Vauxhall Meriva Expression 1.4 16v (100ps) 5dr Car Review - February 2012

Inside the cabin, finding a good driving position is easy as there’s ample adjustments on both the driver’s seat and the steering wheel. Visibility all round is excellent. The dash is well designed, practical and the controls and switches are easy to use.

The 4 cylinder 16 valve 100bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine is the entry level engine and is ideal for city driving. Capable of 0-62mph in 13.9 seconds and with a top speed of 110mph, it offers decent performance for a small MPV, with 96lb-ft of mid-range pulling power available, although you may find it lacking in power if you regularly carry five people on the open road or motorway. Average fuel economy is good at 46.3mpg. The five-speed manual gearbox fitted works well and has a nice positive feel to it.

There is also a 1.4 turbo-charged version and two different diesel engines to choose from which provide a bit more power, but they’re not as frugal.

Driving the Meriva is as easy as driving a regular car. With its light steering and excellent suspension, it’s comfortable and easy to manoeuvre. It’s stable and sure-footed when cornering and body-roll is well controlled and it’s surprisingly responsive and composed on twisty roads.

Noise from the engine and road is well suppressed inside the cabin and the ride is hushed and refined, with the suspension soaking up most bumps and rough surfaces without fuss.

The Meriva has little to distinguish itself based on its exterior looks and you certainly wouldn’t buy it for them, but it does the job it was designed to do – carry more people than a regular car. The interior, however, is a different story; it’s well designed, laid out and with an impressive upmarket feel to it.

The Expression is the entry-level version which comes with a reasonable level of equipment for the price you pay, and includes: power steering, remote central locking, stability control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, daytime running lights, immobiliser, CD and MP3 connectivity. Sadly, air-conditioning isn’t fitted as standard on such a family orientated car. Upgrading to Exclusiv or SE trim will add extras such as air-conditioning and cruise control, alloy wheels, front fog-lights, electric rear windows and on board computer.

Vauxhall also offer front side airbags and an integrated bicycle carrier as cost options.

The Meriva offers plenty of space for five adults to travel in comfort. Both front and rear doors open wider than conventional doors to ease access, and the boot space of 397-litres is impressive. You can boost it to 1,496-litres for carrying larger loads by folding the rear seats down.

EuroNCAP awarded the maximum five-star rating to the Meriva in their crash-tests. Safety features fitted include electronic stability control, driver and passenger airbags, break-away pedals, collapsible steering column and ISOfix child seat anchor points.

An engine immobiliser is fitted as standard to deter theft.

Vauxhall make claim to improved reliability and quality in this version of the Meriva. It certainly looks and feels well put together. It comes with Vauxhall’s 100,000 mile warranty and regular service intervals are every 20,000 miles.

The Meriva has to compete with the likes of the Renault Scenic and Citroen’s C4 Picasso. It appears good value for money next to them with its low price of £12,495, but you don’t get as much equipment as standard as they offer.

Resale values aren’t expected to be anything impressive, but it’s bound to be popular in the future as a used buy. It’s probably best to choose a model which at least has air-conditioning, and the SE which comes with alloys will make it easier to sell on in the future.

Running costs are reasonable for its class. Insurance is in group 9, and CO2 emissions of 144g/km keep it in VED band F for Road Tax. Along with good fuel economy it shouldn’t strain your wallet much to keep it on the road.