Auto Car Magazine: New Vauxhall Meriva Details

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

New Vauxhall Meriva Details

Flagship gives Meriva range an ‘Overboost’

Meriva VXR gets 180PS turbocharged 1.6-litre engine
0-60mph in 7.9secs, 137mph top speed
Overboost function gives 15 per cent higher torque

Just when you thought there were no niches left in the market, Vauxhall has introduced the world’s first performance mini-MPV.

Hot on the heels of the mould-breaking Astra, Vectra and Zafira VXRs, the Meriva VXR adds a whole new dimension to the world of enthusiasts’ motoring with the world’s first hot mini-MPV.

As enthusiasts have come to expect from the VXR brand, the Meriva hasn’t just been given a few tweaks and a tuned engine – instead, Vauxhall has gone the whole hog to make sure that the smallest VXR will be able to hold its own against any modern hot hatchback, and might even be able to give a few supercar drivers a shock.

Under the bonnet is an all-new 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that develops 180PS, making it the most powerful car in its class by a significant margin. Driving the front wheels through a close-ratio six-speed box, Meriva VXR accelerates from 0-60mph in just 7.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 137mph.

The state of the art powerplant weighs just 131kg and features a water-cooled turbocharger integrated into the exhaust manifold, as well as an ‘Overboost’ function which can temporarily increase the torque if required.

The turbo’s Overboost system increases the engine’s torque by 15 per cent, from 230Nm to 266Nm, and is determined by the speed with which the accelerator pedal is depressed. It’s especially useful when overtaking, or in an emergency situation where a driver feels the need to accelerate out of trouble, and allows the extra torque to remain available for up to five seconds, before seamless regulating the torque output back to its normal level.

To cope with the extra power, the chassis has been thoroughly reworked to give the driving dynamics expected of a car carrying the VXR badge on its tailgate. The chassis is 10mm lower at the front and 15mm lower at the back than standard Merivas, while MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion-beam with coil springs at the rear ensure secure and consistent handling, while ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid discs at the rear mean Meriva VXR stops as well as it goes.

The exterior styling has been upgraded with reprofiled front and rear bumpers, which clearly link with the style featured on the latest VXR’s big brothers – the VXR Astra, Zafira and Vectra models. 17-inch alloy wheels in the distinctive VXR style complete the look, with 205/45 ZR 17 tyres.

Inside, Meriva VXR retains all the practicality of the acclaimed FlexSpace seating system, but with a dose of its own, unique style. Sports Recaro seats hug the front seat occupants into position, while VXR logos adorn the dials, gear lever, instruments and steering wheel.

Technical specifications

Vauxhall Meriva VXR

Engine: 1598cc, 4-cyl turbo

Power: 180PS (132Kw) @ 5,500rpm

Torque: 230PS @ 2,200-5,500rpm (266Nm on Overboost)

Compression ratio: 8.8:1

0-60mph: 7.9secs

Top speed: 137mph

Gearbox: six-speed close-ratio manual; final drive ratio 3.94

Brakes: ventilated discs, front; solid discs, rear

Length: 4,068mm

Width (mirrors extended/retracted): 1,948mm/1,694mm