Vauxhall has been busy freshening up the Meriva for the New Year and will be adding a turbocharged VXR sporty model to the range.

The revised Meriva goes on sale in February with a more prominent V-shape to the grille, new-style front bumper and darkened rear light lenses.

A new 1.3-litre turbodiesel will join the Meriva line-up with 73bhp and fuel economy of 57.0mpg. There's also a new petrol 1.6-litre engine with 103bhp.

Hot hatch fans who need a bit of practicality will be keen on the 180bhp VXR model. It uses a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine and has lowered and stiffened suspension. Expect to see the VXR in the summer with a price tag around

IIRC the corsa VXR will be using the same engine..

Its still got the poxiest boot in the world though ... as I found when we got given one as a hire car in Cork It looks like an MPV but is IMHO not really a decent size for a family (i'll stick to my big Octy boot )

Even if Aston Martin built one I couldn't face a people carrier.

Hold the front page though...the new citroen (I think) c- lounge or something (prototype).Might change my prejudices.Maybe.

I suggest everyone to drive one, even if it's not quite as agile through corners as a proper sport hatch it's still plenty of grip and great fun for the sheer feeling of acceleration and noise it makes The gas pedal reacts in a millisecond and the car feels very eager to go from slightes blip of throttle. Feels almost like you're a schoolbus driver from hell, well not really, gladly. I believe it will surprise a lot of drivers who don't know about its potential.

btw: I thought it was so good I already ordered one

Leon - Check out the What car mag marked up June 2006, they have the first drive of the Golf 1.4 TSi ( a 1.4 with 168 BHP) - Shame about the price £18K :( .

Now lets see that in the Furby .

are you vXR enough!

lol

Btw, I was being sarcastic.. TBH the reason I chose meriva was that it's well equipped for the price, has flexible seating arrangements, is roomy without actually feeling like driving a bus and has got good performance. It's not the fastest car around but feels fast enought to put smile on the face now and then. Also the fuel economy should be pretty good if you don't drive like a loon all the time.

Oh and it's called Opel Meriva OPC outside UK ..

......the Golf 1.4 TSi ( a 1.4 with 168 BHP) -

Now lets see that in the Furby .

I'd be willing to bet good money that thats exactly what you will see in the Mk2 fabia VRS.

A choice of that or the 2.0 PD140 engine

It's still just a small van with windows though

Umm well ok, but have you ever tried one?

I've driven real sports cars like ferrari 360 spider and porsche boxter. I don't think this "people carrier" can ever offer the same kind of experience but then again neither will a lot of cars in the same price range.. Just saying it's a nice compromise and a lot better than I first thought.