Vauxhall Meriva VXR Review
Published: 3rd August 2006
Vauxhall Meriva Review
The Vauxhall Astra, Zafira, Vectra and Monaro have all received the VXR treatment and now it’s the turn of the Meriva.
The resultant Meriva VXR could be described as the popular mini MPV’s ‘Evil Twin’. After driving only a short distance, my first thoughts were that this car is scary. MPV's, small or large just aren’t meant to be like this.
And that is one of Vauxhall’s selling points - offering a new niche and proving that mini MPV's aren’t just about children and shopping. Well the VXR certainly isn’t!
The Meriva range has recently had a makeover and now sports a new face with a more prominent front grille and re-styled bumpers. The rear end has a chrome strip across the large tailgate and darkened rear light lenses, while the interior has gained extra chrome details amongst other things.
The VXR goes one step further and the distinguishing features are listed as: honeycomb grilles, VXR side sills and rear spoiler, VXR fog lamps, rear bumper and skirt, a trapezoidal tailpipe and, of course, the VXR badge on the back. It is all very discrete and innocent-looking - until you drive it.
Vauxhall Meriva Review Road Test Data | |
| Model Reviewed | Vauxhall Meriva VXR |
| Body Type | 5-Door Hatchback |
| Colour | Arden Blue Two-Coat Pearlescent |
| Performance ~ manufacturers figures | |
| 0 - 62 mph | 7.9 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 137 mph |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual |
| Fuel Type | Unleaded Petrol |
| Economy ~ manufacturers figures | |
| Urban | 27.2 mpg |
| Extra Urban | 44.8 mpg |
| Combined | 36.2 mpg |
| Insurance Group | 12 |
| Euro NCAP Rating | 4 |
| Warranty | A one-year unlimited mileage manufacturer's warranty. An additional second and third year no-fee customer option warranty is also available in the UK. |
| Price when tested on the 03/08/06 | £16,520 |
