Autoblog

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]

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Opel Meriva concept.

We finally wound our way over to Opel's booth to check out the newest take on the compact MPV concept. The Meriva's small footprint would lend itself well to the urban confines Opel expects the majority of buyers to be based out of, and the FlexDoors, a modern take on the suicide doors of yore, should make ingress and egress easier for the kiddies and anyone else banished to the back of the mini-bus. Opel wanted to maintain the stylistic edge of a high belt-line, which normally impedes rearward visibility, but the slopping rear windows and D-pillar might make blind spots a bit more bearable when some version of the Meriva makes it to production around the turn of the decade.

You can read up on all the details about the Opel Meriva concept in the press release after the jump.

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.


[Source: Opel]

Click above for more images of the Opel Meriva concept.

Beyond the first sketch that surfaced and a sort-of leaked teaser last week, Opel has kept the Meriva out of the lime light until now. Courtesy of a few sites in Europe, we've been provided the first official unofficial images of the Meriva concept.

The squat people mover is more anonymous than absorbing, with a rather bland profile and somewhat forgettable front end. The concept's show piece is its FlexDoors; essentially rear-hinged "suicide" doors for back seat passengers.

We're just a week away from the official unveiling in the land of foie and schnitzel, so we'd expect more details to be revealed shortly.


[Source: Autoweek.nl]