Vauxhall New Meriva

As scientific research proves, Vauxhall's New Meriva, is the first car that can actually help reduce back strain and harmful twisting motions.

The New Meriva's benefits are the result of its ground-breaking rear-hinged back doors - the revolutionary FlexDoors. Similar to those seen on the iconic London black cab, the FlexDoors provide easy access to the rear seats, making entering and exiting the car and lifting objects in and out effortless – ideal for parents with little ones, and for the older generation.

To prove the benefits of the New Meriva, Vauxhall commissioned research with a biomechanical research team from Coventry University, headed by Dr James Shippen. The team rigorously tested motions mimicking everyday actions that drivers – in particular parents – will carry out, such as handling bags of shopping and fitting/removing baby seats.

The results: the New Meriva ensures that twists in the back are reduced by up to 4 per cent compared to a car with standard doors, while the loads put on the muscles are up to 58 per cent lower.

The New Meriva comes at a time when more and more Brits are injuring their backs, with 80 per cent of us suffering back pain at some point in our lives and one in six working days are taken as sick days due to a bad back.

Apart from the FlexDoors which open to 84 degrees (17 degrees more than standard cars) to commend it, the Vauxhall New Meriva has excellent storage space, a grab handle (useful for older passengers and kids), a lower floor which provides easier access for wheelchair users and a two metre long panoramic sunroof, making it a great family car.

Vauxhall's New Meriva is available to purchase now. For further information please visit www.vauxhall.co.uk/meriva