VAUXHALL has revealed the first official pictures (below) of its new Corsa-based MPV, which will make its public debut at the Paris Motor Show in September before going on sale next year.

The Meriva, derived from Opel's Concept M car, will seat five passengers in two rows of seats, with the middle seat in the rear able to be folded out of sight.

The car will be offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, ranging from 1.6 to 1.8 litres, and its wheelbase is just 2.5 inches shorter than that of the Zafira.

Vauxhall managing director Kevin Wale said: 'With the Meriva we have come an important step closer to our goal of increasing the share of innovative car concepts in our model range to 40%.

'Like the Zafira, the Meriva will define a new market segment for Vauxhall, demonstrating the freshness and creative strength of our brand.'

The Meriva will be built at the General Motors Europe plant in Zaragoza, Spain, while a Chevrolet version will be produced at GM's Sao Jose dos Compos factory in Brazil and will be launched in August.

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