- Advanced technology 1.4 turbocharged petrol engine for Meriva
- Maximum power of 103 kW with peak torque of 200 Nm
- Choice of Enjoy or Cosmo trim levels
The new Meriva from Opel comes to South Africa fitted with Opel’s advanced technology 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine. Typical of Opel’s latest strategy of down-sizing capacity and providing turbo boost to increase power and torque together with a high level of fuel efficiency, this latest generation engine produces maximum power of 103 kW @ 4900 – 6000 r/min with peak torque of 200 Nm delivered in the range of 1850 – 4900 r/min.
This latest technology engine has an aluminium 4-valve per cylinder dual overhead camshaft cylinder head. Newly developed camshaft phasers with continuously variable valve-timing are used on both the inlet and exhaust systems. The phasers are controlled by hydraulic vanes that vary the angle of each camshaft relative to the crankshaft by as much as 60 degrees on the inlet side and 45 degrees on the exhaust side. The many benefits of this system include a broader spread of engine torque, higher maximum power, and improved fuel consumption. The camshafts are chain driven for maintenance free operation and reduced operating costs.
Cam phasing allows the engine control module to adjust the cam-timing depending on engine load and speed. In a part load condition minimum fuel consumption is achieved by extensively de-throttling of the engine while optimising exhaust gas recirculation.
The coolant temperature is controlled by a map in the engine control unit that regulates the thermostat. Under part-load conditions the coolant temperature is raised to 105 degrees Celcius to reduce engine friction and thus improve engine efficiency. A flow controlled oil pump supplies only the oil volume that the engine requires at any specific time. This also acts to improve fuel consumption.
Strong performance with excellent flexibility is the focus of the 1.4T engine of the Meriva. The 0-100 km/h dash is achieved in 10,3 seconds with acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear accomplished in 12,5 seconds. Top speed is a brisk 196 km/h. Fuel consumption is a remarkably low 6,7 l/100km for the combined cycle as measured by Opel test engineers. CO2 emissions are measured at 196 gm/km.
Intake boost comes from a water cooled turbocharger that spins at speeds of up to 240 000 r/min. The turbo is integrated into the exhaust manifold for optimum thermal efficiency and a fast throttle response. Air-to-air cooling through an intercooler increases the intake charge density.
The pistons are cooled by oil jets directed at the bottom of the piston skirts. The exhaust valves are sodium filled for higher durability under high internal temperature conditions.
Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. A wide spread of ratios available from the six-speed configuration allows for brisk acceleration as well as relaxed open road cruising.
The new Opel Meriva is offered to South African buyers in either Enjoy or Cosmo trim levels.
Specification for the Enjoy trim level includes:
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Colour keyed door handles and bumpers
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Tinted windows
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Daytime running lights
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Remote door locking with immobiliser
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Powered, heated door mirrors
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Follow me home lights
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Telescopic and tilt adjustable steering wheel
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Height adjustable driver’s seat
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Electrically powered front windows
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Electric park brake
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FlexRail console with tray/cup holder
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Puddle lights at base of B pillar
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12 volt outlet in centre stack
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12 volt outlet at rear of centre console
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Ambient light in centre stack illuminating console
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Triple information display
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Air conditioning with particulate filter
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CD300 radio with MP3, Aux in, and four speakers
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16 inch alloy wheels fitted with 205/55 R16 tyres with space saver spare
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Full suite of electronic driver aids
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Front and side airbags for front seats
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Full length curtain side airbags
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2-way active head restraints for front seats
The Cosmo trim level adds the following features:
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Leather steering wheel with bezel and satellite audio controls
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FlexRail centre console with armrest
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Illuminated vanity mirrors
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17 inch alloy wheels fitted with 225/45 R17 tyres with space saver spare
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Sill plates front and rear
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Body colour door handles with chrome accent
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3D instrument cluster with chrome accents
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Full body colour side mirrors
Both the Cosmo and Enjoy models have the following features:
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Front fog lamps
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Cruise control
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On-board computer
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Power windows front and rear
Warranty cover is for 5-years/120 000km with anti corrosion warranty cover provided for 5-years unlimited km. A 5-year/90 000km service plan is included in the price of the new Meriva. Service intervals are 15 000km.
