06 Mar 08
Vauxhalls Opel Meriva concept shows off a new 90-degree-opening side-door design.
The concept's FlexDoors system has rear-hinged rear doors that swing open toward the back of the car. Sometimes referred to as 'suicide doors', rear-hinged doors have to meet modern EU safety standards and open only when the car is at a standstill.
The Meriva Concept's rear doors open out from a central pillar, and open to 90 degrees to make it easy for rear-seat passengers to get in and out.
The front and rear doors can also be opened independently of each other. Other rear-hinged rear doors already on the market, such as those of the Mini Clubman and Mazda RX-8, can only be opened after the front door has been opened.
This mini-MPV incorporates styling features as used in the GTC Coupe and Flextreme concepts, most notably the U-shaped windscreen which stretches up and back over the rear passengers' heads, echoing the GTC's panoramic front screen.
The Meriva Concept also features oversized rear windows similar to those of the Flextreme, which appeared at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show.
Check out the rest of our Geneva Motor Show coverage.
