At Frankfurt in 2007 it showed us the battery-powered Flextreme concept: now, General Motors Europe is preparing to give us an even bigger clue to the look of the next Vauxhall Meriva, in the shape of the new Meriva concept.This compact MPV show car is, say company sources, an even more faithful guide to the way the new road-going Meriva will look, which is due late in 2009. Unlike the Flextreme concept, it’s powered by a conventional internal combustion engine, has a normal hatchback rear end, and, unfortunately, no Segways. However, our source does confirm that it’s got an interior every bit as innovative as the Flextreme’s, and “unusual doors”.The Meriva concept features styling cues borrowed from GM’s Opel GTC concept as well as the Flextreme – note the ‘sideways-seven’ hockey-stick-like swage line. However, the kink in the window line, designed to maximise the view through the glasshouse for passengers in the rear of the car, is all new.
GM’s other Geneva show stars
General Motors Europe will be showing three unseen cars at Geneva next month. The Meriva concept is one of them; otherwise, it’ll have the new Chevrolet Aveo (which replaces the Kalos supermini) and an all-new concept from Saab, believed by many to be a preview of the brand’s forthcoming premium hatchback, the 9-1.
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