Updated Vauxhall Meriva on sale in April

10 November 2005

Face-lifted Meriva on sale in April
Prices start at £10k
New 1.3-litre diesel and 1.6-litre petrol

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Vauxhall's face-lifted Meriva goes on sale early next year, with prices changing little from the current model.

Featuring new engines and a restyled front, the mini MPV now resembles the rest of the Vauxhall family, while the cabin has new interior trim and seat fabrics. Prices and specifications are not yet finalised, but they are not expected to change much from the current car, which starts at £9995.

Two new engine options will join the 1.4-litre and 1.8-litre petrols from the current line-up. Buyers can now select the 1.3-litre CDTi turbodiesel from the Tigra and Corsa, which will deliver up to 57mpg, to replace the current 1.7-litre CDTi turbodiesel.

The new petrol option is the 1.6-litre engine from the Corsa and Astra models, which gives 5bhp more than the 1.6-litre engine it replaces, but delivers a 6% improvement in fuel economy, averaging 42mpg.

Within a month or so of the standard models arrival will come the performance VXR model, which uses an all-new 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, producing 178bhp.

The new Meriva will still feature the flexible seating system from the existing model, but the specification has been boosted, with new options such a remotely controlled tailgate and a halogen lighting system which aims to improve night driving by adjusting the beam angle depending on speed and steering.

Dealers are expected to start accepting orders just before the end of the year, with the first cars arriving by the start of April next year.