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 market. This variant, equipped with the A17DTC 1.7-liter turbodiesel engine producing 110 horsepower, occupied a middle ground within the Meriva B lineup, offering a balance between fuel efficiency, practicality, and affordability. It was positioned as a sensible choice for families and individuals seeking a versatile vehicle for everyday use. The Meriva B itself was built on the General Motors Delta platform, shared with models 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) | 1.7 CDTI (110 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 | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h (113.09 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13 kg/Hp, 77 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.1 kg/Nm, 196.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 65.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A17DTC |
| 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 | 16.8:1 |
| 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 | 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 |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Meriva B 1.7 CDTI is the A17DTC 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 simple construction and fuel efficiency. It 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 produces 110 horsepower at 4000 rpm and a respectable 280 Nm (206.52 lb-ft) of torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm. This torque band is particularly useful for everyday driving, providing ample pulling power for overtaking and carrying loads. The engine also incorporates a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet stringent Euro 5 emission standards. The standard transmission for this variant was a six-speed manual gearbox, chosen for its efficiency and driver engagement. While an automatic transmission was offered on other Meriva B trims, it wasn’t typically paired with the 1.7 CDTI engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.7 CDTI-equipped Meriva B offers a practical and comfortable driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes around 11.8 seconds, which is adequate for everyday commuting and family transport but doesn’t offer particularly sporty performance. The strength of this powertrain lies in its mid-range torque, making it easy to maintain speed on highways and navigate urban traffic. The six-speed manual gearbox is well-matched to the engine, providing precise shifts and allowing the driver to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the more powerful 1.4 Turbo petrol engine or the higher-output diesel variants, the 1.7 CDTI feels less responsive, but it compensates with significantly better fuel economy. The gear ratios are tuned for efficiency rather than outright performance, prioritizing fuel savings over rapid acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.7 CDTI variant of the Meriva B typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, and a basic audio system with MP3 compatibility. Safety features such as ABS, electronic stability control (ESP), and multiple airbags were also standard. Higher trim levels, such as ‘Enjoy’ and ‘Cosmo’, added features like alloy wheels, upgraded audio systems, cruise control, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded materials on higher trims. The Meriva B’s interior was known for its flexible seating arrangements, with the ‘FlexSpace’ rear seating system allowing for multiple configurations to maximize cargo space.
Chassis & Braking
The Meriva B’s chassis is a typical front-wheel-drive configuration, utilizing MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam setup at the rear. This suspension setup provides a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road surface effectively. The 1.7 CDTI variant, being one of the lighter engine options, generally offered a slightly more agile feel compared to the heavier petrol-powered models. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, providing enhanced braking performance and stability in emergency situations.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Meriva B 1.7 CDTI was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and economical family vehicle. Its fuel efficiency was a major selling point, particularly in Europe where diesel fuel is often more affordable than petrol. Compared to the 1.4 Turbo petrol variant, the 1.7 CDTI offered significantly better fuel economy, although it lacked the petrol engine’s responsiveness. The higher-output diesel variants provided more performance but came at a higher price point. Reliability was generally good, although some owners reported issues with the DPF system, a common concern with modern diesel engines.
Legacy
The Opel Meriva B 1.7 CDTI remains a popular choice in the used car market, particularly for buyers seeking an affordable and fuel-efficient family vehicle. The A17DTC engine, while not known for being exceptionally powerful, has proven to be relatively durable and reliable when properly maintained. Regular servicing, including timely DPF regeneration, is crucial for ensuring the long-term health of the engine. The Meriva B’s flexible interior and practical design continue to appeal to families, making it a sensible and versatile option in the compact minivan segment.
