Vauxhall Meriva (2003-) Review

On the road

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Very easy. The Meriva's a bit shorter than an Astra, but at 1624mm, it's as tall as a Zafira - so the driving position is high. Visibility's great, with one exception - the A- and B-pillars (the first two pillars) can restrict the view ahead at mini-roundabouts. You can usually crane your neck to compensate, but you shouldn't really have to.

Other than that, few complaints. The pedals and steering are all light - perhaps a little too light for some - the driving position's commanding and, perhaps crucially, the clever seating position and optional twin audio system in the rear could actually help keep the kids quiet and make for less stressful driving.

The Meriva is not much fun to drive, but could be fun to be get chauffeured around in. The steering is light with some vagueness around 12 'o clock. The pedals are over-light, too, so modulating the braking force can be difficult, especially as you start to apply them. The gearbox is average, perhaps a bit notchy, but the petrol engines are at least quite sprightly, if a little voluble at higher speeds.

The comfy ride also comes at the expense of precision; the lack of composure across undulations and under braking puts you off enthusiastic driving. Better, then, to be in the back, playing Scrabble on the fold-down tables or singing Hakuna Matata as you watch the optional DVD player.

There's a choice of 1.4 (89bhp), 1.6 (100bhp) and 1.8 (125bhp) petrol engines - plus a high-performance 1.6 turbo (177bhp), reviewed separately, or a 74bhp 1.3 diesel or 100bhp 1.7.

The entry-level model's a bit underpowered, but basically willing and more than adequate if you're not doing extensive motorway work; it takes about 14 seconds to do the 0-60 dash.

The livelier 1.6 knocks a second off that time but low gearing (about 20mph for every 1,000rpm) means this unit is a little buzzy, especially at speed, and it's not particularly flexible mid-range.

The 1.8-litre shares the same gearing as the 1.6, but seems quieter and less strained, and is also happier to pull from lower revs, so it'd be our choice of the petrols, VXR apart.

And the VXR? Well, it's a bit bonkers, but rather fun. We wouldn't recommend trying out its full accelerative potential with the kids on board - unless you fancy cleaning up the mess afterwards - but this thing is certainly quick.