30 October 2002: The Opel Meriva has been awarded the MPV design award by Britain’s Institute of Vehicle Engineers. The vehicle, which will be sold in the UK under the Vauxhall brand, won the award for its ‘innovative two or three person rear seating, functional interior layout and crisp exterior styling’.

The 28 IVehE judges made up of automotive design, engineering and manufacturing experts from the Institute's membership, assessed all the eligible vehicles from a pure design and quality standpoint, placing each vehicle in the context of its intended market sector.

They also awarded the Vauxhall (Opel) Vivaro van their light commercial vehicle design award, saying the vehicle’s ‘appeal to young and style conscious people would open up new markets’.