The new car is striking to look at from every angle. The main new feature on the Meriva is the addition of ‘flex’ doors which, are rear hinged, rear doors similar to that of a London taxi, Rolls-Royce Phantom and the Mini Clubman. This type of door design used to be called ‘suicide doors’ as they could come open whilst moving and be dangerous to the rear occupants. However, GM has installed a safety feature that will lock them automatically at speeds above 4kph. It is very easy to get in and out of the rear for adults and will be a huge benefit for parents or grandparents with small children who need child seats. Lifting the small ones into the rear will suddenly become easy and effortless. This is not the first time Opel has used this door system: the first time they used them was in 1938 on the Kapitan model. GM decided to use the rearward opening rear doors in favour of sliding doors, as they reduce weight and the designers can create neater lines and use fewer parts in construction. The rear doors have a ‘funny design wiggle’ in them that also give the Meriva an unusual look, making it stand out in a crowd.

During the presentation by the new Meriva design team, the words ‘flexible’ and ‘practical’ were used at least thirty times which was relevant, as this car is at least thirty times more practical and flexible than most of its competitors. The rear seats slide back and forth and from side to side to create more shoulder room if there are only two adults in the rear. The boot is of a good size and can be increased in volume if the rear seats are moved forwards. Leg room is adequate and head room is more than sufficient for the tallest of passengers due to the Meriva’s high roof line.