Opel Meriva

The previous Meriva was a somewhat dull car but this model has all the hallmarks of being a real sales success for Opel. Previewed in concept form last year, the production car retains most of the spirit of that car but is based on the Zafira platform so size has grown somewhat, with length up by 265mm and width up 80mm. That size increase helps give the Meriva a wonderfully solid stance, helped by a dynamic exterior design that's far more expressive than before.

There's lots of surface interest in the side view, with the now-familiar Opel blade in the front door indexing back through the door handles to a crease that breaks up the rear fender volumes. The wave in the beltline works well too. Sure, it's been used on the Citroen C5 Picasso and latest Honda Odyssey concept, but it helps add character and avoids the beltline becoming too high at the rear.

Of course, the rear-hinging Flexdoor idea is the highlight and proves a delight to use in practice. Like the beltline wave motif, it's not a new idea - the Mazda RX8, Mini Clubman and Honda Element are some of the recent cars to have employed coach doors - but the advantages are most appropriate on an MPV, where the space between the two open doors provides a protected space for kids to exit onto busy roads.

The interior continues the 'wing' motif IP as used on the Astra and Insignia and offers a similar quality impression to those cars, helped by the neat aluminum gearshift surround and sliding FlexRail center console, which features classy aluminum guide rails. Options include the FlexFix integrated cycle carrier and a contrast colored IP - brick red and grey were displayed on the show cars. Combined with the clever FlexSpace rear seating, the Meriva offers some truly unique sales points for families with young kids.