Vauxhall Meriva (2010) – first interior photos

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

18 January 2010 09:45

Vauxhall has issued these first official photos inside the new 2010 Meriva mini-MPV. By swinging open its suicide doors (FlexDoors, in GMspeak), we're given our first peek inside ahead of the new Meriva's Geneva motor show debut.

It's very Astra-like in here, with a horizontal, wraparound 'wing' section circling the dashboard and running into the door cards. And – at last – the chunky A-pillars on the previous Meriva have been slimmed down a little, removing some of the hideous blindspot that's blighted the first-gen mini-MPV. Although we reserve judgment until we've driven the car ourselves.

It's much airier in the new Meriva, thanks to those bigger quarterlights, that panoramic sunroof and the kinked side windowline, dubbed a 'wave' windowline. Either that, or a designer's pencil slipped while he was doodling the profile.

It's button central on that centre console!

Yes, it does look rather button-heavy there. But we like the classy instrument pack that shares the Insignia/Astra-style script and red laser-pointer needles.

Something called a FlexRail runs the length of the cabin, creating a new optional storage system to stow phones, handbags, iPods and specs. Although annoyingly not visible in these photos, the system consists of a metal beam running the length of the cabin, to which passengers can attach and slide boxes to carry various items.

They love the word 'Flex' at Vauxhall – and the foldaway rear seats are dubbed FlexSpace. The two outer rear seats slide back and forth individually, and once the centre seat is collapsed they moved inwards to create more shoulder room. All fold into the floor.

So how roomy is the new 2010 Vauxhall Meriva?

Luggage space stands at 400 litres with the seats up, 920 litres with them folded away (or 1500 litres to the roofline). It's pretty spacious for such a small car, albeit one that has grown from the first-generation model.

The driver gets his own mini glovebox and a full suite of cubbies and drawers is designed to accommodate all the clutter of family life. Perfect for losing your phone and keys in.

By Tim Pollard