2005 OPEL Meriva OPC 1.6L 16V Turbo 6MT (180 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Opel tried something different and installed a punchy engine under the hood of its smallest MPV from the European market, the Meriva.

After two years on the market, the Meriva received a refresh in 2005 for the 2006 model-year. Thus, the carmaker adapted its small-sized minivan to the Euro4 emission standards and, moreover, added the OPC (Opel Performance Center) version, which was no slouch. Even though it didn’t scream “performance” through all its parts, it didn’t hide its performance-oriented nature.

Like the rest of the range, the 2005 Meriva OPC featured a body-colored slat on the grille instead of the older, chromed one used for the 2003 model-year. Unlike its siblings, though, this go-fast version also sported a different apron with a wide center air intake flanked by the foglights’ scoops. From its sides, the 17″ light-alloy wheels were unusually big for a car of this size. Moreover, they were wrapped in low-profile 205/45 tires. To complete the sporty image of this minivan, OPC added a roof spoiler on top of the tailgate and a chromed, trapezoidal exhaust.

Inside, the carmaker added a pair of bucket seats with high-bolstered areas that helped their occupants stay in place during high-speed cornering. The bench, on the other hand, was standard but with different colors than its non-OPC siblings. The driver enjoyed the revamped dashboard, with silver surrounded dials and the OPC lettering on the speedometer.

But the real magic happened under the hood, where a turbocharged, 1.6-liter powerplant carried over from the Corsa OPC boosted the minivan’s performance. It was mated to a six-speed manual gearbox that sent the power to the front wheels. Moreover, the ground clearance was dropped by 0.4″ (10 mm) at the front and 0.6″ (15 mm) at the back, employing stiffer coilover suspension. Last but not least, the car sported disc brakes in all corners.