VAUXHALL'S innovative Meriva 'space invader' has helped set new standards in the growing people-moving sector ever since it was introduced last summer.

The second-generation multi-purpose vehicle to bear the name comes complete with its unique-in-class FlexDoors, FlexRail and FlexSpace features, which combine to offer great occupant access, convenience and cabin versatility.

So much so that the Meriva finished up a more-than-credible third place in the 2011 European Car of the Year Awards, pipped only by the Nissan Leaf - the first full electric car ever to be nominated in the competition - and second-placed Alfa Romeo Giulietta in the most evenly-matched contest for many years.

And it is little wonder the Vauxhall offering caught the eye of the judges.

For not only does the Meriva look the part it does everything it says on the tin and more, thanks to a simple yet so user-friendly concept, which mean the rear doors on the Meriva are hinged at the rear which allow them to open backwards to an angle of nearly 90 degrees.

This clever design creates unimpeded access for any rear passengers to get in and out of the vehicle.

However, the real beauty of the FlexDoors concept is that it makes life a breeze for mums and dads who have to get their youngsters strapped securely into their child seats.

FlexRail offers a highly-functional, multi-purpose, three-tier storage system which stretches from the base of the gear lever housing and electronic parking brake switch through into the rear passenger compartment.

The top track carries a flip-top armrest-cum-storage unit, while below sits a sliding tray complete with cupholder. These can be removed to reveal a floor-level tray which also contains two cupholders and the 12-volt sockets and USB and aux-in ports.

Finally, FlexSpace allows various seating configurations inside the cabin to utilise the available space for any requirement.

While normally seating five, the now larger Meriva can also be quickly converted into a two, three or four-seater. Both outer rear seats slide forward and back independently, and they can also move inwards to create more shoulder and elbow room.

The seat backs also fold flat to create a whopping, easily-accessed loading bay of up to 1,500 litres.

There is a choice of five engines through the range, three 1.4-litre petrol units delivering 99, 118 and 138bhp, along with two 1.3-litre turbodiesels pumping out 74 and 94bhp and a pair of 1.7-litre turbodiesels delivering 99 and 127bhp.

Sampling the petrol range around the city streets and country roads I was highly impressed with the mid-range 118-brake turbocharged offering.

As the least-polluting of the three petrol models, it delivers a top speed of 117mph while the standard zero to 62mph dash takes 11.5 seconds, offering overall performance that will meet the requirements of most buyers this family-orientated vehicle is aimed at.

Vauxhall has even tweaked the steering on models destined for the UK market so as to give a feel more attuned to the taste of British drivers.

Vauxhall has also equipped the Meriva to be one of the safest and most stable vehicle in its class.

Electronic stability control is fitted throughout the four-trim range, while electronic brake force distribution, straight line and cornering stability control and active rollover protection are also just some of the comprehensive features included as standard.

As a polished family-oriented vehicle the Meriva takes some beating and thanks to its highly-versatile and innovative on-board features, this is certainly a workhorse which really could turn out to be a true "flexible friend".