Vauxhall will launch its new look Meriva in the first quarter of 2006.

The new Meriva has had exterior changes to bring it into line with the latest Vauxhall family look.

It has a new front end with a reprofiled bumper and more prominent V-grille. At the rear the Meriva gains dark rear lamp lenses and a chrome strip across the tailgate. New paint schemes and wheels will be available along with a revised cabin, featuring extra chrome detailing and new fabrics.

Two new engines will also become available from launch. The 1.3-litre CDTi diesel, as used in Corsa and Tigra, will appear in Meriva for the first time, delivering 57mpg and a top speed of 98mph.

The second new addition is to the petrol engine line-up, in the form of the 1.6-litre 103bhp Twinport engine used in Astra and Zafira. It delivers 42.2mpg.

The new Meriva will also be the next model to get the VXR treatment, with a 178bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and VXR styling. It is expected to go on sale a few weeks after the standard car debuts, with the first deliveries expected in early spring.

All versions of the new Meriva will feature FlexSpace technology, halogen adaptive forward lighting (AFL), power release tailgate and interior lighting that can be activated by remote control, leading the way to the car in the dark. Optional mobile phone installation with Bluetooth interface is also appearing on the options list for the first time.

Prices and trim levels will be confirmed nearer to its launch in the New Year.