Having led the way for...

Having led the way for high-performance people carriers with its Zafira VXR, Vauxhall has tried to pull a similar trick by developing a 178bhp version of the existing Meriva.

However, bosses don"t think that"s fast enough. And as a result, the next-generation Meriva VXR will feature the new Corsa"s 1.7-litre turbo engine to develop an amazing 200bhp.

With all that power fed to the front wheels, the model will need a competent traction control system, but it promises to be the fastest supermini-MPV on the market. Depending on its aerodynamics, the VXR could be capable of reaching speeds as high as 150mph.