Opel To Bring Swoopy Meriva Concept to ‘08 Geneva Show

We’re busy covering the ins and outs of the Chicago auto show, but already we’re hearing of GM’s plans for the Geneva show next month. Although three world debuts are slated for the show, we only know a little about one - the concept for the next-generation Opel Meriva crossover.

(Click through for more on the upcoming concept)

All we’re offered at this point is an artist’s sketch, but we’re already seeing the connection between the Meriva and last year’s Flextreme concept. Opel claims much of the car references the sexy GTC concept, particularly the belt line and rear lamp assemblies, but the overall profile and glass shape stem directly from the Flextreme.

Although the Meriva will technically be shown as a concept, our guess is the production version would differ little from what we’ll see in Switzerland. We’ll bring you more on the Opel when WINDING ROAD sees the concept in person on March 4.

GM RELEASE

MERIVA CONCEPT TO MAKE GENEVA DEBUT

* Vision of GM’s future small monocab
* Design cues from other concepts including GTC Coupe and Flextreme
* Due to be unveiled on March 4th

Already Europe’s market leader in the monocab sector, with one in five pan-European sales being a Zafira, Meriva or Agila, Vauxhall and Opel are set to unveil their vision of the future at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4th.

The Meriva Concept draws styling cues previous GM styling studies to show how the company’s next generation small monocab could look, including the distinctive tick-shaped swage line and neat rear lamp clusters that typified the GTC Coupe and Flextreme models.

Another neat feature of the Meriva Concept is the shape of the glass area, which swoops down towards the B-Pillar – a feature that would allow rear seat passengers a better all-round view if it were offered on a production model.

The Meriva Concept is one of three GM world premieres set to appear at the show.