Opel Meriva A 1.6i 16V (100 Hp) ECOTEC


Overall Rating

6.8 / 10
Safety 4.0 / 5
Engine 2.8 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 2.5 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Opel Meriva:

The Opel Meriva is a car manufactured and marketed by the German automaker Opel on its Corsa platform, from May 2003 until June 2017 across two generations. Described as a mini MPV, it was marketed as the Vauxhall Meriva in the United Kingdom, while in Latin America, the first generation model was marketed as the Chevrolet Meriva.
The first generation, named "Meriva A", was based on the third generation Opel Corsa C. It went on sale in May 2003. The first official pictures of the Meriva were released in August 2002. It has been described as a mini MPV, a supermini-MPV, a small people carrier, and an estate car....(Read more on Wikipedia)

A Overview:

Opel Meriva (A). With 150 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.9 l/100km). With a weight of 1375 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 13.3 s). The top speed reaches 178 km/h. A spacious vehicle designed to transport passengers comfortably, often with sliding doors. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 2003
Adult Occupant 78%
Stars 4
Expert Note:
The Meriva A achieved a respectable 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection in 2003, indicating a solid level of safety for its time, especially for a compact MPV.

1.6i 16V (100 Hp) ECOTEC Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Acceptable performance for daily driving, offering a reasonable compromise between power and efficiency.

Fuel Economy

Average to slightly below-average fuel economy for an ECOTEC, not as frugal as expected.

Best Use Case: City / Suburban (standard petrol option)

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Highly versatile FlexSpace interior for passenger and cargo flexibility.
  • • Compact size makes it easy to maneuver and park in urban environments.
  • • Good visibility from the driver's seat.
  • • Affordable to buy on the used market, offering great value.
  • • Practical and family-friendly design.

Cons:

  • • Many petrol engines lack power, leading to uninspired driving dynamics.
  • • Some petrol variants have higher fuel consumption.
  • • Interior materials and design can feel dated compared to newer rivals.
  • • Known for some common electrical and engine-related reliability issues.
  • • Ride comfort can be firm on rougher roads.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(B: June, 2010 - October, 2013).

General:
Brand:Opel
Model:Meriva
Generation:A
Modification (Engine):1.6i 16V (100 Hp) ECOTEC
Start of production:May, 2003
End of production:September, 2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Minivan
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:100 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:62.6 Hp/l [246mm less]
Torque:150 Nm @ 3900 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:Z16XE More details about the engine Z16XE
Engine displacement:1598
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:3.5 l
Coolant:6.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:79 mm mm
Piston Stroke:81.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:9.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:7.5 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:13.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:13.3 sec
Maximum speed:178 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:13.8 kg/Hp, 72.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:9.2 kg/Nm, 109.1 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1375
Max. weight:1830
Max load:455
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1410 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:350 l
Fuel tank capacity:53 l
Size:
Length:4042 mm mm [246mm less]
Width:1694 mm mm [300mm less]
Height:1624 mm mm [9mm more]
Wheelbase:2630 mm mm [14mm less]
Front track:1449 mm
Rear (Back) track:1464 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringElectric Steering
Tires size185/60 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Opel Meriva?