Fabulously flexible Opel - 2010-01-11
The second generation Opel Meriva will definitely stand out at the Geneva Motor Show in March, not just because of its distinct, contemporary design but also because it’s likely to be the only vehicle in the show that has suicide doors.
Opel says the overall design is where “sculptural artistry meets German precision” and the lower, sweeping roof-line combined with the car maker’s signature blade side-body motif and the wave rear window line smartly round off its appearance.
The model, which all began with the compact seven-seater Zafira in 1999 and then morphed into the first generation Meriva in 2003, was one of the first to offer the combination of extreme flexibility and small size.
So many ideas on offer
Alain Visser, vice president of sales and marketing at Opel, in a statement said: “With the new Meriva, we wanted to engineer the new versatility champion in the automotive industry. I don’t see any other car offering so many ideas that make one’s life easier.”
The concept of flexibility continues in the new Meriva’s ‘FlexSpace’ and ‘FlexDoors’ systems, that provide an easier way to access the cabin and store items. This extends to the flexible centre console and the integrated bicycle carrier that stores under the luggage compartment and attaches to the rear when in use.
The body design is fluid and elegant and a small dip in the window line of the rear doors highlights their unique hinge assembly and operation.
Go wide for a better ride
The full-sized doors open independently without the need for a clamshell overlap with the front doors. A conventional B-pillar makes this possible while keeping the body rigid and retaining good side-impact protection.
All the doors open up to 84 degrees, wider than the 68-70 degrees for conventional car doors. Access to the cabin, especially for a family with young children, is far more convenient and safer, as the doors form a safety zone when open.
A longer wheelbase, wider front and rear tracks, and a choice of six engines with six-speed transmissions, all improve handling and ride comfort.
The vehicle is scheduled to hit showrooms in the next few months, though there’s no official word yet from GMSA if it will be riding on local roads.
Article courtesy: iafrica.com
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