriva concept.
The Opel Meriva concept's high belt-line and hatchback shape looks like it could double as a Pontiac Vibe of the future, but recent history tells us it could one day find its way into a Saturn dealership. Automotive News quotes unnamed GM execs saying that the next generation Meriva is "being considered" for the U.S. market. The dreaded "business case" has to be made in order for the little MPV to land stateside, but the Meriva, already successful in Europe, has plenty going for it. The concept that previews the next production model was built with parts from two of GM's small car architectures that will be shared with other vehicles, and the Meriva's turbocharged 1.4L engine also rested under the hood of the Saab 9-X concept. The Meriva would also supply Saturn with a fuel-efficient family hauler, at least more efficient than the VUE CUV, another European import from Opel. Heck, it's not our money, we say build it, slap on a Saturn badge and call it a day.
[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
A&W @ Mar 6th 2008 10:37AM
Bring it!
alexer @ Mar 6th 2008 10:45AM
awsome. saturn is turning cooler day by day. that will look cool next to my sky redline and my girl's astra
Avinash machado @ Mar 6th 2008 11:18AM
Well the Astra has not been much of a success in the US. Will the Meriva also end up the same way? Hope not. It is really a versatile and practical vehicle.
lark @ Mar 6th 2008 1:18PM
The Saturn Astra has been out for just over 2 months! Bit of a hasty judgement there.
sk @ Mar 6th 2008 1:48PM
No success! have you asked your local Saturn dealer? I can't get one because they are sold out.
Richard S. @ Mar 6th 2008 11:37AM
The only problem is that buyers will look at the Meriva and see a "shortened minivan", similar to the old Mitsubishi Expos and Nissan Axxess that used to be sold. Buyers would rather buy a cute CR-V or RAV-4 than appear at the PTA meeting with something looking like a mini-minivan. In Europe it makes sense because of high fuel prices and lack of space, but here in the U.S., they would rather have Honda bring a Hybrid CR-V before buying a conventional efficient mini-minivan.
Bill @ Mar 6th 2008 11:41AM
I thought that I read something on this very website a few months ago that suggested that a plant had been allocated for production of a MPV-like vehicle with Opel roots. IIRC, this info slipped out after the strike ended, and was in part of the negotiations?
The Other Bob @ Mar 6th 2008 11:57AM
You are correct.
The GM, UAW deal included plans to build a vehicle like this in Detroit.
MoonRover @ Mar 6th 2008 11:45AM
With Oil at $106.00 a barrel anything small will sell, it is in GM's best interest to start cranking these things out like a printing press. Yesterday I filled my Sierra, it came to $74.00, the tank was not empty. I will keep my truck but I will buy something to use about town and everyday driving, I cannot afford to do otherwise, this looks like a good candidate for that duty.
psarhjinian @ Mar 6th 2008 12:08PM
I had the previous Meriva as a rental a few times and I rmemeber thinking that Saturn would do very well with this vehicle, if they marketed it correctly. It's more versatile than anything in it's class (well, the Fit comes close) or in the class above it (Matrix et al) and, most importantly, no one in North America sells anything like it.
Saturn would have a niche all to itself (assuming GM didn't do something stupid like sell a Chevy version), which would be an important thing for them. They need to stand out more, and the Meriva would do that.
It's not a pretty car (that's the Sky's job) but it is inexpensive, well-done and practical. Priced right, it'd be a good sell.
Rocketboy @ Mar 6th 2008 12:40PM
Better yet, bring it as an Opel.
500 @ Mar 6th 2008 1:19PM
Kill off that giant money pit called Saturn already; make it a Chevy. Has Saturn ever made a dime in profit? I don't think so. And with a nearly brand-new lineup, it was the "biggest loser" last month, down over 36% from last year.
roar @ Mar 6th 2008 3:07PM
Feb of 2007 was the best Feb in Saturn's history, comparing current results to the best month in any companies history is difficult. The Astra will not replace the Ion, it is not supposed too. The Aura now has a 4 cly which allows it to compete in 100% of the mid market, V6 is only 21% of Camry/Accord/Altima sales in the U.S. Saturn shares plants now with other GM makes so profit and loss is not looked at the same as in the past.
What?! @ Mar 6th 2008 1:42PM
Drop Saturn and its "no-haggle pricing", "sales consultant", and the tradition GM ditched.
Now is the time to bring on the Opel brand. Perhaps not as a Buick Opel (once by Isuzu).
john riley @ Mar 7th 2008 7:53AM
I think the Meriva is more like the 2009 Honda Fit than the Vibe. I.e. I think it is considerably smaller. But, sure, bring it.