The Opel Meriva B 1.7 CDTI, produced from July 2010 to October 2013, represented a significant iteration of Opel’s compact minivan, aimed squarely at the European family market. This variant, equipped with the A17DTS 1.7-liter turbodiesel engine producing 130 horsepower, occupied a middle ground within the Meriva B lineup, offering a balance between fuel efficiency, practicality, and reasonable performance. It was positioned above the lower-powered diesel options and below the petrol variants, targeting buyers who prioritized economy and torque for everyday driving and occasional longer journeys.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Meriva |
| Generation | Meriva B |
| Type (Engine) | 1.7 CDTI (130 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 2010 |
| End of production | October, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 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) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 139 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 196 km/h (121.79 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11 kg/Hp, 91 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.8 kg/Nm, 210.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 130 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 77.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 2000-2500 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 2000-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A17DTS |
| Engine displacement | 1686 cm3 (102.89 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1428 kg (3148.2 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2025 kg (4464.36 lbs.) |
| Max load | 597 kg (1316.16 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 | 11.06 m (36.29 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Meriva B 1.7 CDTI is the A17DTS engine, a 1.7-liter inline-four cylinder diesel. This engine is a member of Opel/Fiat’s family of small-displacement diesel engines, known for its relatively compact size and efficiency. The A17DTS utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for optimized combustion. A turbocharger with an intercooler is employed to boost power output and improve torque across a wider rev range. The engine features four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 16.5:1, contributing to its thermal efficiency. The 130 horsepower output is achieved at 4000 rpm, while the peak torque of 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) is available between 2000 and 2500 rpm. This broad torque curve is particularly well-suited to the Meriva’s role as a family vehicle, providing ample pulling power for everyday driving. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, chosen for its efficiency and driver engagement.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.7 CDTI-equipped Meriva B offers a comfortable and practical driving experience. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the 130 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque provide adequate acceleration for most situations. The 0-60 mph sprint takes approximately 9.4 seconds, and the top speed is around 122 mph. The six-speed manual transmission allows drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band, maximizing efficiency and responsiveness. The gear ratios are well-chosen for everyday driving, with a relatively long sixth gear for relaxed highway cruising. Compared to the lower-powered 1.3 CDTI variant, the 1.7 CDTI offers noticeably more punch, particularly when fully loaded or tackling inclines. However, it doesn’t match the more spirited performance of the petrol-powered Merivas. The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth ride over most road surfaces.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.7 CDTI variant of the Meriva B was typically offered in mid-range trim levels, such as ‘Enjoy’ or ‘Cosmo’. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, a CD/MP3 stereo system, and ABS brakes. 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 interior is known for its flexible seating arrangement, with the ‘FlexSpace’ rear seating system allowing for multiple configurations to maximize cargo space.
Chassis & Braking
The Meriva B utilizes a front-wheel-drive platform with a MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam suspension at the rear. The braking system consists of disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard. The suspension setup is geared towards comfort and stability, providing a predictable and safe driving experience. The steering is a rack and pinion system, offering reasonable precision and feedback.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Meriva B 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 arrangement, and comfortable ride. The 1.7 CDTI engine was considered a good compromise between performance and economy. Compared to the 1.3 CDTI, the 1.7 CDTI offered a noticeable improvement in performance, making it a more suitable choice for drivers who frequently carry passengers or travel long distances. Fuel economy figures of around 45-55 mpg (combined) were competitive for its class. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported minor issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Legacy
The Opel Meriva B 1.7 CDTI remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for buyers seeking a practical and affordable family vehicle. The A17DTS engine is generally considered to be a reliable unit, provided it has been properly maintained. Regular servicing, including oil changes and DPF regeneration, is crucial for ensuring long-term reliability. While not a particularly exciting vehicle to drive, the Meriva B 1.7 CDTI offers a compelling combination of practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability, making it a sensible choice for families and individuals alike.
