Hi there,

The junior MPV class generally isn’t up to much when it comes to talent but the Meriva does stand out a bit – and not just because of the trick rear doors. The overall quality and build is generally pretty good and it’s not too shabby to drive, either. That 1.7 diesel is an ancient unit, so you won’t get the sort of smoothness and quietness that a more modern engine would provide, but it’s pretty economical and decently robust. Make sure it’s had a cam belt change every 60,000km though – vital.