As MPVs of all shapes and sizes slowly but surely follow where customers' money is going and begin to morph into SUVs, take a moment to appreciate the Opel Meriva. No, it's not the biggest car around, nor the most spacious, nor does it come with the most seats. But it does have doors which are hinged at the back, and that makes it rather oddly appealing.
Why? Well, ask anyone with kids under four years of age how it feels to have to lug heavy safety seats and their occupants in and out of the back while curving your spine around the wrong way. The Meriva’s rear-hinged doors eliminate that problem as you’re pointing the right way when you’re facing the rear seat. Loading and unloading of toddlers suddenly becomes a doddle, and for that Opel is to be thanked. The rest of the Meriva is thoroughly decent – it’s fine to drive, well made, looks smart and the new 1.6 CDTI turbo diesel is a night-and-day improvement on the dog-rough old 1.7 that went before it.
Price range: €19,995 to €25,495
CO2 emissions: 99 to 166g/km
Which one? 1.6 CDTI 110hp SE
PCP from €POA