Vauxhall is expanding its Meriva range, which now spreads down below the 121g/km mark for the lowest benefit-in-kind tax for a diesel.

The 1.3-litre 95hp diesel Meriva is about as dramatic as it sounds, but the 119g/km emissions and combined 62.8mpg economy figure make up for a sluggish engine, and no-one would really expect a sub-120g/km mini-MPV to be rapid. It’s worth remembering too that the Meriva, despite keeping the same name, has moved up a class on its predecessor, and is now judged in size terms alongside the Citroen C4 Picasso and Renault Scenic, rather than the Nissan Note and Citroen C3 Picasso its predecessor went up against.

The rear-hinged rear doors work well, and add a unique selling point to the sector, while this new efficient version will find a place, as long as people are willing to accept the power deficiency that accompanies it.

Vauxhall Meriva 1.3 CDTi Ecoflex (a/c)
P11D price £18,705
Model price range £12,995-£21,280
Fuel consumption 62.8mpg
CO2 (tax) 119g/km (13%)
BIK 20/40% per month £41/£81
Service interval 20,000miles
Insurance (1-50) group 7
Warranty First owner only 100,000mls
Boot space min/max 397/1496litres
Engine size/power 1248cc/95hp
Top speed/0-62mph 104mph/13.8secs
On sale November
Score 7/10
Verdict Good efficiency figures
but achieved via
underpowered engine