British brand Vauxhall is busy overhauling its range of key models. We’ve already revealed the next generation Insignia is deep in development and the new Astra will get its world debut next week, but Vauxhall is also working on the next Meriva.
Our spy shots prove the next generation Meriva is already out on the roads. Auto Express revealed the news that Vauxhall was eyeing up the booming SUV trend for its next Meriva, and is keen to make it more of a small crossover SUV rather than a mini MPV – and these first spy shots back that up.
Along with the Zafira, the Meriva is set to be replaced by – what Vauxhall is calling – ‘Crossover Utility Vehicles’ or ‘CUVs’. It’ll grow Vauxhall’s current two-prong SUV range of Mokka and Antara to four; all offering different takes on the current SUV trend.
A source told Auto Express last year that thanks to a new agreement with PSA Peugeot Citroen, Vauxhall/Opel will be able to replace its Meriva and Zafira MPVs with two new SUVs. The partnership will allow the two big brands to share development costs 50:50 and each have new SUVs on sale in 2016.
We have recently seen spy shots of the next Peugeot 3008 sporting bodywork with a more high-riding stance and now, just a week later, Vauxhall is doing the same thing with this camouflaged prototype.
Behind the matte black disguise, the Vauxhall grille is clear to see as are slim headlights and the brand’s distinctive tick-shaped daytime running lights, similar to those on the new Astra. Along the sides, the prototype wears large sheets of plastic cladding covering up shapely bodypanels; the c-pillar is angular just like Astra and the Meriva should get the same mock-floating roof look thanks to a slim black-painted strip between the c-pillar and roof.
To the rear, there are high-set rear lights and a squared off tailgate hinting at a large amount of rear interior space. Interestingly, the prototype runs on identical steel wheels as the Peugeot 3008 disguised prototype we recently spotted.
The Meriva and Zafira replacements won’t be the only new SUVs in Vauxhall’s range though. General Motors’ chief executive officer, Mary Barra, confirmed in November last year Opel will build a brand new large SUV at its Russelsheim plant in Germany, due for release in 2020 – likely to replace the current and aging Antara. The three new SUVs will be part of a 27-strong model offensive by Opel/Vauxhall which also 17 new engines.
What do you think of the Vauxhall Meriva's move over to the crossover market? Let us know in the comments section below...