Test: Opel Meriva 1.4 16V Turbo (88 kW) Enjoy
Content
Manufacturers know how to use eye-catching solutions in the development of new cars (as well as other products, be it a station wagon or a razor for men), but in reality they are not really needed. Thus, with the new Opel Meriva, the question arises whether it is profitable for the buyer or the seller.
Are these doors better than classic ones? And if so, why didn't they use the patent before, or why won't all (family) cars be like this now?
One of these simple tricks that adds positive qualities to the car before buying is, for example, tables on the back of the front seats. I remember very well how, as a child, we enjoyed these folding tables in the then new, really pleasantly fresh Renault Scenic, which we were one of the first to bring in front of the house.
“Uuuaaauuu, miziceeee” impressed us much more than, for example, the easily removable seats in the second row and the boxes underneath them. And since we were happy children, there were both mother and father. Have we ever used them, these tables?
The distance between the back seat and the table is too far for coloring or doing crossword puzzles, and we've never drunk in the car from the open plastic cans that the holes on these tables are designed for. I may be unfair - but have you ever used these tables (yes, the new Meriva has them too)?
Now let's turn our attention to the new door. It would be a shame to choose Meriva because of the interesting patent on "suicidal" doors, and then discover that they are not actually connected. So? I myself did not go well as a brother from advertising and publicistic materials for this car, because it happens so quickly that you inadvertently fall into a market vice.
For example: "This beautiful and unique system will help your kids jump out of the car, and the open front and back doors can also serve as futsal gates" on Birsin's jersey. And you think this door is really good!
Okay, stop philosophizing. Thus, the rear hinged door on the C-pillar opens in the opposite direction, as we are used to. Just like the old Fick.
It is commendable that both doors, both front and rear, open almost at right angles, making it less likely that an incoming/outgoing passenger will get in the way at the same time, but care must be taken, especially to prevent mularium when opening the door at full parking lot, as there needs to be enough space for the door to be fully open - much more than what is shown in our mostly fairly small parking spaces.
To visualize the entrance to a bench, virtually place yourself on the floor plan above the car and imagine a person entering the back bench. This uncle (or aunt) starts to enter the classic door, placed parallel to the C-pillar, then moves forward a little, and then sits down on the seat again, thus simplifying the U-shaped path.
In the Meriva, the path to the passenger compartment starts more from the front (almost parallel to the pillar in the middle of the car), and the passenger actually just sits directly on the seat. Is it easier than with a classic car?
Yes, it is more difficult just because we are used to a regular door and constantly forget how to get in and out of Meriva. It's like replacing the driver's clutch pedal and accelerator. Well, it's certainly easier for moms and dads with a small child in a child seat: attaching and fastening a child with seat belts is less stressful for the spine due to easy access to the back bench (again, the performance of the Mom and Child door in the bird seat helps the prospects) ...
Are you afraid that children on the highway will open their "wings"? Ah, that won't work, because the electronics lock all the doors at four kilometers an hour and thus prevent anyone from opening them - this can only be done by a passenger or driver in front, or even behind (we are talking, of course, about driving ) remain locked.
We also checked what happens if the driver starts driving with the tailgate open: an audible signal and a display on the dashboard warn him of an error, and the door is also locked (!), So to close the door again, the car must be stopped. , the doors are unlocked (the switch is located at the top of the center console) and close them.
However, in the new patent, Opel (well, it's not exactly new - the Ford Thunderbird, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Mazda RX8 and something special already had such doors) has another feature that is not a good thing. The B-pillar is wider and therefore complicates the side view.
This is reflected before overtaking on a highway or at an intersection where you enter the main road at a slight angle (Y-intersections). Due to the wider strut and an additional hook to assist rear passengers when getting in and out of it, the field of view is reduced, so you need to shake your head a little more often than usual before safely entering the road.
Before we end our discussion about this wonder door, let's mention the light under the B-pillar, which illuminates the sill and floor in front of the car at night, and the black plastic between the two doors, which could be made from stronger, better plastic. attached. Sounds when you hit and move with more pressure. Meriva is totally unsuitable for a very high level of workmanship.
Yes, this Meriva is otherwise very exemplary. It is immediately clear to the driver that this is a German car, since all the switches, levers and pedals are stiffer than (for comparison, I just moved to a Meriva) of our "tested" Peugeot 308. Levers on the steering wheel. , ventilation control buttons and deflectors, clutch pedal, gear lever. ...
Everything works very solidly to the touch and gives good information that something happened on our command. The interior is brightly colorful, and by some miracle the very strong red color on the fittings seemed not too aggressive, kitsch, but pleasantly lively. I really don't know why I should go in a gray and black cage when the “work” environment can be as varied as in a dark Opel.
The flat windshield and correspondingly rather long dashboard add comfort, and the huge glass roof, from the list of accessories that the test car didn't have, probably contributes to even more airiness.
It had a cruise control, an on-board computer (controlled by a rotary knob on the left steering wheel, for which you need to lower the steering wheel with your left hand!), A radio control on the steering wheel, an electric parking brake, an mp3 player with AUX and USB. a connection cleverly tucked away in a drawer between the front seats), front and rear parking sensors (maybe even too sensitive, but considering they'll be driving it too ... hmm, hmm), two-way automatic air conditioning and some candy.
We didn't like the layout of the switches and buttons on the center console - there are really too many of them and they are so close together that we recommend a 10-minute course before the first ride. So that you do not fly off the road when setting the direction of air conditioning.
It stands very steadily on the Meriva road. For a family car, it absorbs bumps too sporty, thanks in part to the 17-inch wheels. Not only are they beautiful, but in combination with the chassis, they made sure that, while avoiding a large piece of plastic on the highway (which is why we unexpectedly did a moose test at the Avto store), the car remained calm despite the very aggressive slalom.
It's a matter of taste, but ladies like this Meriva will probably be too tough. The steering wheel is good - it’s light in the city, it’s quiet on the highway, with a large depth and height adjustment.
Did you notice that it says TURBO on the right side of the tailgate? With such an ominous inscription, one would think that this is at least an OPC version, but it is not. The test Meriva was powered by a turbocharged 1-liter four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing capable of delivering 4 "horsepower" (they also offer a version with 120 more horsepower).
The engine spins very quietly and quietly, and while driving it behaves as if it has several hundred cubic meters more and as if it does not have a turbocharger at all. Why? The engine doesn't even look like small displacement turbocharged sports turbos, but is tuned primarily for ease of use at mid-range.
So it can be used between 2.000 and 5.000 rpm and spins up to the red box at 6.500, but there is no point in pushing it there. In short - the engine serves as an exemplary fast car, but not a sports car. At 130 km/h it spins at exactly 3.000 rpm and is therefore very soundproof (even at 190 km/h the noise doesn't interfere!) It doesn't even need sixth gear.
To save fuel? Possibly, but a 1-litre turbo engine isn't the kind of engine you want to skimp on. The trip computer at a constant speed of 4 kilometers per hour shows a consumption of about 120 liters, and almost eight at 6. In practice, it turns out that consumption of less than seven liters in combined driving is almost impossible to achieve even with a very moderate right foot, so rescuers, do not get hung up on factory data - send a diesel offer.
Bottom line: The Meriva is a car that feels like someone put in the effort during the development of the car, not just copied, but tweaked a bit what was already known. What about these doors - is it a market trick or a ploy that will make the family roam the world more happily? They have their advantages and, yes, you guessed it, their disadvantages, but we can still conclude that Opel has attracted attention in a way that satisfies customers.
How much does it cost in euros
Test car accessories:
Metallic paint 180
Front armrest 70
Luggage compartment socket 19
Spare wheel 40
Winter package 250
Functional seat package 140
Package “Enjoy” 2
Package “Enjoy” 3
17 '' light alloy wheels with 250 tires
Bluetooth connection 290
Radio CD400 100
Trip computer 70
Face to face. ...
Tomaž Porekar: The car is really all right, although I had an unpleasant feeling next to it. This is because the new Meriva no longer falls within the limits set by the first! It is now larger, but not as spacious, with wider tracks and a larger wheelbase, so it is more stable. But that didn't make her feel any better.
While you'd expect it to be a family car (with an adjustable center box and elbow), it doesn't have room for the little things we usually need - even while driving - like a parking card. There are no comments on the engine. It's basic, economical enough (with moderate gas pressure), but certainly not too strong. And with a very nice exterior...
Dusan Lukic: Nothing fancy: The Meriva is exactly what the average Slovenian family with small children needs for a casual and holiday family car. And opening the door like this is really practical, you just have to be careful when closing it so you don't pinch someone's fingers (and get hit). In the engine? Well, yes, you can choose this one. It's not a necessity...
Matevž Gribar, photo: Saša Kapetanovič
Opel Meriva 1.4 16V Turbo (88KW) Enjoy
Basic data
| Sales: | Opel Southeast Europe Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 13.990 € |
| Test model cost: | 18.809 € |
| Power: | 88kW (120 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 11,5 with |
| Maximum speed: | 188 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 6,1l / 100km |
| Guarantee: | General warranty 2 years, varnish warranty 3 years, anti-rust warranty 12 years. |
| Systematic review | 15.000 km |
Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)
| Regular services, works, materials: | 924 € |
|---|---|
| Fuel: | 10.214 € |
| Tires (1) | 1.260 € |
| Compulsory insurance: | 2.625 € |
| CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO + | 4.290 ( |
| Calculate the cost of auto insurance | |
| Buy up | € 24.453 0,25 (km cost: XNUMX €) |
Technical information
| engine: | 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbo-petrol - mounted transversely in front - bore and stroke 72,5 × 82,6 mm - displacement 1.364 cm? – compression 9,5:1 – maximum power 88 kW (120 hp) at 4.800-6.000 rpm – average piston speed at maximum power 16,5 m/s – specific power 64,5 kW/l (87,7 .175 hp / l) - maximum torque 1.750 Nm at 4.800–2 rpm - 4 camshafts in the head (timing belt) - XNUMX valves per cylinder - common rail fuel injection - exhaust gas turbocharger - charge air cooler. |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | engine-driven front wheels - 5-speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 3,73; II. 1,96 hours; III. 1,32 hours; IV. 0,95; V. 0,76; - Differential 3,94 - Wheels 7 J × 17 - Tires 225/45 R 17, rolling circumference 1,91 m. |
| Capacity: | 188 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration in 11,5 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 8,0/5,0/6,1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 143 g/km. |
| Transportation and suspension: | limousine - 5 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, spring legs, three-spoke wishbones, stabilizer - rear axle shaft, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc, ABS, mechanical parking rear wheel brake (switching between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, power steering, 2,5 turns between extreme points. |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1.360 kg - permissible total weight 1.890 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake: 1.150 kg, without brake: 680 kg - permissible roof load: 60 kg. |
| External dimensions: | vehicle width 1.812 mm, front track 1.488 mm, rear track 1.509 mm, ground clearance 11,5 m. |
| Inner dimensions: | front width 1.430 mm, rear 1.390 mm - front seat length 490 mm, rear seat 470 mm - steering wheel diameter 370 mm - fuel tank 54 l. |
| Box: | Trunk volume measured with standard AM set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (278,5 L total): 5 places: 1 aircraft suitcase (36 L), 2 suitcases (68,5 L), 1 backpack (20 L). |
Our measurements
| T = 27 ° C / p = 1.144 mbar / rel. vl. = 35% / Tires: Michelin Primacy HP 225/45 / R 17 V / Mileage status: 1.768 km | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 11,5s |
|---|---|
| 402m from the city: | 17,9 years ( 126 km / h) |
| Flexibility 50-90km / h: | 12,3 (IV.) S |
| Flexibility 80-120km / h: | 17,3 (W) p |
| Maximum speed: | 188km / h (Vq) |
| Minimum consumption: | 6,9l / 100km |
| Maximum consumption: | 9,9l / 100km |
| test consumption: | 8,2 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 130 km / h: | 63,6m |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 38,2m |
| AM table: | 40m |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear | 56dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear | 54dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear | 54dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear | 64dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear | 62dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear | 60dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear | 66dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear | 64dB |
| Idling noise: | 36dB |
| Test errors: | unmistakable |
Overall rating (309/420)
The Meriva is a cute, fresh and innovative family car. Doubts about the usefulness of a displaced door can be dispelled, because they are no worse than classic ones.
Exterior (13/15)
Only an ugly hanging muffler and defects in rubber seals around the door interfere, otherwise the new Meriva looks fresh and pretty.
Interior (97/140)
There will not be enough space for the fifth passenger, four will go solidly. My biggest concern is the setting of the switches on the center console.
Engine, transmission (50
/ 40)A lively, quiet and agile engine, but not as fuel efficient as promised. The shift lever gently steers to the right through the gears.
Driving performance (57
/ 95)The chassis even leans from family to sporty usability.
Performance (22/35)
120 "horses" is enough to transport a family of four quickly, and the flexibility is great enough in terms of volume.
Security (37/45)
Front and side airbags, curtain airbags, ESP (not switchable), active head restraints and front seat belt pretensioners.
Economy
To achieve modest fuel consumption, you need to be very friendly with the accelerator pedal. Such equipment is no longer cheap, but the price is comparable to competitors. Two years in total, 12 years rustproofing warranty.
We praise and reproach
exterior appearance
innovation
quiet, calm, powerful enough engine
back bench entrance
large door opening angle
feeling of spaciousness
solidly large, flexible trunk
workmanship
lively interior
adroitness
stability
soundproofing
high waist (transparency)
too many buttons on the center console
rigid (uncomfortable) chassis
fuel consumption
poor visibility due to wide B-pillar (side view)
too small pockets on the back of the front seats
some inaccuracies in the final production (door seals)
thin, loose plastic on the B-pillar
there is no light at the mirror in the umbrella
rotary knob for controlling the on-board computer
misleading inscription “turbo” music player has no memory
