The Opel Meriva B 1.4 Turbo (120 hp) Automatic, produced from June 2010 to October 2013, was a significant offering in the European compact minivan segment. Positioned as a mid-range trim within the Meriva B lineup, it aimed to balance fuel efficiency with a reasonable level of performance and convenience. This variant was particularly popular in markets where automatic transmissions were preferred, offering a practical and versatile option for families and individuals seeking a spacious and comfortable vehicle. The Meriva B itself was built on the General Motors Gamma platform, shared with other models like the Opel/Vauxhall Corsa and Fiat Punto, emphasizing its focus on affordability and practicality.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Meriva |
| Generation | Meriva B |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 Turbo (120 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | June, 2010 |
| End of production | October, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 32.7 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 39.2 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 13.9 km/l |
| CO2 emissions | 169 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 4800-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 175 Nm @ 1750-4800 rpm (129.07 lb.-ft.) |
| 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, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 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 track | 1509 mm (59.41 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.48 m (37.66 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Meriva B 1.4 Turbo Automatic is the A14NEL engine, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine featuring direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with intercooler. This engine is part of Opel’s Family 1 engine family, known for its compact size and efficiency. The direct injection system, coupled with the turbocharger, allows for a good balance of power and fuel economy. The engine produces 120 horsepower at 4800-6000 rpm and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque between 1750 and 4800 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission, typically an Aisin-sourced unit, was chosen for its smooth operation and suitability for everyday driving. This transmission features adaptive shift patterns, adjusting to the driver’s style and road conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4 Turbo Automatic Meriva B offers a comfortable and relaxed driving experience. While not particularly sporty, the engine provides adequate power for typical driving situations, including highway merging and overtaking. The automatic transmission contributes to ease of use, particularly in urban environments. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes around 12.5 seconds, which is comparable to other vehicles in its class with similar engine outputs. Compared to the base 1.2-liter engine, the 1.4 Turbo offers a noticeable improvement in performance. However, it doesn’t match the responsiveness of the more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged engine available in higher trim levels. The gear ratios are tuned for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine can feel slightly strained when climbing steep hills or carrying a full load.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 Turbo Automatic trim typically included features such as air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system with CD player. Higher trim levels added features like alloy wheels, fog lights, a more advanced audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with options for upgraded materials. The Meriva B is known for its flexible interior, with the FlexSpace rear seating system allowing for multiple configurations to maximize cargo space. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a navigation system.
Chassis & Braking
The Meriva B utilizes a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, although it’s not as refined as more sophisticated independent rear suspension systems. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight and performance. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard. The steering is a rack and pinion system, offering reasonable precision and feedback. The 1.4 Turbo Automatic models typically came equipped with 225/45 R17 tires, providing a good balance of grip and ride comfort.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Meriva B 1.4 Turbo Automatic was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and versatile family vehicle. It was praised for its spacious interior, flexible seating arrangements, and comfortable ride. However, some critics noted that the engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded or driving uphill. Fuel economy was considered good for its class, averaging around 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 mpg). Compared to the 1.7-liter diesel variant, the 1.4 Turbo offered slightly less fuel economy but a quieter and smoother driving experience. The automatic transmission was seen as a positive feature for those seeking convenience, although some preferred the more engaging driving experience of the manual transmission.
Legacy
The Opel Meriva B 1.4 Turbo Automatic has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle in the used car market. The A14NEL engine is generally considered durable, although regular maintenance is essential. Common issues include turbocharger wear and potential problems with the automatic transmission’s mechatronic unit. Overall, the Meriva B remains a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking a practical and spacious family vehicle. Its flexible interior and comfortable ride continue to appeal to a wide range of drivers. The availability of affordable spare parts and a relatively simple mechanical design contribute to its ongoing appeal in the used car market.
