The 2017 Opel Meriva C has been spied once again ahead of a potential debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show in October.
As previous spy shots have indicated, the third-generation of Opel/Vauxhall’s versatile people mover will lose the rear suicide doors of the second-gen version, which Opel had named ‘FlexDoors’. These spy shots also reveal the Meriva C’s higher ride height and crossover-like body.
Other design changes include rear taillights similar to those seen on the Astra K and a C-pillar with a small black section to create a faux floating roof – another Astra K design element. You can look to the Astra K for a hint at what the cabin may look like as well, a sleeker design and more soft touch materials expected.
Check out the spy photos over at AutoEvolution.
Comment
Is the Meriva C the answer to a question nobody asked?
The Chevrolet Trax based Opel / Vauxhall Mokka has been fantastically successful for GM in the UK and Europe and has given the Nissan Juke a good run for its money in many markets. The Mokka of course ticks many of the very same boxes as the upcoming Meriva is tasked with ticking. And worse, it comes at a time when the entire market in the UK and Europe is moving away from MPVs towards fully fledged SUVs.
As an example, during 2013/14 – the last year for which Opel Group production data is readily available, 157k Mokkas were produced, compared with 61k Merivas. Ford has experienced the same trend. Indeed, there are suggestions elsewhere that The Blue Oval is set to switch production of the EcoSport from India to Romania, due to sluggish sales of the Romanian built B-Max. Nissan’s production figures tell a similar story too, with production of the Sunderland built Juke outselling Nissan’s note by 2:1.
So unless there’s a maker for a car which rides slightly higher than a Corsa but slightly lower than a Mokka – and all the evidence suggests there’s not – has Opel managed to co-develop a car which in sales terms might just become the spiritual successor to the Opel Signum? Let’s face it, it would hardly be surprising, given Opel’s previous form in missing the mid-size SUV market, appearing absolutely oblivious to demand for pick-up trucks and over-gauging the Zafira replacement.