VAUXHALL is poised to open up a fresh chapter in mini multiple purpose vehicle motoring.
Back doors fitted with rear hinges will help the next generation Meriva boast dramatically easier access to seats in the rear - a feature set to make it a big hit on the school run.
Due to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, the new model will be the first Vauxhall to boast the innovation, which allows the doors to swing toward the back of the car at an angle of almost 90 degrees.
'Rather than having to step back or to one side as with a normal front-hinged door, our FlexDoor allows unimpeded access to the cabin. We think it will be a boon to parents with children,' said a spokesman.
While the concept of two rear-hinged back doors is not new in the motor industry, the Meriva's system is the first time it has been used on a family car in recent years and allows front and rear doors to open independently.
Crucially, automatic locks engage as soon as the car pulls away and allow the FlexDoors to be opened by occupants only when the car is stationary.
Once inside the car, users are set to benefit from two further innovations. FlexRail adopts a fresh approach to centre console design to offer a variety of modular storage and comfort solutions that fix on to an ingenious dual-rail base.
In addition, the FlexSpace system used in the current model has evolved with even greater practicality. Now more intuitive to use, it allows easier fold-down of the rear seats, while moving the rear seats to create more boot, leg or shoulder room is claimed to be simpler.
The new Meriva's seat comfort has also advanced, with the adoption of front seat technology from the Insignia and Astra. Like these cars, the Meriva offers the biggest range of seat adjustment in class, extending to 240mm in length and 65mm in height.
Featuring styling cues from the Insignia and Astra, the new model also promises a reduction in running costs. A range of six turbocharged engines delivering between 75bhp and 140bhp are claimed to offer higher economy and lower tailpipe emissions and an ecoFLEX model will also be available.
Picing for the new Meriva is still to be announced but the current line up ranges from £13,450 to £17,690.