The Vauxhall Meriva (2016) petrol is a highly practical, clever compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) that excels at family life and urban driving. While SUVs have largely taken over the market, the second-generation Meriva (known as the Meriva B, near the end of its production run in 2016) remains a masterclass in interior packaging, ergonomics, and daily usability.At the heart of the 2016 petrol lineup is Vauxhall's reliable 1.4-litre ecoTEC engine, which comes in three distinct flavors: a naturally aspirated version producing 100 PS, and two turbocharged variants pushing out either 120 PS or 140 PS. For a car of this size, the turbocharged versions are highly recommended. They provide the extra low-end torque needed to haul a full car of passengers and luggage up hills or comfortably join motorways without feeling strained. The engines are paired with either a slick 5-speed or 6-speed manual, or a smooth 6-speed automatic transmission.The absolute party piece of the 2016 Meriva is its FlexDoors system. Unlike traditional cars, the rear doors are rear-hinged (often called suicide doors) and open backwards to an impressive 84-degree angle. This design is a lifesaver for parents. It creates a natural, enclosed safety barrier between the front and rear doors when loading children, and makes installing bulky child seats or strapping in toddlers incredibly easy on your back.Inside, the cabin prioritizes adaptability via the FlexSpace seating system. The three individual rear seats can slide forward, backward, or fold completely flat into the floor. If you don't need the middle seat, it can drop down, allowing the two outer seats to slide inward and backward, transforming the rear into a spacious two-seat executive lounge with massive legroom. Boot space is equally accommodating, offering a baseline of 400 litres that expands to a cavernous 1,500 litres with the rear seats flat. Up front, the FlexRail console provides a modular storage system on tracks between the seats, perfect for moving cupholders and storage bins right where you need them.On the road, the 2016 Meriva feels composed and car-like, avoiding the top-heavy body roll associated with taller vans. The steering is light and precise, making tight supermarket parking spaces easy to navigate, while the elevated driving position offers excellent forward visibility. Standard trim levels for 2016such as Life, Club, Tech Line, and SEcame well-equipped with features like cruise control, air conditioning,