VAUXHALL MERIVA MPV READER REVIEWS

My car

Overall this is a much better car than its predecessor.

I have previously had 1.6 petrol and 1.3 diesel Merivas and this one is better than both. It handles better, is generally quieter and has better overall performance. Fuel economy is not what it might be. I expected it to be somewhat better than the 1.6 but it isn't it returns about the same fuel consumption as the larger engine. However I find the 1.4 engine flexible and has adequate power and is well able to cope with the steep banks on the North Yorks Moors with 4 adults on board. The irritating front pillar is still there but is better placed so the blind spot the in the previous model is not there to the same degree.

Contrary to the remarks by your reviewer, I have not found the car noisy, even at speed on the motorway - in fact a friend commented on the quietness.

It is comfortable for four adults but with five in the back is a little cramped. Equipment levels are generally good in this model, though I do feel a trip computer would have been useful. The centre flexrail would benefit from proper sides so things didn't fall out. It would be so much more useful then.

Boot is ample and I like the removable floor with space underneath to keep all those bits and pieces out of the way to make for a useful load space.

Generally I am very pleased with this car but I feel Vauxhall have a long way to go in terms of fuel economy. Both this and my wife's Zafira disappoint in that respect.

My car

This is the worst car we've owned by some margin. It feels unfinished, I suspect it was rushed out, without the final stages of development, when Vauxhall hit financial difficulties. The main problems are:

Lots of wind noise from the B Pillar

Awful electronic handbrake, with none of the logic of other makes (doesn't even come on automatically when you switch off)

AC switches on EVERY time you cycle the ignition

Steering is unbelievably heavy

Centre console is useless: items simply roll out into the footwells!!

Engine mapping is dreadful: there are massive holes in the torque delivery

DPF warning light comes on constantly, and has done from new

Boot floor is badly designed and wastes lots of space

Stereo has software glitches, e.g. track titles don't scroll even when selected

Very strange things missing from the spec, e.g. trip computer, electric rear windows

Fuel economy is very disappointing: little over 40mpg.

The suicide doors aren't practical: they actually make it hard to get out of the car in a tight carpark, as there's nowhere for an adult and child to stand when you try to close the rear door!

On the plus side, the handling isn't too bad.