The Vauxhall Meriva MPV has received a minor refresh, comprising primarily of cosmetic updates and a new 1.6-litre diesel engine capable of 64.2mpg.
Externally the revised Meriva gets newly designed headlamps, a different grille and additional chrome trim around the front fog lights.
The most notable change is the replacement of the old 1.7-litre turbocharged diesel engine with Vauxhall's new 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel. It produces 134bhp and 236lb ft, some 5bhp and 15lb ft more than the outgoing unit.
More importantly, the new engine is also much more efficient than the one it replaces. It returns 64.2mpg, compared to 53.3mpg, making it some 20 per cent more economical.
Emissions are also cut, from 139g/km of CO2 to 116g/km, resulting in a drop in road tax from £125 to £30 a year. Acceleration is improved too, with the new engine knocking 0.8sec from the 0-60mph time of its 1.7-litre predecessor, down to 9.1sec.
The rest of the engine range is now Euro-6 compliant and comprises a 1.3-litre turbocharged diesel, a 1.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol and two turbocharged 1.4-litre petrols.
New options include LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Meriva also comes as standard with Vauxhall's 100,000 mile 'lifetime' warranty.
Pricing for the facelifted Vauxhall Meriva has yet to be announced, but expect the new car to cost upwards of £12,500. First customer deliveries are expected in January 2014.
Click here to read the full review of the Vauxhall Meriva.
