Opel’s dynamically-styled Meriva Concept presents the manufacturer’s next level of monocab flexibility.

One innovation, called FlexDoors, involves the rear-hinged rear doors which open independently from the front doors, making access to the car interior much easier while offering a range of safety benefits over conventional car doors.

The concept car also boasts the highly variable FlexSpace rear seating concept familiar from the production Meriva, and a new storage system called FlexConsole above the centre tunnel to make life on board even more comfortable.

The most eye-catching innovation is the FlexDoors concept. While the front doors are conventionally designed with front hinges, the rear doors swing open toward the back of the car, which makes, for instance, securing children in the back seat or stowing a briefcase behind the front seat much easier. Entering and exiting the vehicle is more convenient as the rear doors open to a much wider angle.

The rear-hinged rear doors provide access at the car’s highest point – just behind the B-pillars – and the door openings are not restricted by the wheelarches like conventional door apertures. A further advantage of FlexDoors is that both front and rear doors open to a 90-degree angle. In comparison, the current production Meriva’s doors open to an angle of about 60 degrees. Thanks to their innovative design, the rear doors are also relatively short, making access to the interior easier in tight parking spaces.

Rear-hinged rear doors already on the market can only be opened after the front door has been opened, which severely limits their practicality. FlexDoors’ smooth operation is backed up by an array of patented innovations developed by GM/Opel engineers. In addition, a comprehensive Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) risk analysis was compiled that listed all conceivable operational and functional errors. The corresponding countermeasures were then defined in the technical specifications. A dual layout, electronic/mechanical fail-proof surveillance system ensures that the doors can only be opened from the inside or outside when there is no risk for the passengers.

As part of the FlexDoors concept’s innovative monitoring system, the Meriva Concept also features an automatic electronic child lock, which supplements the conventional mechanical system. The rear-hinged rear doors also improve control over children exiting the car, as they cannot step out into traffic as easily as with conventional doors. Seat belt usage rates are predicted to increase as well, because rear-hinged rear doors enable parents to buckle up smaller children much more easily.