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2004 Opel Meriva 1.8

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The new car is added to the existing Meriva Club and Meriva Comfort models, both powered by Opel's 74 kW 1.6 ltre Ecotec engine. Dubbed Meriva Elegance, the newcomer has a 1.8-litre double overhead camshaft Ecotec engine which produces 92 kW at 6 000 r/min and 165 Nm of torque at 4 600 r/min.

The Meriva Elegance is available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or Opel's Easytronic 5-speed transmission which offers the convenience of automatic shifting or clutchless manual gear selection.

Like a full automatic transmission there is no clutch pedal. The clutch is instead operated by an electronic actuator for pull away and gear shifts. In manual shift mode (ActiveSelect) a simple click of the shift lever towards either the + or - symbol initiates gear changes up or down.

The Meriva Elegance specification adds a significant number of features to the already well specified Meriva Club and Comfort.

More features

Added features include active head restraints; curtain side airbags (to add to the already comprehensive airbag protection provided by driver and passenger front airbags and side airbags on the Comfort); front fog lamps; climate control air conditioning; 15 inch 7-spoke alloy wheels, and a matt chrome centre instrument panel.

Traction control is offered only on the manual version.

Convenience items added include a "Follow me home" headlight feature with a 30 seconds delay on the front low beams and rear lights to provide illumination on leaving the car at night for improved security; an eyewear holder, and a storage drawer under the second row of seats to compliment the one under the front seats on the Meriva Comfort.

Central door locking with selective lock and unlock function is standard as is a transponder key immobiliser system and ultra-sonic alarm.

Also standard is the multifunctional Travel Assistant fitted to the Meriva Comfort.

Armrest

This can be attached to the back of the centre seat after it has been folded down. It features an armrest that can be moved forwards or backwards by 70 mm, two cup holders and an interior storage box that provides more than five litres of additional space.

The rear-seat Twin Audio System, also standard on the Meriva Comfort, consists of a module in the centre of the rear console with controls for programme selection and volume adjustment, and sockets for two headsets.

These permit rear passengers to listen to a CD while those in the front listen to the radio - or vice versa.

The five-door MPV comes standard with DSA (Dynamic Safety) suspension, ABS, disc brakes at all four wheels (with ventilated discs at the front), electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and brake assist.

Head restraints

Five height-adjustable head restraints are provided, and lap-and-shoulder seat belts for all five seats are also fitted.

Front seat belt tensioners and force limiters are provided where airbags are fitted.

Isofix child's seat mounts are provided on the outer rear seats. The Meriva features Opel's unique Pedal release System (PRS) that releases the brake and clutch pedals in the event of a sever impact to help prevent leg and foot injuries.

All Opel Merivas are covered by a 5-year/100 000 km Opel Complete Motoring Plan.

This incorporates a full service plan and the costs of fair wear and tear items such as clutch, brakes, and shock absorbers. Warranty cover is 3 years/100 000 km and roadside assistance is provided for 5 years/100 000 km

Prices
- Meriva 1.6 Club R156 000
- Meriva 1.6 Comfort R168 500
- Meriva 1.8 Elegance Man R184 000
- Meriva 1.8 Elegance Easytronic R 189 000

Click here for photo gallery.

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