Vauxhall Meriva (03-10) - Review

Review by Ben Wall on
Last Updated: 12 August 2008
The Meriva is a small people carrier that's a cheaper alternative to the likes of the Nissan Note with a practical interior and plenty of cabin space. Its compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre around town but while the tall shape means there's good headroom, the boxy profile is quite ungainly and the Meriva isn't particularly stylish. It's comfortable to drive though (albeit dull) but unfortunately the interior looks and feels dated and there are too many scratchy plastics on show - plus the button layout on the central console is haphazard. The range was given a light facelift in 2006 (look for the newly added chrome strip across the rear tailgate to identify a facelifted car) but this can't prevent the Meriva from feeling old hat.
3 out of 5

Other Vauxhall reviews

3.5 out of 5

Safety

The Meriva gained a four-star Euro NCAP crash-test rating, which is on par with rivals like the Nissan Note. All models have ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and dual front airbags as standard plus deadlocks, remote central locking and Isofix mountings on outer rear seats. Extra airbags are optional as is Adaptive Forward Lighting, which angles the headlamps to give improved visibility when turning corners.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

The Vauxhall interior is fairly well screwed together but doesn't feel particularly robust. However the engines and gearboxes are well proven and should give few, if any, problems.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

A recall in 2007 where steering control may be lost.