Vauxhall and Opel are ploughing ahead with their new Meriva mini-MPV – our latest spy photos capture the 2010 Meriva on test on the Continent. 

The scoop pictures capture a red prototype with only light disguise, finally revealing more of the styling bound for GM’s new baby.

The ‘delta wing’ crease along the flanks is fast becoming a regular fixture on new Vauxhalls (Astra and Insignia) and this time the tick kicks off at the top of the front door shutline and drops down to run along the sill.

That’s similar to the Insignia treatment, whereas the Astra’s tick is reversed.

Of more interest are the ‘suicide doors’, as previewed on the Meriva concept car – the rear items are front-hinged, despite the dummy handles suggesting otherwise on this
prototype.

There is a B-pillar, but GM insiders hint at plenty of clever packaging solutions to keep the Meriva über practical.

Unsurprisingly, the new Meriva will use hardware from the Corsa range. Expect a suite of small petrol and diesel engines and – economic crisis and all that – there’s no talk whatsoever of a VXR or OPC variant yet.

Pencil in March 2010 for its production debut. The Geneva show is tipped for the new Meriva’s world premiere.

Launch March 2010

Design Takes on Insignia led style cues

Key rivals Ford C-Max, Citroën C3 Picasso, Renault Scenic

•  Supplied by Car magazine - www.carmagazine.co.uk