Back in January at the Brussels International Motor Show, Opel debuted a facelifted 2015Â Meriva, the brand’s compact MPV. Now Opel has announced the long-anticipated 1.6L turbo diesel is available to consumers throughout Europe.
Opel’s ultra-modern 1.6 CDTI turbo-diesel is available in three output levels. Previously, 110-horse and 136-horse versions have been available, but now an entry-level version with 95-horsepower can be bought. Buyers now have a trio of choices renown for their economy, running smoothness, and low noise generation.
The brand-new entry-level 1.6L CDTI comes with Start/Stop as standard and is available with a six-speed manual transmission. It replaces the 1.3L diesel, which had the same power output but had 100 ft-lbs. less torque. This new “whisper-diesel” also features reduced consumption and CO2 emissions. The efficient turbo diesel achieves almost 59 miles per gallon in the combined cycle, which has earned the Meriva an A+ energy efficiency label in Germany. It also complies with the future Euro 6 emission standards, with the reduction in nitrogen oxide achieved through maintenance-free Lean NOx Technology (LNT). This works through a special LNT catalyst that stores the nitrogen oxide; when the storage capacity is used up, the engine management system automatically begins regeneration.
Interestingly, the Opel Meriva has also been recognized for its “overall ergonomic concept” by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V., who have promoted a campaign in Germany for healthier backs.
With the new entry-level engine, the diesel-powered 2015 Meriva is now available for 19,150 Euros (a hair over $26,000).
Comment
This would be a great engine for the Sonic.