Vauxhall Meriva Scoops Top MPV Design Award

November 6, 2002; Vauxhall's new Meriva, on display to the British public for the first time at the International Motor Show, has won its first award several months before it goes on sale!

The Institute of Vehicle Engineers (IVehE) has given its prestigious MPV design award to Meriva with the citation: "Another vehicle perceived as excellent value for money, with its innovative two or three person rear seating, functional interior layout and crisp exterior styling."

Says Meriva brand manager Sara Nicholson: "This is a great way to begin life for Meriva. We are confident it will be the first of many awards. We already know from early reaction at the Motor Show that Meriva is going to be a winner just like its older brother, the equally innovative, Zafira MPV."

The Vauxhall Vivaro van, built at Luton, and with a capacity up to 1210 kg, carried off the light commercial vehicle design award. The judges said they expected "its appeal to young and style conscious people would open up new markets."

The 28 IVehE judges made up of automotive design, engineering and manufacturing experts from the Institute's membership, assessed all the eligible vehicles from a pure design and quality standpoint, placing each vehicle in the context of its intended market sector.