The Opel Meriva A 1.7 CDTI, produced from 2003 to 2005, represented a key offering in Opel’s compact minivan lineup. Positioned as a practical and fuel-efficient option, this variant utilized a diesel engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. It was designed to appeal to families and individuals seeking a versatile vehicle for everyday use within the European market. The Meriva A, built on the GM’s global Gamma platform, aimed to provide a spacious interior and flexible seating arrangements in a relatively small package. This particular 1.7 CDTI model served as a mid-range option, slotting between the base petrol engines and the more powerful, though less common, variants.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Meriva |
| Generation | Meriva A |
| Type (Engine) | 1.7 CDTI (100 Hp) |
| Start of production | May, 2003 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg, 14.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.5 l/100 km (52.3 US mpg, 62.8 UK mpg, 22.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 178 km/h (110.6 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.6 kg/Hp, 68.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 100 Hp @ 4400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 2300 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft. @ 2300 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z17DTH |
| Engine displacement | 1686 cm3 (102.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18.4:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.7 l (7.08 US qt | 5.9 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1455 kg (3207.73 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1910 kg (4210.83 lbs.) |
| Max load | 455 kg (1003.1 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 350 l (12.36 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1410 l (49.79 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 53 l (14 US gal | 11.66 UK gal) |
| Length | 4042 mm (159.13 in.) |
| Width | 1694 mm (66.69 in.) |
| Height | 1624 mm (63.94 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2630 mm (103.54 in.) |
| Front track | 1449 mm (57.05 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1464 mm (57.64 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J X 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Meriva A 1.7 CDTI is the Z17DTH engine, a 1.7-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine is a member of Opel/Fiat’s family of common rail direct injection diesels. The Z17DTH utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. The common rail diesel injection system, supplied by Bosch, delivers fuel at extremely high pressure, promoting efficient combustion and reducing emissions. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing gas flow. The five-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this variant, providing a balance between fuel economy and driver control. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for everyday driving, prioritizing smooth acceleration and comfortable cruising.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.7 CDTI engine in the Meriva A delivers a respectable, though not exhilarating, driving experience. With 100 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, the Meriva A 1.7 CDTI offered adequate performance for typical urban and highway driving. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 12.7 seconds, and top speed was approximately 110 mph. The engine’s torque peak at 2300 rpm provided good low-end grunt, making it easy to navigate city streets and overtake slower traffic. Compared to the higher-output petrol engines available in the Meriva A range, the 1.7 CDTI prioritized fuel economy over outright speed. The manual transmission allowed for precise gear selection, but the shift quality wasn’t particularly sporty. The overall driving experience was comfortable and predictable, making it well-suited for family transportation.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.7 CDTI variant of the Meriva A typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included power windows, central locking, an adjustable steering column, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a durable and practical finish. Optional extras included air conditioning, alloy wheels, and a more advanced audio system with CD player. Higher trim levels offered additional features such as fog lights, heated mirrors, and upgraded interior trim. The Meriva A’s interior was designed with practicality in mind, featuring a flexible seating arrangement with folding rear seats to maximize cargo space.
Chassis & Braking
The Meriva A 1.7 CDTI utilized a relatively simple chassis design. Front suspension consisted of coil springs and MacPherson struts, while the rear suspension employed a torsion beam setup. This configuration provided a comfortable ride quality, although it wasn’t particularly sporty. The braking system featured ventilated discs on the front wheels and solid discs on the rear. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard, enhancing safety and stability during emergency braking. The steering was rack and pinion with hydraulic power assistance, providing light and easy steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Meriva A 1.7 CDTI was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and fuel-efficient family vehicle. It was praised for its spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements, and low running costs. However, some critics noted that the engine lacked refinement and that the driving experience wasn’t particularly engaging. Compared to the petrol-powered Meriva A variants, the 1.7 CDTI offered significantly better fuel economy, making it an attractive option for drivers who prioritized efficiency. Compared to other compact minivans on the market, the Meriva A 1.7 CDTI offered a competitive combination of price, practicality, and fuel economy.
Legacy
The Opel Meriva A 1.7 CDTI has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle in the used car market. The Z17DTH engine is known for its durability, although it can be prone to issues with the turbocharger and fuel injectors if not properly maintained. Regular servicing and the use of high-quality oil are essential to ensure the longevity of this engine. Today, the Meriva A 1.7 CDTI remains a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and affordable family vehicle. Its fuel efficiency and spacious interior continue to make it a viable option for everyday transportation.
