We’ve kept our eyes on the Geneva Motor Show for upcoming trends, as we’re sure to find vehicles that we want (but know we can’t get in the US). One vehicle concept that caught our eye is the Opel Meriva. This is the second concept crafted in the new Opel design language, and if history proves right this will undoubtedly become the US’ Saturn design language as well. Watch the video of GM Chief of Design Ed Welburn explaining the Meriva, and read on for our crit.

Exterior We can preface this crit by saying that GM has been hitting some nice design targets as of late, crafting good-looking vehicles and mouth-watering concepts. With that said, the Meriva concept is as mouth-watering as a 8-oz steak from Outback Steakhouse. Which, if you’ve been to Outback lately you’ll agree is scrumptious.

The Meriva design, although not a giant leap forward in vehicle design, is a solid, well-received evolution of the current Opel/Saturn theme. Of note, the headlamps herald a nice update to the plain-Jane current design, and the lightning bolt-inspired shoulder line proves functional as well allowing the rear-seat occupants to have some more visibility of the road zooming past them.

Two things Opel is well-known for are their proportions and vehicle stance. The Meriva knocks a home run at both.

Final Thoughts

This is good, classic design. These are the basics that we’re taught in design school: proportion, line weight, motion & fluidity, and purposeful forms. The Meriva is almost an embodiment of these principles. And with a few necessary tweaks, this vehicle is dang near production-ready. Keep ‘em coming, Opel… as the baby-brother group within the GM family, you keep churning out designs that make your older siblings jealous.