The Opel Meriva B, particularly the facelifted version introduced in January 2014, represented a significant evolution of Opel’s compact MPV offering. The 1.4 Turbo Ecotec variant, producing 120 horsepower, was a key model within the Meriva B range from 2014 to 2017. Positioned as a mid-range option, it aimed to balance fuel efficiency with adequate performance for family transport. This version was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a practical and versatile vehicle without the higher cost of the more powerful engine options.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Meriva |
| Generation | Meriva B (facelift 2014) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 (120 Hp) Turbo Ecotec |
| Start of production | January, 2014 |
| End of production | January, 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | MPV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 139 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 188 km/h (116.82 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| 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 | B14NEL |
| 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.) |
| 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 | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| 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 | 4300 mm (169.29 in.) |
| Width | 1912 mm (75.28 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 | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Elastic beam |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Meriva variant is the B14NEL 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine belongs to Opel’s ‘Ecotec’ family, known for its focus on efficiency and refinement. The B14NEL utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a single turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, optimizing gas flow for improved performance. The 1.4L engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. The 120 horsepower and 175 Nm (129 lb-ft) of torque are respectable figures for a vehicle of this class, providing adequate acceleration and cruising ability. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, which was the standard offering for this trim level. While an automatic transmission was available on other Meriva B models, it wasn’t offered with the 1.4L 120hp engine.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.4 Turbo Ecotec-equipped Meriva B offers a balanced driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 10.9 seconds, which is adequate for everyday driving but doesn’t offer particularly sporty performance. The turbocharger provides a noticeable boost in power during acceleration, but the engine doesn’t feel strained at higher speeds. The five-speed manual transmission is well-matched to the engine’s powerband, allowing for smooth gear changes. Compared to the more powerful 1.6-liter engine option, the 1.4 feels less eager to accelerate, but it compensates with improved fuel economy. Compared to the diesel variants, the 1.4 offers a smoother and quieter driving experience, albeit with slightly lower torque.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.4 Turbo Ecotec Meriva B typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features. These included air conditioning, electric front windows, a CD/MP3 stereo system, and ABS brakes. Higher trim levels, such as ‘Enjoy’ and ‘Cosmo’, added features like alloy wheels, cruise control, parking sensors, and a more sophisticated infotainment system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded materials on higher trims. The Meriva B is known for its flexible interior, with rear seats that can be folded or removed to create a larger cargo area.
Chassis & Braking
The Meriva B utilizes a McPherson strut independent suspension at the front and an elastic beam suspension at the rear. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are solid discs. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The steering is electrically assisted, providing light and precise control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Meriva B, and specifically the 1.4 Turbo Ecotec variant, was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its practicality, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. The 1.4-liter engine was considered a good compromise between performance and fuel economy. However, some critics noted that the engine could feel underpowered when fully loaded with passengers and luggage. Compared to competitors like the Renault Scenic and Citroen C4 Picasso, the Meriva B offered a more affordable price point and a slightly more compact size. Fuel economy figures of around 39.9 US mpg combined were competitive for the segment.
Legacy
The Opel Meriva B 1.4 Turbo Ecotec has proven to be a relatively reliable powertrain. The B14NEL engine is generally known for its durability, although regular maintenance is crucial. Common issues include turbocharger wear and potential problems with the fuel injectors. On the used car market, these Merivas represent a good value proposition for buyers seeking a practical and affordable MPV. Their compact size and fuel efficiency make them well-suited for urban driving, while their spacious interior provides ample room for families. The availability of spare parts is generally good, and maintenance costs are relatively low.
