‘08 Geneva: Opel’s Meriva Concept Flexes Its FlexDoors

If you mistook this for the Saturn (or Opel) Flexstream concept, you’re forgiven. As wild as the Flexstream’s styling was, the Meriva attempts to apply its design language to a more production-intent vehicle.

A hint at the next-generation Meriva, this concept isn’t much larger than the current model, yet - in person - seems to be larger; at a glance, we’d wager it’s sized closer to the larger Zafira.

(Click through to read more about the Meriva.)

Unlike the avant-garde powertrain supposedly propelling the Flexstream, the Meriva concept uses a normal 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4 motor. Instead, the Meriva’s coup d’grace are its rear doors, hinged in a manner Opel calls “FlexDoors.” Both rear doors are rear hinged in suicide-style, but open a full 90 degrees away from the body. Opel claims this helps entry, egress and securing child seats in the back row, but we wonder how often one has a chance - let alone the space - in a parking lot to open a door so wide.

Opel won’t comment on the production timeframe for the concept, but it’s fairly safe to say most styling cues will work their way onto the next-generation Meriva, but don’t expect that vehicle to travel Stateside under the Saturn brand.