Spy Shots: Citroen C3 MPV

Citroen is preparing to reveal its new C3 mini MPV. The new car has already spotted testing. The new Nissan Note rival uses the C3 base and aims to compete with Honda Jazz, Renault Modus and upcoming Opel Meriva.

The C3 MPV carries some similar design cues to the C-SportLounge concept. The engine range will include some familiar PSA engines: 1.6 L and 1.4 L gasoline and 1.6 L diesel engines will be mated with a manuel or the SensoDrive automatic transmissions. Citroen plans to use Start-Stop system too.

The C3 MPV is expected to make its debut in Paris Motor Show in October and be on sale early 2009.

New Opel Meriva Concept Image Leaked Revealed

After the first teaser sketch of the new Opel Meriva, the first image of Opel's new mini MPV revealed ahead the car's public debut at Geneva. The current Meriva is on the roads since 2003. The concept is expected to give a clear indication of what the production Meriva look like.

It was rumored that the concept will preview a suicide door system. This system is now coming back into fashion after decades of being neglected. Suicide doors operate a normal front door which swings forward in an arc and is hinged to front A pillar. The rear doors swing rearwards in an arc from the cars C pillar. Generally the car will then do without a B pillar, so when both doors are open there is unimpeded access to the whole cockpit. But previous spy shots show that Opel’s system may use a B pillar. Opel refers to this door set-up as their FlexDoors system. It is similar to Mazda’s RX8 and Mazda’s B series pickups.

The Meriva is expected to carry over the Corsa’s drivetrain which means 1.3 to 1.7 litre diesels and 1.4 to 1.8 litre petrol’s.