Opel Meriva A 1.8i 16V (125 Hp) Automatic


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 170 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10.7 l/100km). With a weight of 1380 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.3 s). The top speed reaches 190 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.

1.8i 16V (125 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

Decent performance for an automatic, offering smooth power delivery but still not sporty.

Fuel Economy

High fuel consumption, similar to its manual counterpart, making it less economical.

Best Use Case: City / Suburban (for comfort and convenience)

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):1.8i 16V (125 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:May, 2003
End of production:2005
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Minivan
Seats:5
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:125 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:69.6 Hp/l [246mm less]
Torque:170 Nm @ 3800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:Z18XE More details about the engine Z18XE
Engine displacement:1796
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:4.25 l
Coolant:6.45 l
Engine layout:Front, Transverse
Cylinder Bore:80.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:88.2 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:10.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:8.2 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12.3 sec
Maximum speed:190 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:11 kg/Hp, 90.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.1 kg/Nm, 123.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:11.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1380
Max. weight:1835
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 typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/60 R15
Wheel rims size15
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Opel Meriva rank in your book?