2008 Opel Meriva Concept - AllCarIndex
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2008
Opel Presents Monocab Initiative in Geneva
Geneva. Opel presents one world premiere and a host of new products at the 78th International Motor Show (March 6 - 16, 2008) in Geneva. The “Meriva Concept” makes its debut in Hall 2 of Geneva’s Palexpo. Its rear-hinged rear doors, called FlexDoors, are a highlight of the technology pioneer, which provides a vision of the styling and functional enhancements of a future Meriva generation. Opel also unveils two new monocabs, which both feature the hood and luggage compartment integrated into the body line, as well as plenty of interior flexibility. The new-edition Zafira combines maximum variability and space with better performance and reduced consumption. The third part of Opel’s monocab initiative in Geneva is the completely new Agila, which will be launched shortly.
Opel's stand, which was presented with the “Creativity Award” last year, is also the optimal stage for the new Corsa, Meriva, Astra, Zafira and Combo ecoFLEX models. With these variants, customers benefit from the most economical and lowest emission cars in each model line.
Concept car provides first look into new Meriva
The “Meriva Concept” hints at how the small monocab segment bestseller, which established this segment in 2003 and has led it ever since, could be further developed. Elements that are set to appear in the next Meriva include the innovative door mechanism, which provides comfortable access to the highly versatile interior. The FlexDoors innovation enables the rear-hinged rear doors to open independently of the front doors – a highly practical feature that sets Opel’s design far apart from already existing concepts.
The system’s operational safety is ensured by additional solutions (patent applications submitted), such as the doors only opening when the car is at a complete stop. The Meriva Concept’s character is accentuated by design features that create a light and airy interior atmosphere, such as the U-shaped windshield that extends into the roof and the distinctive sweep of the side windows level with the B-pillar. These design elements also increase the feel-good atmosphere in the interior and highlight the concept car’s practicality.
Zafira: Epitome of flexible seven-seaters now in even better shape
As the epitome of flexible seven-seaters, the Zafira is ready to go with fresh design accents and an expanded range of ten engines. Three new units – the entry-level 1.6-liter gasoline
(85 kW/115 hp) and two 1.7 CDTI common-rail turbo-diesels (81 kW/110 hp and
92 kW/125 hp) – ensure improved efficiency. Compared to the predecessor units, the new engines offer up to 10 hp more, correspondingly improved driving performance and up to five percent less fuel consumption. This is all reason enough for the Zafira to have a more confident look, which is expressed perfectly by its wide front chrome beam with integrated Opel logo – just one of several subtle sporty enhancements. The Zafira continues to represent Opel’s monocab strategy for success: offer as much space and practicality as possible within the most compact dimensions conceivable. The standard, patented Flex7 seating system in the 4.47-meter long Zafira is considered the benchmark among variability solutions. Europe’s top-selling seven-seater can easily be transformed into a two-seater with a cargo capacity of up to 1820 liters without cumbersome removal of the seats.
Agila: Benchmark in variability and consumption
The new 3.74-meter long mini-monocab boasts high levels of flexibility and ease of use. Folding the 60:40-split rear bench seat back down creates a flat load floor, increasing cargo volume from 225 to 1050 liters - a capacity unrivalled in the mini segment. The spacious five-seater’s many compartments and boxes in various sizes also add to the Agila’s practicality. The newest Opel also boasts exemplary consumption and emission figures: 5.0 liters of gasoline per 100 km with the Agila 1.0 (48 kW/65 hp) and 4.5 liters of diesel with the 1.3 CDTI with 55 kW/75 hp correspond to CO2 emissions of just 120 g/km.
This means the mini monocab adheres exactly to the emissions limit set in many European countries and translates into tax advantages.
Economy is the order of the day
Opel’s ecoFLEX range also boasts exemplary fuel consumption figures. The 55 kW/75 hp Corsa 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX with longer axle-drive ratio and diesel particulate filter is the top model in the range. The well-equipped five-door model emits just 119 grams CO2 per kilometer. This corresponds to an MVEG consumption of 4.5 liters of diesel per 100 km.
Opel underlines the special importance of its ecoFLEX versions with eye-catching functional and visual details, such as the green segment on the rpm counter. This shows the driver an efficient gear-shifting strategy to get the most from the engine’s high fuel-saving potential.
Tigra TwinTop “Illusion” In Soft-Top Look
The new “Illusion” model variant is another iteration of the quick-changing Tigra TwinTop: the two-seater’s electro-hydraulic retractable steel roof is covered in a Bordeaux red canvas, which gives the car the soft-top look of a classic fabric-roofed cabrio – without foregoing the benefits of a hard top. This variant also comes with many standard features, such as leather trim, heated seats, air conditioning, MP3-compatible CD-Radio, on-board computer, two-layer metallic/pearlescent-effect lacquer, aluminum sport pedals, color-coordinated safety belts and footwell mats, as well as 17-inch light alloy wheels in bi-color design. Customers can choose between a 1.4 (66 kW/90 hp) or 1.8-liter (92 kW/125 hp) gasoline engine.
SOURCE: Opel
