www.autoexpress.co.uk
Date: September 8th, 2004
By: Chris Thorp
Here's proof that Vauxhall is spreading the sporty VXR image throughout its line-up - even the Meriva supermini-MPV has been given a tune-up.
The turbocharged Meriva VXR is pictured in this week's magazine being put through its paces at Germany's Nürburgring circuit. It'll go on sale in the UK in 2006.
The prototype pictured in this week's mag is fitted with large-diameter alloy wheels and a sports exhaust, but insiders have suggested the final production version will wear far more striking bodywork. Expect wider wheelarches and low side skirts, plus an imposing roof spoiler - all of which will transform the Meriva's unassuming shape into something that will appeal to performance car fans.
Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the diminutive people carrier will produce more than 170bhp and provide pace to rival the quickest supermini-based hot hatches. At present, the most expensive Meriva is the 1.7-litre diesel Energy, at £14,950. The good news is that the VXR is tipped to cost only a bit more, at around £15,500.
Despite early speculation, there are currently no plans for a similar performance variant of the current Corsa. With an all-new version of the popular supermini due in showrooms in 2006, it's too late in the product lifecycle of the existing car to justify the development costs of a range-topping VXR model.
Date: September 8th, 2004
By: Chris Thorp
Here's proof that Vauxhall is spreading the sporty VXR image throughout its line-up - even the Meriva supermini-MPV has been given a tune-up.
The turbocharged Meriva VXR is pictured in this week's magazine being put through its paces at Germany's Nürburgring circuit. It'll go on sale in the UK in 2006.
The prototype pictured in this week's mag is fitted with large-diameter alloy wheels and a sports exhaust, but insiders have suggested the final production version will wear far more striking bodywork. Expect wider wheelarches and low side skirts, plus an imposing roof spoiler - all of which will transform the Meriva's unassuming shape into something that will appeal to performance car fans.
Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the diminutive people carrier will produce more than 170bhp and provide pace to rival the quickest supermini-based hot hatches. At present, the most expensive Meriva is the 1.7-litre diesel Energy, at £14,950. The good news is that the VXR is tipped to cost only a bit more, at around £15,500.
Despite early speculation, there are currently no plans for a similar performance variant of the current Corsa. With an all-new version of the popular supermini due in showrooms in 2006, it's too late in the product lifecycle of the existing car to justify the development costs of a range-topping VXR model.
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