The Opel Meriva B 1.4 LPG Turbo, produced between December 2011 and October 2013, represented a unique offering within the second generation Meriva (B) lineup. This variant combined a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine with the flexibility of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) capability, targeting European buyers seeking fuel economy and reduced emissions without sacrificing practicality. Positioned as a mid-range option, it offered a balance between the base 1.2-liter engine and the more powerful 1.6-liter gasoline variants. The Meriva B itself was a significant step forward for Opel, building upon the innovative FlexSpace interior concept of the original Meriva, offering a versatile and family-friendly package.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Meriva |
| Generation | Meriva B |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 LPG Turbo (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | December, 2011 |
| End of production | October, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (LPG) | 7.4 l/100 km |
| CO2 emissions | 133 g/km |
| CO2 emissions (LPG) | 121 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol / LPG |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h (LPG) | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph (Calculated) | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 188 km/h (116.82 mph) |
| Maximum speed (LPG) | 187 km/h |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp, 93.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.3 kg/Nm, 136.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 4800-6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 88 Hp/l |
| Torque | 175 Nm @ 1750-4800 rpm (129.07 lb.-ft. @ 1750-4800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A14NEL |
| Engine displacement | 1364 cm3 (83.24 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 72.5 mm (2.85 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.6 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1286 kg (2835.14 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1890 kg (4166.74 lbs.) |
| Max load | 604 kg (1331.59 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 400 l (14.13 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1500 l (52.97 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 54 l (14.27 US gal | 11.88 UK gal) |
| Length | 4288 mm (168.82 in.) |
| Width | 1994 mm (78.5 in.) |
| Height | 1615 mm (63.58 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2644 mm (104.09 in.) |
| Front track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1509 mm (59.41 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.48 m (37.66 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE to Front Wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Meriva B 1.4 LPG Turbo is the A14NEL engine, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder powerplant. This engine belongs to Opel’s family of small-displacement, turbocharged gasoline engines. It features direct fuel injection, a technology that improves fuel efficiency and reduces emissions by injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber. The engine utilizes a single-scroll turbocharger to boost power output, delivering 120 horsepower and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque. The LPG system operates in conjunction with the gasoline system, allowing the driver to switch between fuels or run on a combination of both. The engine’s valvetrain is a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) design, optimizing valve timing for improved performance. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. The 5-speed manual transmission was the standard gearbox for this variant, providing a balance between fuel economy and driver engagement.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4 LPG Turbo equipped Meriva B offered a noticeable step up in performance compared to the base 1.2-liter engine. While not a sports car, the 120 hp output provided adequate power for everyday driving and highway cruising. The turbocharger provided a boost in torque at lower engine speeds, making it feel responsive in city traffic. However, the power delivery wasn’t particularly aggressive, and the 0-60 mph time of around 10.9 seconds reflects this. Compared to the 1.6-liter gasoline versions, the 1.4 LPG Turbo offered similar performance, but with the added benefit of lower running costs when utilizing LPG. The 5-speed manual transmission’s gear ratios were geared towards fuel efficiency, meaning it wasn’t as eager to rev as some competitors. Switching to LPG resulted in a slight reduction in power, but also a reduction in fuel costs.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 LPG Turbo trim typically included features such as air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and an audio system with MP3 compatibility. Safety features included ABS, front and side airbags, and seatbelt pretensioners. Higher trim levels added features like alloy wheels, a multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded materials. The Meriva B’s standout feature was its FlexSpace rear seating system, which allowed the rear seats to be folded flat, slid forward or backward, or even removed completely, providing exceptional cargo versatility.
Chassis & Braking
The Meriva B utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality, suitable for family use. The front brakes were ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The steering was a rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive handling. The 1.4 LPG Turbo variant typically came equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels and 225/45 R17 tires, offering a good balance between grip and ride comfort.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Meriva B 1.4 LPG Turbo was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, versatility, and comfortable ride. The LPG system was seen as a significant advantage for drivers looking to reduce their fuel costs and environmental impact. Compared to other trims in the Meriva B lineup, the 1.4 LPG Turbo offered a compelling value proposition, providing a good balance of performance, economy, and features. However, some critics noted that the engine could feel strained when fully loaded or driving uphill. Competitors included other small MPVs like the Renault Scenic and Citroen C4 Picasso, but the Meriva B stood out with its innovative FlexSpace interior.
Legacy
The A14NEL engine, while generally reliable, is known to require regular maintenance, particularly regarding the turbocharger and LPG system. Proper servicing, including oil changes and LPG system checks, is crucial for long-term reliability. On the used car market, the Meriva B 1.4 LPG Turbo represents a practical and affordable option for families. Its fuel efficiency and versatile interior continue to appeal to buyers. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential maintenance costs associated with the LPG system and ensure that the vehicle has been properly serviced throughout its life. The Meriva B, in general, helped solidify Opel’s reputation for building practical and family-friendly vehicles.
