The Opel Meriva B 1.4 Turbo, produced from June 2010 to October 2013, represented a significant step forward for Opel’s compact minivan offering. Positioned as a mid-range trim within the Meriva B lineup, this variant combined a turbocharged engine with a six-speed manual transmission, aiming to deliver a balance of performance and fuel efficiency. It was primarily marketed in Europe as a practical and versatile family vehicle, competing with models like the Renault Scenic and Citroën C4 Picasso. The Meriva B itself was built on the GM Delta platform, shared with other vehicles like the Opel Astra J and Chevrolet Cruze, providing a solid foundation for its functionality.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Meriva |
| Generation | Meriva B |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 Turbo (140 Hp) |
| Start of production | June, 2010 |
| End of production | October, 2013 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.8 l/100 km (26.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 151 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 196 km/h (121.79 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 4900-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1850-4900 rpm (147.51 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A14NET |
| 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 | Multi-port manifold 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 (Back) track | 1509 mm (59.41 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.48 m (37.66 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 1.4 Turbo is the A14NET engine, a 1.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler. This engine belongs to Opel’s family of small-displacement, turbocharged engines designed to offer a balance between performance and fuel economy. The A14NET utilizes multi-point fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to efficient combustion and power delivery. The turbocharger, a key component, forces more air into the cylinders, increasing power output beyond what would be achievable with natural aspiration. The six-speed manual transmission was the standard offering for this trim, providing drivers with precise control over gear selection and contributing to a more engaging driving experience. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned to maximize the engine’s torque output, providing good acceleration in everyday driving situations.
Driving Characteristics
The 140 hp output of the 1.4 Turbo engine provided the Meriva B with adequate performance for typical family transportation. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took approximately 9.8 seconds, and the car could reach a top speed of 121.79 mph. While not a particularly sporty vehicle, the turbocharger provided a noticeable boost in power during acceleration, making overtaking maneuvers relatively easy. Compared to the base 1.2-liter engine, the 1.4 Turbo offered a significant improvement in performance. However, it didn’t match the responsiveness of the more powerful 1.6-liter engine available in some markets. The six-speed manual transmission allowed drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band, enhancing the driving experience. The gear ratios were well-matched to the engine’s torque curve, providing smooth and predictable acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 Turbo trim of the Meriva B typically included a good level of standard equipment. This often included air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a CD/MP3 stereo system, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels offered additional features such as alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, parking sensors, and a more advanced infotainment system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded materials available. The dashboard layout was functional and user-friendly, with logically placed controls. The FlexSpace rear seating system, a key feature of the Meriva B, allowed for versatile configuration of the rear seats, providing increased cargo space when needed.
Chassis & Braking
The Meriva B 1.4 Turbo utilized a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provided a comfortable ride quality while maintaining reasonable handling characteristics. The front brakes were typically ventilated discs, while the rear brakes were drum brakes. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was standard, enhancing safety by preventing wheel lockup during hard braking. The steering was a rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive steering feel. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Meriva B 1.4 Turbo was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its practical interior, versatile seating arrangement, and fuel-efficient engine. However, some critics noted that the engine could feel strained when fully loaded or driving uphill. Compared to other trims in the Meriva B lineup, the 1.4 Turbo offered a good balance between performance and fuel economy. It was more affordable than the higher-powered 1.6-liter engine but provided significantly more performance than the base 1.2-liter engine. Fuel economy figures of around 35.1 US mpg combined were competitive for its class.
Legacy
The Opel Meriva B 1.4 Turbo has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle in the used car market. The A14NET engine is generally considered to be durable, although regular maintenance is essential. Common issues include turbocharger wear and potential problems with the fuel injectors. The six-speed manual transmission is also known to be reliable. Today, the Meriva B 1.4 Turbo remains a popular choice for families seeking a practical and affordable minivan. Its versatility, fuel efficiency, and relatively low running costs make it a compelling option in the used car market.
