Opel and Saturn: An Unlikely Pair

Automotive enthusiasts familiar with the Saturn brand of vehicles can get a strong hint where the nameplate is going by keeping their eyes on German automaker Opel. Opel is General Motors’ storied European brand and GM has plainly stated that by 2014 the brands will be fully integrated. Most future Saturn models will originate overseas with the possibility one or two models will be copies of GM’s stateside line up (e.g., namely crossovers).

The Opel Insignia and the Saturn AURA

Opel recently released pictures of the Insignia, a model that will likely be the next generation Saturn AURA. They also have been showing pictures of the Opel Meriva concept, a car that will probably find its way across the Atlantic.

What the Meriva Has to Offer

The Meriva represents the brand’s monocab design - a short hood, high roof and steeply sloping tailgate. Also known as “mini minivans” vehicles like the Meriva are popular in Europe, but are currently unknown in the US and Canada. With gas prices zooming ever higher, the Meriva could fill an important void in Saturn’s line up.

A distinguishing feature of the Meriva is its innovative FlexDoors system, which consists of rear-hinged rear doors that swing open toward the back of the car, for easier passenger access. The Meriva is designed to hold five occupants and is expected to offer a variety of engine choices including four and six cylinder gas engines as well as a diesel powerplant.

Dateline 2011?

With GM scrambling to overhaul its bulky product line, the Meriva could arrive stateside as early as 2011. GM recently cancelled a small MPV that the company had been planning to build on the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze platform, possibly making way for the Meriva. Regardless of where GM goes with the Meriva the minivan/crossover looks like a hit. US and Canadian consumers may want one, but we’ll have to wait to see how this fits in to GM’s long term strategy for the domestic market.

There isn’t a van that comes close to matching being the best in gas mileage vehicles for a minivan like the Mazda Mazda5. This is the most fuel efficient giving you 21 mpg in the city and up to 28 mpg on the highway. This van is sporty looking and the front and second row seats are very comfortable and provide reclining features. This cabin in this van is noisy on the highway and the cargo space is very limited.

The next best thing in the best gas mileage vehicles in the minivan class is the Kia Rondo. This van can provide up to 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway, just under what the Mazda5 offers. The seating and capacity of the cargo is very spacious and there are a ton of neat features of the van. The downside is that it is not very stylish and the interior is very cheap. You can opt for a third row seat but it does not come with the van and is a tight fit when in the van.

Mini-vans are important for people who have a large family but need the best gas mileage vehicles they can find. The two best for gas include the Rondo and the Mazda5. The space seems to be compromised in the two vehicles to make them more lightweight for the gas benefit. Mini-vans are a better solution if you are taking a road trip and need the trip to be as affordable as possible. Full size vans won’t get near the gas mileage on the highway or in the city, but they provide the luxury.

Source : Used Minivan & The Best Used Minivan