Used Vauxhall Meriva MPV 2003 - 2010 review

What's the used Vauxhall Meriva like?

Few superminis can offer as much space and versatility as the Meriva. Its MPV-like design means there's plenty of room inside, while the clever FlexSpace seating system allows you to move all three rear seats independently of each other. They even fold flat into the floor to provide a maximum load capacity of 1410 litres. This level of practicality is tough to beat, even outside the supermini market.

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Overview

Pricey in comparison to some, but it's still a very good all-rounder

Pros

• Good scores for space and versatility

Cons

• Some models don't have enough kit, and forward visibility is poor

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Vauxhall Meriva

1.7 CDTi Exclusiv Euro 5 5dr

£990

Vauxhall Meriva

1.7 CDTi Exclusiv Euro 5 5dr

£990

Vauxhall Meriva

1.4 16V Exclusiv Euro 5 5dr

£1,195

Vauxhall Meriva

1.4T 16V SE Euro 5 5dr

£1,250

Vauxhall Meriva

1.4 16V Excite Euro 5 5dr

£1,290

Vauxhall Meriva

1.4 16V SE Euro 5 5dr

£1,295

Vauxhall Meriva

1.4 16V SE Euro 5 5dr

£1,350

Vauxhall Meriva

1.4T 16V SE Euro 5 5dr

£1,450

Vauxhall Meriva

1.4 16V Exclusiv Euro 5 5dr

£1,490

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Surprisingly, despite the Meriva's tall stance, it handles well, with little lean in corners, and the supple suspension also provides a comfortable ride. Refinement is good, too, although you're aware of some wind noise in the cabin at speed.

To complete the picture, the Meriva feels very sturdily built, even if the materials used aren't particularly appealing. On the downside, the lower-spec models miss out on too much equipment and forward visibility is extremely poor because of thick windscreen pillars.

Our recommendations

Which used Vauxhall Meriva should I buy?

There's a good range of engines, and even the smallest are fine for the job, with enough power and flexibility to make purposeful progress, at the same time as incurring only low running costs. The entry-level 1.4 petrol is perfectly adequate, and the 1.6 and 1.8 petrol engines are even more punchy.

Of the two diesels, the 1.3 CDTi is a bit slow, but the 1.7 CDTi offers lots more grunt, especially in the mid-range. However, prices for these diesel models are steep, so most people will be better off going for one of the petrols instead.

From the various trims, we'd recommend Club (called Enjoy on early models) because it gives you all the kit you need, such as air-con, electric front windows, remote central locking and a CD player, without costing you the earth.

Lower-spec models miss out on some essential equipment, such as air-con, and the higher-spec Design model costs too much.