New Meriva: The Inside Story 19 January 2010 New Meriva's FlexDoors reveal the inside line on innovation Following on from our recent ebulletin announcing the introduction of our Second Generation Meriva model, we are pleased to share with you the following images which provide a glimpse into one of the most innovative and stylish cabins in the compact MPV class - and an insight into its ingenious FlexDoor system. Unique in class, new Meriva's rear-hinged rear doors have already attracted the plaudits of the nation's motoring press. To quote no less an authority than Autocar, "the FlexSpace system from the outgoing car has evolved to allow even greater interior flexibility". Auto Express was even more complimentary in its preview report, accompanying early press shots of the model with the message: "Vauxhall is flexing its muscles with the new Meriva. These are the first official pictures of the supermini-MPV - and the big news is that it will get Rolls-Royce-style rear-hinged back doors"! Class-leading design cues Ahead of its official debut at this March's Geneva Motor Show, new Meriva is also receiving praise for its dramatic re-interpretation of Vauxhall's interior 'wing' design motif, as seen in the award-winning Insignia and our all-new Astra model. But the Second Generation Meriva's fresh new interior has practical benefits, too. For example, the car's designers have lowered and moved the instrument panel forward, creating more space and comfort for front occupants. The driving position has also been improved, with narrower A-pillars and larger quarter-lights. In the rear, the lower 'wave' window line further increases visibility. Additionally enhancing visibility and providing 'a window on the world', new Meriva can also be specified with an innovative panoramic roof. Further emphasising new Meriva's light and airy interior, the generous glazed area creates a totally unique travelling environment - day or night. FlexRail - transforming the conventional centre console From a storage perspective, new Meriva's unique FlexRail system provides convenient and adaptable stowage for a wide range of everyday items, from iPodsTM  to sunglasses. Space for the system has been created by raising the gearlever location and replacing the traditional handbrake with an all-new Astra-style Electric Parking Brake (EPB). The result is an uninterrupted storage zone that extends rearward from the base of the centre console. FlexRail offers twin drinks holders, aux-in and USB connections and a 12-volt auxiliary power socket. The range-topping SE model features a flip-top armrest with integral storage facility/drinks holder for good measure. FlexSpace rear seating system - more intuitive than ever before New Meriva's innovative FlexSpace system offers a variety of cabin configurations without the need to remove the seats. What's more, the system is improved over the outgoing model, with just a simple, one-step action needed to slide the rear seat cushions or lower the seatbacks. While FlexSpace makes it easy to convert new Meriva from a five-seater into two, both of its outer rear seats can be moved backwards and forwards individually - or slid inwards to provide more shoulder width and leg room, creating a spacious four-seat layout. Additionally, the rear seat backs can be fully lowered without having to remove the head restraints. Luggage-wise, new Meriva offers a full 400 litre luggage capacity (rear seatbacks up), increasing to 920 litres with the seatbacks folded and extendable to a massive 1500 litres when loaded to the roof. Clever storage where it matters Clever storage is a given for Meriva, but once again the designers have excelled, with stowage solutions for 20 of the most popular items owners carry in their cars. A generous glovebox, a further mini glovebox on the driver's side and roomy door pockets are just three of the headline features fitted as standard. Best of all, the luggage load floor can be set to bumper height for ease of loading and under-floor stowage; there are also further storage compartments in the rear sidewalls. Find out more about New Meriva We trust you will find this information useful. We'll be updating you with further details on this stylish and uniquely versatile model closer to launch.  Click here to revisit our previous New Meriva ebulletin.  Click here to see more New Meriva. Our Information Centre on 0870 010 0651*1 is also on hand to supply further details on this and other GM models. Alternatively email gmukfleet@uk.gm.com forore information. Yours sincerely Maurice Howkins Fleet Sales Director
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