Unveiled at the 2008 Motor Show in Geneva, the Meriva Concept takes flexibility to new heights with its innovative FlexDoors system, which consists of rear-hinged rear doors that swing open toward the back of the car. This innovation makes access to the car interior much easier and also offers a range of safety benefits over conventional car doors.
As the B-pillars have been purposely retained for passive security reasons, the Meriva Concept’s front and rear doors can also be opened independently of each other. Other rear-hinged rear doors already on the market can only be opened after the front door has been opened. The Meriva Concept is combined with the highly variable FlexSpace rear seating system familiar from the production Meriva.
GM’s patented FlexDoors innovation offers a wide range of benefits:
- Greater functionality: entering and exiting the vehicle is more convenient as the rear doors open to a 90-degree angle and the high roofline offers rear passengers more headroom
- Higher level of safety: securing children in the back seats is much easier whilst the rear-hinged rear doors also improve control over children exiting the car, as they can be better seen from the different seating positions and a safety system ensures the doors can only be opened from the inside or outside when there is no risk to the passengers
- More style: entering and exiting the rear of the vehicle not only looks cool and elegant, but also feels much more natural