IT was back in the middle of 2010 when that well-used slogan "flexible friend" took on a totally new meaning.

That was when the second-generation Vauxhall Meriva MPV took to our streets, complete with its unique-in-class FlexDoors, FlexRail and FlexSpace features, which combined to offer great occupant access, convenience and cabin versatility.

With a concept that was to prove so simple yet so user-friendly, the rear doors on the Meriva were hinged at the rear which allowed them to open backwards to an angle of nearly 90 degrees. This clever design created unimpeded access for rear passengers to get in and out.

However, the real beauty of the FlexDoors concept was that it make life a breeze for mums and dads getting their youngsters strapped securely into their child seats.

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

The top track carried a flip-top armrest-cum-storage unit, while below there was a sliding tray complete with cupholder. These could be removed to reveal a floor-level tray which also contained two cupholders along with the 12-volt sockets and USB and Aux-in ports.

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

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

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

At launch, a choice of five engines were available: three 1.4-litre petrol units delivering 99, 118 and 138bhp, along with a 1.3-litre and a 1.7-litre turbodiesel pairing, pumping out 74 and 99bhp respectively.

When sampling the petrol range around a mix of both city streets and country roads, I remember being highly impressed with the mid-range 118-brake turbocharged offering.

As the most fuel-efficient and least-polluting of the three petrol models, it delivered a top speed of 117mph while the standard zero to 62mph dash took 11.5 seconds, offering overall performance which certainly met the requirements of most buyers the family-orientated vehicle was aimed at.

Vauxhall also equipped the Meriva to be one of the safest and most stable vehicle in its class. Electronic stability control was fitted throughout the four-trim range, while electronic brake force distribution, straight line and cornering stability control and active rollover protection were also some of the comprehensive features included as standard to make the Meriva a truly flexible family transporter.

As a used family transporter, the Meriva is a super workhorse which certainly won't break the bank. A 2010 60-plate 1.4T in SE trim will cost anything between £5,370 and £7,555.

Move on a year to a 2011 61-plate model and expect to pay between £6,420 and £8,620 for a similar SE spec machine, while a 2012 62-plate will cost in the region of £7,475 and £9,870.