Replacement for the current Meriva will morph into a crossover as Vauxhall looks to capitalise on the growing demand for such vehicles across Europe
The replacement for the Vauxhall Meriva has been caught testing ahead of next year’s launch, with these first spy pictures revealing that the new car will take on a crossover shape rather than that of a traditional MPV.
The new model - which is likely drop the Meriva name - is expected to be revealed towards the end of 2016 ahead of first deliveries taking place in early 2017. It's the first car to come from Vauxhall's partnership with PSA Peugeot Citroën, announced in 2012, and will result in new models for both French manufacturers in the near future.
Sales of traditional MPVs continue to fall across Europe and Vauxhall appears to have taken the strategic decision to morph its entry-level MPV into a fresh new crossover.
A similar move was taken by Renault last year, with the revitalised Espace taking on a more SUV-like shape rather than keeping its MPV proportions. Such a move has allowed Renault to capitalise on the growing demand for small SUVs and crossovers in Europe.
The new Meriva is likely to benefit from shared engines with the Corsa and Astra. Although development is still in the early stages, Vauxhall is also deciding whether to use PSA engines to power the Meriva as well as its own units.
Vauxhall is likely to raise significantly the perceived quality of the cabin, with improvements to fit and finish, as it has in the new Corsa and Astra. The IntelliLink infotainment system is expected to be transferred from the Corsa and Astra, and is likely to be standard on all but entry-level models. It features a 7.0in colour touchscreen located on the centre console between the driver and front passenger.
The Meriva won’t be the only new entrant into this growing market for long, as Ford is expected to launch two new crossovers based on the Fiesta and Focus by 2016. Ford and Vauxhall will then take the fight for sales to Dacia, Fiat and Nissan, all of which are already established in the small crossover sector with the Duster, 500X and Juke respectively.
Matthew Griffiths
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