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THE RETURN OF THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN-SEATER

Models Covered: (5dr mini-MPV 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 & 2.2 petrol, 1.9 diesel [Expression, Club, Design, Life, SRi, Elite, VXR, Active])

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

The second generation Vauxhall Zafira had a massive task on its hands when it arrived in dealerships back in July 2005. Its predecessor had established a template for clever seven-seat mini-MPVs, a template which rivals manufacturers were scrabbling to emulate and improve upon. Bigger and better finished than before, the Mark 2 version of the Zafira moved the car upmarket and onto the shortlists of a whole new group of buyers. As a used vehicle it’s well worth a look.

The Zafira is one of the most significant family cars of the last ten years. It’s the vehicle that changed the way we bought compact MPV-style vehicles, fragmenting the market into five and seven seat models and showing that with some ingenuity, you could pack a lot of practicality into quite a modest wheelbase. It has to be said that this second generation Zafira probably isn’t quite as smart as its forebear. It’s bigger, hinting at slightly lazier design parameters, and the seating system is nowhere near as intuitive. That said, it’s still one of the very best of its ilk and if the purity of design has been diluted a little, the improved driveability and quality more than make up for it. By the time this vehicle was launched in July 2005, the MPV market was starting to split along firm lines depending on numbers of seats. The Zafira, having set the seven-seat agenda back in 1999, then blurred the boundaries again, this vehicle being a five seater for most people most of the time with the remaining pair of chairs popping up on an occasional basis. This hasn’t stopped other car makers trying to better the formula but the sales figures show considerable brand loyalty to the Zafira. The range was augmented in September 2005 with the 2.2-litre Direct petrol engine and then in November with the ripsnorting 237bhp VXR variant. The Active special editions debuted in February 2006 and the Elite was introduced as a plush range-topping derivative in mid 2007.

The one thing you can never have enough of in an MPV-style vehicle is space and sure enough, the tale of the tape reveals that the Zafira succumbed, if not to middle age spread, then at least a little loosening of the belt. This is perhaps understandable given the fact that with utility vehicles like the Meriva mopping up sales in the supermini-MPV class and no recognised full-sized MPV contender, there was a vacuum into which the Zafira would be drawn. Six inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and a shade taller than the outgoing car, the MK2 Zafira retained the seven-seat configuration, with a middle bench seat offering three berths and two seats in the back that also fold flat into the floor. What did change was the amount of legroom on offer to the occupants. Whereas the old car would have been hideously cramped with all seven seats in use, the later model offers a little more breathing space. It’s still not ideally suited to a rugby sevens team and their kit, but for the larger family, it’s close to perfect. As before, the seating system is so versatile that the Zafira can be configured in two, three, four, five, six or seven seat guises with a little practice. Most buyers will run in five-seat format, and in this mode the Vauxhall can cope with 620-litres of luggage – fully 20 more than the old car. Depending on the trim level, the Zafira can also boast up to 30 storage compartments. The ‘Flex Organiser’ luggage bay stowage system that proved a success with Astra Estate buyers was also available on this Zafira.

Zafiras have always held their value better than most mainstream tackle and the range will kick off at £9,300 for a 55-plated 1.6i Life model, with another £400 buying a Club variant. It’s probably worth double checking before you travel to view a car that it really is a second generation model as many of the model names carried over from first to second generation and there are still many sellers of earlier cars asking fairly unrealistic prices. Diesel models begin at £10,750 for a 1.9CDTi 120 Life. You’ll need just over £17,000 to net one of the racy VXR versions but if a growing family has forced you to sell your sports saloon, there’s plenty here to like. Insurance ranges from Group 5 for the entry-level 1.6-litre models to Group 9 for the CDTi 120 and 150 diesels. The VXR skews things a bit with its Group 15 rating but even that is fairly reasonable for the amount of go on offer.

The Zafira is still too new for any major problems yet to emerge, and the Astra mechanicals upon which it is based have proven themselves to be ostensibly trouble free. As with any car that is used to transport families around, check for damage wreaked by youngsters, including broken fittings, rips or stains on the upholstery and scratched plastics. Also ensure that all of the seats fold away smoothly, as it’s easy for dropped items of food or small toys to jam the runners. Check that the suspension is still in good working order – a regular run transporting a six-a-side football team will drastically shorten the life of a set of dampers. The VXR model can be rather hard on front tyres if driven hard and the eighteen inch alloy wheels are prone to damage from pot holes. Otherwise check for the service record and look forward to buying a very capable car.

(approx based on a 2005 1.6 Club). A new clutch assembly will see your dealer clutching £170 of your folding, whilst a new exhaust system retails at £500, although expect to knock £150 off for an exchange front pipe. Front brake pads are £45 a pair and rears are £33. A radiator is around £100, but if you need a new wheel and tyre for a VXR, you’ll be looking at an eye watering bill of nearly £600.

A wide range of engines are offered and this Zafira marked the debut of Vauxhall’s 140bhp 1.8-litre ECOTEC powerplant. This became a mainstay of Vauxhall’s petrol powered engine selection and, compared to the outgoing model’s 1.8 unit, the replacement boasted 14 per cent more power, consumed four per cent less fuel, had improved flexibility and was a good deal more refined. The 140bhp power output means the 1.8-litre engine is one of the most powerful in this class, but it’s far from being a highly-stressed race engine with peaky power delivery. Thanks to advanced valve and cam phasing technology, 90 per cent of the 175Nm maximum torque is available from 2200 to 6200 rpm. This wide range ensures lively performance and exceptional pulling power even at low engine speeds, making everyday driving more relaxed with less need to change gear. Vauxhall pioneered the concept of the performance mini-MPV with the GSi Turbo version of the MK1 Zafira and filling that niche even more emphatically in the MK2 range is the Zafira VXR. From the VXR sub brand of high performance vehicles, this model can call upon a 240bhp powerplant that will rocket the car to 60mph in 7 seconds flat and on to a top speed of 144mph. With 320Nm of torque in reserve, this Zafira has as much muscle as a Porsche Boxster S. If the growing family means that you’ve had to shelve plans for a sporty car, here’s the perfect antidote. With a honeycomb grille, a larger front bumper (with a central air intake) and fog lights, the VXR has serious rear-view mirror presence. Deep sill extensions, twin tailpipes and 18-inch alloy wheels ensure that bystanders know what they’re looking at. The interior features Recaro sports seats and a sports steering wheel and gear lever. Most buyers, however, opted for the CDTi diesels and both the 120 and 150bhp versions have a lot to be said for them. Until you drive the two Zafira diesel models back to back, it’s tough to appreciate how much quicker the 150bhp installation is but for most customers the cheaper 120bhp unit was the better buy. Both are fitted as standard with a six-speed manual and the 120bhp car will get to 60mph in 12 seconds while the 150bhp model will detain you for 10.2. Top speeds are pegged at 116 and 126mph respectively and combined economy figures are 46.3mpg for the 120 and 45.6 for the 150. Carbon dioxide emissions vary little, the 120bhp Zafira putting out 165 grammes per kilometre travelled and the more powerful model a scant 2 grammes more. Opt for the automatic on the 120bhp car and the figures become a good deal less impressive.

The Zafira rapidly became the benchmark mini-MPV in its original iteration and it remains so today. Other manufacturers offer bigger or sportier people carriers but the brand equity built up by Vauxhall is still reaping big rewards. A CDTi diesel model would be our pick.

ONE FOR THE NUCLEAR FAMILY
Vauxhall Are Making A Habit Of Bringing Us Indecently Quick Zafiras. The VXR Is The Quickest To Date. By Andy Enright

I have a suspicion that my father viewed children as unwelcome ballast, a view attributed in large part to his choice of car. Every family car up until my teens was a sports coupe of some sort that would entail being crushed into a claustrophobic vinyl hellhole. Try that stunt today and social services would come knocking, but fortunately only the most dysfunctional dad would put their kids through that sort of ordeal, especially when vehicles like the Vauxhall Zafira VXR exist. Here’s a car that’s savagely quick yet which doesn’t breed a future generation of parents who feel the need to practice origami on their offspring.

The VXR badge is rapidly gaining currency among performance enthusiasts, spelling as it does a focus on very high power combined with affordable pricing. Rather than introduce it on their more mundane vehicles first, Vauxhall cleverly built the reputation of this performance badge by affixing it to their top end sports models of the time, the VX220 and the Monaro. Subsequently rolling it out across the Astra, Vectra, Zafira and Meriva ranges ensured that Vauxhall realised a genuine edge over their rivals at Ford. Not that this is the first fast Zafira either. The GSi version of the previous shape Zafira sold modestly but again showed that Vauxhall was a company that could build interesting and desirable family cars. Here was a car that could accelerate through the gears quicker than a Porsche Boxster yet could seat seven. With 190bhp under the bonnet, this car wasn’t anything to be sneezed at. The VXR takes that theme and runs with it, adding 47bhp onto the power output and, as it runs on the far more advanced Zafira Mk2 chassis, it’s better equipped to deploy that to the road.

"The Zafira VXR offers potent performance and peerless practicality"

The figures that mean most to the kids will be a sprint to 60mph in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 144mph which makes it the fastest production MPV in the UK. The best part is that all this additional grunt and sophistication will set you back just £220 more than the old GSi, the VXR weighing in with a sticker price of £22,270. As with all VXRs, this one isn’t just all about horsepower. The chassis has been beefed up to cope with that added capability and the IDS plus system uses latest generation electronic damping control: comparable set-ups are currently only available on a handful of low-volume supercars. This sophisticated system minimises body movements exceptionally quickly with the help of two separate processing modules. The result is claimed to be a noticeable enhancement in body roll prevention and damper control. You’ll appreciate that in a high-sided vehicle like the Zafira. Big brakes with distinctive blue calipers help reign in the car’s power. There are quite a few styling tweaks to differentiate the VXR from its humbler brethren. As well as the VXR honeycomb grille, there’s a bigger front bumper with central air intake and integrated fog lights. Side sills and a modified rear bumper assembly are also fitted and twin trapezoidal exhaust pipes will give the overtaken a clue that this isn’t the usual crew bus. There’s a tailgate spoiler and big 18-inch alloy wheels. Nineteen-inch rims are also offered if you want to make the rest of the school runners jealous. The interior has been bosted to the tune of Recaro sports front seats while the fabric on the instrument and door panels is coordinated with the seating. VXR logos adorn the gear lever and sports steering wheel while options include electronic climate control, front and rear parking sesors and a Bluetooth-compatible mobile kit. Six inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and a shade taller than the outgoing car, the latest Zafira retains the seven-seat configuration, with a middle bench seat offering three berths and two seats in the back that also fold flat into the floor. What has changed is the amount of legroom on offer to the occupants. Whereas the old car would have been hideously cramped with all seven seats in use, the latest model offers a little more breathing space. It’s still not ideally suited to a rugby sevens team and their kit, but for the larger family, it’s close to perfect. As before, the seating system is so versatile that the Zafira can be configured in two, three, four, five, six or seven seat guises in a matter of seconds. Most buyers will run in five-seat format, and in this mode the Vauxhall can cope with 620-litres of luggage – fully 20 more than the old car. Depending on the trim level, the Zafira can also boast up to 30 storage compartments. The ‘Flex Organiser’ luggage bay stowage system that has proved a success with Astra Estate buyers is also available on the Zafira. It is to the Astra that the Zafira owes many of its exterior design cues. Whereas the old Zafira was clearly related to the Astra Mk IV, the current model looks for all the world like a MkV Astra Estate that’s been attached to a garage airline. The VXR’s sporting addenda helps the subterfuge a little, but the Astra is a good looking base to work from, and the Zafira’s stylists have done well to carry over much of that car’s detailing and stance. Although the old Zafira GSi outsold Vauxhall’s modest sales targets, it was always a bit part player in the Zafira success story. The same will doubtless be true of this VXR version. It’s undoubtedly very well executed but most mini-MPV buyers neither care for nor need a vehicle that will scorch the tarmac. For those that do need a car to drop a bunch of kids off at school and enjoy the scenic route back, there’s nothing better.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Zafira VXR PRICE: £22,270 – on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 16 CO2 EMISSIONS: 228g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 144mph / 0-60mph 7.2s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (average) 31mpg [est] STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4467/1776/1637mm

STEALTH AND EFFICIENCY
Vauxhall’s Zafira 2.0T SRi Is A Family Friendly Car With An Unexpected Dose Of Attitude As Standard. Andy Enright Reports

By and large, mini-MPVs don’t offer too much to those who enjoy driving for the sake of it. They excel at the family duties but when the kids are dropped off at school, there are only a handful of models that will encourage you to take the long way home. Most don’t sell very well. Vauxhall think they’ve found a formula that will not only put a glint in the eye of the family motorist who hasn’t totally surrendered to middle aged mediocrity but also makes some sort of sense on the balance sheet. It’s called the Zafira 2.0T SRi.

Weighing in at £20,445, the SRi isn’t at the budget end of things and you’ve really got to be committed to the cause to purchase one of these over, say, a £13,545 Zafira 1.6 Expression and blow the remaining £7,000 on some sort of tasty used sports coupe. A quick trawl through the classifieds will turn up fun items like a Porsche 944 S2, a BMW M3 or, if you’re loyal to Luton, a Vauxhall Astra Coupe Turbo. The trouble comes when you try to justify such indulgences to a sceptical other half, especially when there are family holidays, kids shoes and school expenses to fork out for. Nobody wants to look like they’re in the throes of a mid life crisis. That’s where the Zafira 2.0T SRi works so well. With its long equipment list and sheer practicality, it’s an easy sell. You may want to keep the fact that it packs a 197bhp wallop to yourself, or at least sell it as a feature that makes overtaking safer. Likewise the fact that the SRi runs on lowered and stiffened suspension means that it’s more composed through corners and less body roll means less chance of car sickness, right? This is such a considerate choice.

"With some serious turbocharged power, the Zafira 2.0T SRi is a people mover and a hot hatch rolled into one"

So you’ve seen the kids disappear into classes and you’ve got half an hour to yourself. You know a sweet back route home and with the 2.0T SRi, you have a partner that’s game for a giggle. The first straight will see it jet to 60mph from standstill in just 8.4 seconds. The 197lb/ft of turbocharged torque gives the Zafira some serious muscle in the midrange and the acceleration just keeps coming until over 140mph is showing on the clock. The really neat part is that insurers don’t recognise Zafira SRi owners as headless hoons, rating the car at Group 13. That’s quite a bargain for a model that develops almost as much torque as a Porsche Boxster. Another thing the SRi isn’t shy of is standard equipment. It’s a step down from the flagship sporting model, the VXR, but it may well be a better buy overall. ESP stability control comes as part of the deal, as do sports front seats and chromed instrument surrounds. A leather-trimmed sports steering wheel and a matte-chrome effect centre console lift the cabin while aluminium door sill covers and pedals are a nice touch. A sports suspension system is also offered with a button to switch between comfort and sports modes. 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels with 225/45 low profile tyres give the SRi a bit of attitude. The tale of the tape reveals that this generation Zafira has succumbed, if not to middle age spread, then at least a little loosening of the belt. This is perhaps understandable given the fact that with utility vehicles like the Meriva mopping up sales in the supermini-MPV class and no recognised full-sized MPV contender, there was a vacuum into which the Zafira would be drawn. Six inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and a shade taller than the outgoing car, the latest Zafira retains the seven-seat configuration, with a middle bench seat offering three berths and two seats in the back that also fold flat into the floor. What has changed is the amount of legroom on offer to the occupants. Whereas the old car would have been hideously cramped with all seven seats in use, the latest model offers a little more breathing space. It’s still not ideally suited to a rugby sevens team and their kit, but for the larger family, it’s close to perfect. As before, the seating system is so versatile that the Zafira can be configured in two, three, four, five, six or seven seat guises in a matter of seconds. Most buyers will run in five-seat format, and in this mode the Vauxhall can cope with 620-litres of luggage – fully 20 more than the old car. Depending on the trim level, the Zafira can also boast up to 30 storage compartments. The ‘Flex Organiser’ luggage bay stowage system that has proved a success with Astra Estate buyers is also available on the Zafira. It is to the Astra that the Zafira owes many of its exterior design cues. Whereas the old Zafira was clearly related to the Astra Mk IV, the current model looks for all the world like a MkV Astra Estate that’s been attached to a garage airline. A particularly interesting feature is the optional panorama roof. With four large glass panels, this system offers passengers a light, airy atmosphere in the back, while tinted glass and a powered shade protect against dazzle. A centre console running the length of the ceiling has a number of overhead compartments. The Zafira 2.0T may not be the most honest vehicle ever built but it’s a model that earns a lot of respect. Being a parent can be tough. Let’s not begrudge harassed mothers and fathers a little quality time.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Zafira 2.0T SRi PRICE: £20,445 – on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 13 CO2 EMISSIONS: 228g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 140mph / 0-60mph 8.4s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (average) 29.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and curtain airbags, ABS, ESP WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4467/1776/1637mm

SEVEN UP WITH A DASH OF PUNCH
Vauxhall’s Zafira Is Quick Enough For Most With 2.2-Litre Power. Andy Enright Prepares To Be Corrupted…

Vauxhall certainly changed the rules when they introduced the Zafira mini-MPV. Vehicles of this class weren’t supposed to have seven seats and boast car-like handling, but the Zafira did. Just when it looked like the rest of the market might be catching up with the car’s tricks, Vauxhall rewrote the rules by offering a bigger, better second generation version. Equipped with the 150PS 2.2-litre 16v Direct petrol engine, it’s almost worth starting a family for.

The 2.2-litre engine used in this Zafira also powers larger Vectra and Signum models and with 150PS of punch, is causing a few late nights at rival companies as chin-stroking engineers are issued with mini-MPVs, big engines and shoehorns. Prices are down on 2.2-litre versions of the MK1 Zafira (which is nice – and rather unusual), starting at £17,175 for the Life, £18,900 for the SRi, £19,350 for the well-appointed Design variant and £20,350. The 2.2-litre sixteen-valve engine that constitutes such a major attraction produces a smooth band of torque, and feels relaxed and unstressed even when the Zafira is loaded. Capable of reaching 60mph in ten seconds, it’s got the get up and go to embarrass many a warm hatchback on its way to a 124mph maximum. At the same time, you should expect to average around 34mpg allied to reasonable Group 9 insurance. In other words, about 2mpg more than before, three insurance groups lower and, incidentally, lower CO2 emissions (at 197g/km). All with more space and for a lower price. Can’t be bad. So why should you buy a Zafira rather than arch-rivals like the Citroen C4 Picasso, the SEAT Altea or Ford’s Focus C-MAX? Well the first reason is a pretty simple one: whereas these cars can seat only five, the Zafira can swallow seven. Yet the Vauxhall is still mini-MPV size, only half-a-foot longer than most competitors. Other rivals like Renault’s Scenic or VW’s Touran can be specified to seat seven but you have to pay extra.

"The 2.2-litre 16v engine feels relaxed and unstressed even when the Zafira is loaded …"

Six inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and a shade taller than the outgoing car, the latest Zafira retains the seat configuration of its predecessor, with a middle bench seat offering three berths and two seats in the back that also fold flat into the floor. What has changed is the amount of legroom on offer to the occupants. Whereas the old car would have been hideously cramped with all seven seats in use, the latest model offers a little more breathing space. It’s still not ideally suited to a rugby sevens team and their kit, but for the larger family, it’s close to perfect. As before, the seating system is so versatile that the Zafira can be configured in two, three, four, five, six or seven seat guises in a matter of seconds. Most buyers will run in five-seat format, and in this mode the Vauxhall can cope with 620-litres of luggage – fully 20 more than the old car. Depending on the trim level, the Zafira can also boast up to 30 storage compartments. The ‘Flex Organiser’ luggage bay stowage system that has proved a success with Astra Estate buyers is also available on the Zafira. It is to the Astra that the Zafira owes many of its exterior design cues. Whereas the old Zafira was clearly related to the Astra Mk IV, the current model looks for all the world like a MkV Astra Estate that’s been attached to a garage airline. A particularly interesting feature is the optional panorama roof. With four large glass panels, this system offers passengers a light, airy atmosphere in the back, while tinted glass and a powered shade protect against dazzle. A centre console running the length of the ceiling has a number of overhead compartments. The car has been designed to accommodate a wide variety of human shapes and sizes: most should be able to get themselves comfortable. There’s height adjustment on the driver’s seat and reach and rake adjustment on the steering wheel. On a practical note, you’ll find a large glovebox, two cupholders in front of the gearlever and a drawer under the passenger seat. Other nice touches include the nets on both front seatbacks. The only real interior criticisms are the small door pockets and a general lack of colour. On the road, steering feel has improved noticeably over the old Zafira and other aspects such as the gearchange have been finessed. Ride quality and body control have improved dramatically from the previous model, thanks in no small part to a completely redesigned suspension system. The torsion beam rear axle also helps packaging, being especially compact, and allowing for a flat floor with no suspension intrusion. The key reason to choose the Zafira 2.2 is that lovely sixteen-valve engine. As for versatility, well it beats five-seat rivals hands down and could even make more sense for a medium-sized family than either a full sized MPV or the traditional Mondeo-sized affair. The 2.2-litre Zafira attracts a breed of buyer who had never previously considered a mini-MPV, it’s that good. Worth starting a family for? We’ll leave that up to you!

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Zafira 2.2 16v Direct range PRICES: £17,175-£20,350 – on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 9 CO2 EMISSIONS: 197g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 124mph / 0-60mph 9.9s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 25.0mpg / (extra urban) 44.1mpg / (combined) 34.4mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front & side airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4467/1781/1670mm

HOLD ‘EM AND FOLD ‘EM
Vauxhall aren’t gambling with the latest CDTi diesel Zafiras. They know they’ve got aces in their hand. Andy Enright reports

There’s an entirely understandable logic that dictates that if you’re about to buy a practical car, you should choose a practical engine. Vauxhall always made great play regarding the racy turbocharged versions of their Zafiras but when was the last time you saw one on the road? Of far greater significance are the more prosaic but relevant diesel engines fitted to the latest Zafira and Vauxhall can serve up a pair of aces.

Both engines are 1.9-litre common rail diesel units. Buyers choose between an entry-level 120bhp powerplant or for those in a hurry, there’s the 150bhp version. Prices open at £17,845 for the CDTi120 in Life guise and top out at £21,885 for a CDTi150 in Elite trim. This car has been improved in recent times with a smarter look that includes extra chrome detailing on the radiator grille, smarter foglamp surrounds, restyled rear lamp clusters and chrome detailing on the front headlamp lenses. Both engines feel lively and flexible with little of the lag and surge that afflicted the power delivery of early turbodiesel units. They aren’t the quietest diesel engines I’ve experienced and if refinement is a priority, cars like the Corolla Verso D-4D and Honda FR-V 2.2 i-CTDi are markedly superior. Soundproofing in the wheelarches and underbody could also be a little better. Until you drive the two Zafira diesel models back to back, it’s tough to appreciate how much quicker the 150bhp installation is but for most customers the cheaper 120bhp unit will be the better buy. Both are fitted as standard with a six-speed manual and the 120bhp car will get to 60mph in 12 seconds while the 150bhp model will detain you for 10.2s. Top speeds are pegged at 116 and 126mph respectively and combined economy figures are 46.3mpg for the 120 and 45.6mpg for the 150. Carbon dioxide emissions vary little, the 120bhp Zafira putting out 165 grammes per kilometre travelled and the more powerful model a scant 2 grammes more. Opt for the automatic on the 120bhp car and the figures become a good deal less impressive.

"These diesel engines are reliable, economical and flexible"

Given that the Saab 9-3 Sports Saloon shares these two powerplants, it’s easy to appreciate that they punt a Zafira up the road with no little verve. Mid range torque is predictably good and the gearlever is fun to snick around the gate. Ride quality and body control have improved dramatically from the old Zafira, thanks in no small part to a completely redesigned suspension system. The torsion beam rear axle also helps packaging, being especially compact, allowing for a flat floor with no suspension intrusion. The one thing you can never have enough of in an MPV-style vehicle is space and sure enough, the tale of the tape reveals that the Zafira has succumbed, if not to middle age spread, then at least a little loosening of the belt. This is perhaps understandable given the fact that with utility vehicles like the Meriva mopping up sales in the supermini-MPV class and no recognised full-sized MPV contender, there was a vacuum into which the Zafira would be drawn. Six inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and a shade taller than the first generation car, the MK2 Zafira retains its originator’s seven-seat configuration, with a middle bench seat offering three berths and two seats in the back that also fold flat into the floor. If by chance, your only experience of Zafira motoring was with the old MK1 model, then you should notice the extra legroom on offer when taking a seat in this car. Whereas the first generation Zafira would have been hideously cramped with all seven seats in use, this version offers a little more breathing space. It’s still not ideally suited to a rugby sevens team and their kit, but for the larger family, it’s close to perfect. As ever, the seating system is so versatile that the Zafira can be configured in two, three, four, five, six or seven seat guises in a matter of seconds. Most buyers will run in five-seat format, and in this mode the Vauxhall can cope with 620-litres of luggage. Depending on the trim level, the Zafira can also boast up to 30 storage compartments. The ‘Flex Organiser’ luggage bay stowage system that has proved a success with Astra Estate buyers is also available on the Zafira. Don’t believe the hype that the Flex7 system is instantly intuitive. Some reference to the manual and a certain degree of practice is required before you can say you’ve mastered the seating system. It is to the Astra that the Zafira owes many of its exterior design cues, the current model looking for all the world like a MkV Astra Estate that’s been attached to a garage air line. A particularly interesting feature is the optional panorama roof. With four large glass panels, this system offers passengers a light, airy atmosphere in the back, while tinted glass and a powered shade protect against dazzle. A centre console running the length of the ceiling has a number of overhead compartments. Built in a £300 million state-of-the-art facility in Bochum, Germany, this Zafira is built to a zero defect principle and the results are apparent inside the cabin. Although it doesn’t feel quite as bulletproof as the Astra inside, it’s still a very impressive effort. With the exception of overall refinement, there’s little to generate complaint. Expect to see these diesel models continue at the top of the mini-MPV sales chart.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Zafira CDTi diesel range PRICES: £17,845-£21,885 – on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 7E-10E CO2 EMISSIONS: 159-194g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.9 CDTi 150] Max Speed 126mph / 0-60mph 10.2s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.9 CDTi 120] (urban) 37.2mpg / (extra urban) 55.4mpg / (combined) 47.1mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4467/1776/1637mm

BACK FROM THE Z
Vauxhall’s enormously successful Zafira is impressive in second generation guise. Andy Enright assesses its chances…

Some cars offer a lot of scope for improvement. Vauxhall’s Zafira, however, was never one of them. It fulfilled its brief brilliantly in offering seven seat family transport that was safe, affordable, reliable and enjoyable. Vauxhall subsequently reaped the rewards, the Zafira being the biggest seller of all European mini-MPVs, eclipsing the Renault Scenic in a market the French company once called their own. Replacing the Zafira was never going to be easy, but Vauxhall have got the MK2 model just right.

The one thing you can never have enough of in an MPV-style vehicle is space and sure enough, the tale of the tape reveals that the Zafira has succumbed, if not to middle age spread, then at least a little loosening of the belt. This is perhaps understandable given the fact that with utility vehicles like the Meriva mopping up sales in the supermini-MPV class and no recognised full-sized MPV contender, there was a vacuum into which the Zafira would be drawn. Six inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and a shade taller than the outgoing car, the latest Zafira retains the seven-seat configuration, with a middle bench seat offering three berths and two seats in the back that also fold flat into the floor. What has changed is the amount of legroom on offer to the occupants. Whereas the old car would have been hideously cramped with all seven seats in use, the latest model offers a little more breathing space. It’s still not ideally suited to a rugby sevens team and their kit, but for the larger family, it’s close to perfect. As before, the seating system is so versatile that the Zafira can be configured in two, three, four, five, six or seven seat guises in a matter of seconds. Most buyers will run in five-seat format, and in this mode the Vauxhall can cope with 620-litres of luggage – fully 20 more than the old car. Depending on the trim level, the Zafira can also boast up to 30 storage compartments. The ‘Flex Organiser’ luggage bay stowage system that has proved a success with Astra Estate buyers is also available on the Zafira.

"The Zafira looks set to dominate the sales charts again"

It is to the Astra that the Zafira owes many of its exterior design cues. Whereas the old Zafira was clearly related to the Astra Mk IV, the current model looks for all the world like a MkV Astra Estate that’s been attached to a garage airline. A particularly interesting feature is the optional panorama roof. With four large glass panels, this system offers passengers a light, airy atmosphere in the back, while tinted glass and a powered shade protect against dazzle. A centre console running the length of the ceiling has a number of overhead compartments. A wide range of engines are offered and the Zafira marks the debut of Vauxhall’s 140bhp 1.8-litre ECOTEC powerplant. Sure to be a mainstay of their petrol powered engine selection, compared to the outgoing model’s 1.8 unit, the replacement has 14 per cent more power, consumes four per cent less fuel, has improved flexibility and is a good deal more refined. The 140bhp power output means the new 1.8-litre engine is one of the most powerful in this class, but it’s far from being a highly-stressed race engine with peaky power delivery. Thanks to advanced valve and cam phasing technology, 90 per cent of the 175Nm maximum torque is available from 2200 to 6200 rpm. This wide range ensures lively performance and exceptional pulling power even at low engine speeds, making everyday driving more relaxed with less need to change gear. Vauxhall pioneered the concept of the performance mini-MPV with the GSi Turbo version of the last Zafira and filling that niche even more emphatically is the Zafira VXR. From the VXR sub brand of high performance vehicles, this model can call upon a 240bhp powerplant that will rocket the car to 60mph in 7 seconds flat and on to a top speed of 144mph. With 320Nm of torque in reserve, this Zafira has as much muscle as a Porsche Boxster S. If the growing family means that you’ve had to shelve plans for a sporty car, here’s the perfect antidote. With a honeycomb grille, a larger front bumper (with a central air intake) and fog lights, the VXR has serious rear-view mirror presence. Deep sill extensions, twin tailpipes and 18-inch alloy wheels ensure that bystanders know what they’re looking at. The interior features Recaro sports seats and a sports steering wheel and gear lever. With prices starting at £12,995 for the 1.6-litre Expression model, Vauxhall aims to put a big hole in the hopes of the budget contenders. Model for model, the Zafira looks to be around £350 cheaper than its predecessor at the lower end of the scale. Vauxhall even claim that a Zafira 1.6-litre Life works out at around £1,000 cheaper than an equivalently specified Renault Grand Scenic. That’s not to be sniffed at. Trim levels run through Expression, Life, Club, Design, SRi, Elite and VXR and aside from the engines previously touched upon, there’s also a 2.2-litre direct injection petrol, a 200bhp 2.0-litre turbo and 1.9-litre common rail diesel powerplants of 120bhp and 150bhp outputs. Expect to pay just under £20,000 for the Zafira1.9 CDTi 150 in SRi trim. It’s hard to see how Vauxhall can get this one wrong. The last Zafira made a lot of sense but was only really deficient in terms of visual pizzazz and interior wow factor. The Mk V Astra has these qualities in spades and lending them to the latest Zafira isn’t the work of a genius. Expect to see Vauxhall remain at the top of the mini-MPV sales charts.

FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Vauxhall Zafira range PRICES: £12,995-£22,270 – on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 5-15 CO2 EMISSIONS: 165-228g/km PERFORMANCE: [VXR] Max Speed 144mph / 0-60mph 7s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.8] (average) 34mpg [est] STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4467/1776/1637mm

FLEX ADDICT
Vauxhall’s Zafira has long campaigned in terms of value for money and the 1.6-litre models best exemplify this. Andy Enright reports

If you’d resigned yourself to a second rate mini-MPV from a budget manufacturer, this might come as good news. Prices for the latest Vauxhall Zafira range kick off at around £13,000 and you’re not about to get saddled with an engine that would struggle to punch its way out of a wet paper bag. In fact, the 1.6-litre petrol Zafira models are well worth further investigation. If you were about to settle for second best, put down that pen, step away from that dotted line and read on.

Let’s face facts. Much as Vauxhall have tried to convince us to the contrary, mini-MPVs in general and the Zafira in particular are not about tyre-shredding power and performance. They’re bought for other reasons such as practicality, safety and ease of ownership. This is why for most people, the 1.6-litre entry-level model is, in fact, a better car than the 240bhp ripsnorting Zafira VXR. Less, in this instance, is most definitely more. You probably won’t care that it takes 13.9 seconds to get to 60mph and that the top speed of 109mph isn’t going to make you the Obergruppenfuhrer of the autobahn. No, what’s more germane is the almost diesel-like fuel consumption figure of 38.7mpg and a CO2 emissions figure of just 175g/km. The engine is a benign unit that revs sweetly and only really feels its capacity when you’ve loaded the vehicle to capacity or are attempting to set a stiff target time for Lance Armstrong on a Category III climb. Three basic trim levels are offered, opening with the Expression, the model that features the headline-grabbing £12,995 price tag. Move up to the Life model and you’re still netting quite a bargain. Despite adding side airbags and roof rails to the old model, at £14,800 the latest car is £350 cheaper. The reason why I mentioned there are three ‘basic’ trim levels in the line up is that there are effectively two versions of the Life offered; the standard car and model with air conditioning that tacks on another £500. With a vehicle with this much glass, that may well prove a sound investment. At the top of the totem pole is the 1.6-litre Club, fitted with air-conditioning, alloy wheels and curtain airbags. This is some £650 cheaper than the old model. Paying less and getting more sounds a good deal in anybody’s language.

"The Zafira 1.6-litre may not be thrilling but it is thrifty"

Steering feel has improved noticeably over the old Zafira and other aspects such as the gearchange have been finessed. Ride quality and body control have improved dramatically from the old Zafira, thanks in no small part to a completely redesigned suspension system. The torsion beam rear axle also helps packaging, being especially compact, and allowing for a flat floor with no suspension intrusion. The one thing you can never have enough of in an MPV-style vehicle is space and sure enough, the tale of the tape reveals that the Zafira has succumbed, if not to middle age spread, then at least to a little loosening of the belt. This is perhaps understandable given the fact that with utility vehicles like the Meriva mopping up sales in the supermini-MPV class and no recognised full-sized MPV contender, there was a vacuum into which the Zafira would be drawn. Six inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and a shade taller than the outgoing car, the latest Zafira retains the seven-seat configuration, with a middle bench seat offering three berths and two seats in the back that also fold flat into the floor. What has changed is the amount of legroom on offer to the occupants. Whereas the old car would have been hideously cramped with all seven seats in use, the latest model offers a little more breathing space. It’s still not ideally suited to a rugby sevens team and their kit, but for the larger family, it’s close to perfect. As before, the seating system is so versatile that the Zafira can be configured in two, three, four, five, six or seven seat guises in a matter of seconds. Most buyers will run in five-seat format, and in this mode the Vauxhall can cope with 620-litres of luggage – fully 20 more than the old car. Depending on the trim level, the Zafira can also boast up to 30 storage compartments. The ‘Flex Organiser’ luggage bay stowage system that has proved a success with Astra Estate buyers is also available on the Zafira. Don’t believe the hype that the Flex7 system is instantly intuitive. Some reference to the manual and a certain degree of practice is required before you can say you’ve mastered the seating system. It is to the Astra that the Zafira owes many of its exterior design cues. Whereas the old Zafira was clearly related to the Astra Mk IV, the current model looks for all the world like a MkV Astra Estate that’s been attached to a garage air line. A particularly interesting feature is the optional panorama roof. With four large glass panels, this system offers passengers a light, airy atmosphere in the back, while tinted glass and a powered shade protect against dazzle. A centre console running the length of the ceiling has a number of overhead compartments. Built in a £300 million state-of-the-art facility in Bochum, Germany, the latest Zafira is built to a zero defect principle and the results are apparent inside the cabin. Although it doesn’t feel quite as bulletproof as the Astra inside, it’s still a very impressive effort. The 1.6-litre versions of the Zafira are probably pipped by the diesel models as the best buy in the range, but if funds won’t permit you to stretch to one of the CDTi engines, the 1.6-litre petrol is no sorry substitute. It’s a tough and willing powerplant wrapped in one of the best mini-MPVs money can buy. Vauxhall hit the mother lode with the last Zafira and look set to do so again.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 range PRICES: £12,995-£15,525 – on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 7E CO2 EMISSIONS: 175g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 109mph / 0-60mph 13.9s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (average) 38.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4467/1776/1637mm

ECO CHAMBER
The Supremely Successful Vauxhall Zafira Is At Its Most Buyable In Its 1.8-Litre Form. Andy Enright Reports

The Vauxhall Zafira VXR is quite something. What wouldn’t you do with 240bhp under your right boot? The body kit, the racy alloys, the sports suspension, the loft that needs insulating, the school uniforms for the kids, the credit card bill from the last trip to Europe: now we’re getting to more pressing priorities. That’s why as attractive as ‘halo’ models like the VXR are, cars like the 1.8-litre Zafira represent Vauxhall’s bread and butter. It may not have the glamour of the range-topping models but this is a more significant and, arguably, a better car.

Here’s why. The entry-level 1.6-litre Zafira may seem a tempting proposition at just £12,995, but this is largely a construct to get a low opening price onto advertisements. This engine can’t manage a fully laden Zafira with any great élan and the £1,200 required to trade up to the far more powerful 1.8-litre version is definitely money well spent. There’s a whopping 34bhp differential between the two cars, so you’ll feel the benefit as soon as you prod the throttle. Taking just over 10 seconds to get to 60mph, this Zafira’s 1.8-litre ECOTEC powerplant is smooth and generates more torque than you may expect. Unless you rack up enormous mileages, it works out more cost effective on a cost per pence per mile basis than many of the diesel variants. It’s easy to be seduced by the diesel car’s promises of eye-catching fuel economy figures, but reach for the calculator and tot up how much extra you’ll pay for the diesel model and how much that car would save you in fuel over your ownership period and there will probably be quite a gap. In short, the 1.8-litre petrol model is more cost effective. By all means splash out for the diesels if you want the surging mid-range torque and the excellent cruising range, but don’t kid yourself that you’re buying diesel to save on shekels.

"This ECOTEC engine is a wholly different beast to the old 1.8-litre lump"

The140bhp 1.8-litre ECOTEC powerplant is new to this generation of Zafira and compared to the outgoing model’s 1.8 unit has 14 per cent more power, consumes four per cent less fuel, has improved flexibility and is a good deal more refined. The generous power output means the new 1.8-litre engine is one of the most powerful in this class, but it’s far from being a highly-stressed race engine with peaky power delivery. Thanks to advanced valve and cam phasing technology, 90 per cent of the 175Nm maximum torque is available from 2200 to 6200 rpm. This wide range ensures lively performance and exceptional pulling power even at low engine speeds, making everyday driving more relaxed with less need to change gear. Trim levels run through Life, Club, Design, Elite and SRi with prices starting at £16,025. Compared to rivals like the Renault Scenic, the Toyota Verso and the Honda FR-V, these prices are very competitive and Vauxhall will periodically offer some very attractive dealer incentives as well. These are well worth looking out for, or at least having a quiet word in your dealer’s ear to see if he can tip you the nod. The basic Zafira package is one that is increasingly consolidating its position as Europe’s favourite mini-MPV. The one thing you can never have enough of in an MPV-style vehicle is space and sure enough, the tale of the tape reveals that the Zafira has succumbed, if not to middle age spread, then at least a little loosening of the belt. This is perhaps understandable given the fact that with utility vehicles like the Meriva mopping up sales in the supermini-MPV class and no recognised full-sized MPV contender, there was a vacuum into which the Zafira would be drawn. Six inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and a shade taller than the outgoing car, the latest Zafira retains the seven-seat configuration, with a middle bench seat offering three berths and two seats in the back that also fold flat into the floor. What has changed is the amount of legroom on offer to the occupants. Whereas the old car would have been hideously cramped with all seven seats in use, the latest model offers a little more breathing space. It’s still not ideally suited to a rugby sevens team and their kit, but for the larger family, it’s close to perfect. As before, the seating system is so versatile that the Zafira can be configured in two, three, four, five, six or seven seat guises in a matter of seconds. Most buyers will run in five-seat format, and in this mode the Vauxhall can cope with 620-litres of luggage – fully 20 more than the old car. Depending on the trim level, the Zafira can also boast up to 30 storage compartments. The ‘Flex Organiser’ luggage bay stowage system that has proved a success with Astra Estate buyers is also available on the Zafira. It is to the Astra that the Zafira owes many of its exterior design cues. Whereas the old Zafira was clearly related to the Astra Mk IV, the current model looks for all the world like a MkV Astra Estate that’s been attached to a garage airline. A particularly interesting feature is the optional panorama roof. With four large glass panels, this system offers passengers a light, airy atmosphere in the back, while tinted glass and a powered shade protect against dazzle. A centre console running the length of the ceiling has a number of overhead compartments. The Zafira 1.8 ECOTEC is a key derivative in a Vauxhall stable that’s increasingly eclipsing rival Ford as the most impressive of the truly huge mainstream manufacturer. Knuckling down and building cars that normal people like to buy used to be a Vauxhall strength, but they lost their way in the Eighties and Nineties when chasing dwindling fleet markets. It’s good to see them getting back to form.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Zafira 1.8 ECOTEC range PRICES: £16,025-£18,950 – on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 5-9 CO2 EMISSIONS: 187g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 122mph / 0-60mph 10.4s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (average) 34mpg [est] STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4467/1776/1637mm

BACK FROM THE Z
Vauxhall’s enormously successful Zafira is impressive in second generation guise and has recently been smarterened up. Andy Enright assesses its chances…

Some cars offer a lot of scope for improvement. Vauxhall’s Zafira, however, was never one of them. It fulfilled its brief brilliantly in offering seven seat family transport that was safe, affordable, reliable and enjoyable. Vauxhall subsequently reaped the rewards, the Zafira being the biggest seller of all European mini-MPVs, eclipsing the Renault Scenic in a market the French company once called their own. Replacing the Zafira was never going to be easy, but Vauxhall have got the MK2 model just right.

It’s been improved in recent times with a smarter look that includes extra chrome detailing on the radiator grille, smarter foglamp surrounds, restyled rear lamp clusters and chrome detailing on the front headlamp lenses. Curtain airbags become standard on all Zafira models, while Design, Elite and VXR models also get new piano black interior detailing around the audio and ventilation controls. The one thing you can never have enough of in an MPV-style vehicle is space and sure enough, the tale of the tape reveals that the Zafira has succumbed, if not to middle age spread, then at least a little loosening of the belt. This is perhaps understandable given the fact that with utility vehicles like the Meriva mopping up sales in the supermini-MPV class and no recognised full-sized MPV contender, there was a vacuum into which the Zafira would be drawn. Six inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and a shade taller than the first generation car, the latest Zafira retains the seven-seat configuration, with a middle bench seat offering three berths and two seats in the back that also fold flat into the floor. What has changed in the second generation model is the amount of legroom on offer to the occupants. Whereas the MK1 car would have been hideously cramped with all seven seats in use, the latest model offers a little more breathing space. It’s still not ideally suited to a rugby sevens team and their kit, but for the larger family, it’s close to perfect. As before, the seating system is so versatile that the Zafira can be configured in two, three, four, five, six or seven seat guises in a matter of seconds.

"The Zafira looks set to dominate the sales charts again"

Most buyers will run in five-seat format, and in this mode the Vauxhall can cope with 620-litres of luggage – fully 20 more than the first generation car. Depending on the trim level, the Zafira can also boast up to 30 storage compartments. The ‘Flex Organiser’ luggage bay stowage system that has proved a success with Astra Estate buyers is also available on the Zafira. It is to the Astra that the Zafira owes many of its exterior design cues. Whereas the MK1 Zafira was clearly related to the Astra Mk IV, the current model looks for all the world like a MkV Astra Estate that’s been attached to a garage airline. A particularly interesting feature is the optional panorama roof. With four large glass panels, this system offers passengers a light, airy atmosphere in the back, while tinted glass and a powered shade protect against dazzle. A centre console running the length of the ceiling has a number of overhead compartments. A wide range of engines are offered and the Zafira makes good use of Vauxhall’s 140bhp 1.8-litre ECOTEC powerplant. If you owned a MK1 Zafira 1.8-litre petrol model, you’ll find that this engine has 14 per cent more power, consumes four per cent less fuel, has improved flexibility and is a good deal more refined. The 140bhp power output means this 1.8-litre engine is one of the most powerful in this class, but it’s far from being a highly-stressed race engine with peaky power delivery. Thanks to advanced valve and cam phasing technology, 90 per cent of the 175Nm maximum torque is available from 2200 to 6200 rpm. This wide range ensures lively performance and exceptional pulling power even at low engine speeds, making everyday driving more relaxed with less need to change gear. Vauxhall pioneered the concept of the performance mini-MPV with the GSi Turbo version of the MK1 Zafira and filling that niche even more emphatically is the Zafira VXR. From the VXR sub brand of high performance vehicles, this model can call upon a 240bhp powerplant that will rocket the car to 60mph in 7 seconds flat and on to a top speed of 144mph. With 320Nm of torque in reserve, this Zafira has as much muscle as a Porsche Boxster S. If the growing family means that you’ve had to shelve plans for a sporty car, here’s the perfect antidote. With a honeycomb grille, a larger front bumper (with a central air intake) and fog lights, the VXR has serious rear-view mirror presence. Deep sill extensions, twin tailpipes and 18-inch alloy wheels ensure that bystanders know what they’re looking at. The interior features Recaro sports seats and a sports steering wheel and gear lever. With prices starting at £12,995 for the 1.6-litre Expression model, Vauxhall aims to put a big hole in the hopes of the budget contenders. Model for model, the Zafira looks to be around £350 cheaper than its predecessor at the lower end of the scale. Vauxhall even claim that a Zafira 1.6-litre Life works out at around £1,000 cheaper than an equivalently specified Renault Grand Scenic. That’s not to be sniffed at. As well as the recently introduced Exclusiv trim level, there’s a choice of Expression, Life, Club, Design, SRi, Elite and VXR specs and aside from the engines previously touched upon, there’s also a 2.2-litre direct injection petrol, a 200bhp 2.0-litre turbo and 1.9-litre common rail diesel powerplants of 120bhp and 150bhp outputs. Zafiras have always made a lot of sense but for too long were deficient in terms of visual pizzazz and interior wow factor. No longer. The Mk V Astra has these qualities in spades and lending them to the latest Zafira isn’t the work of a genius, a process enhanced further by the recent changes. Expect to see Vauxhall remain at the top of the mini-MPV sales charts.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Zafira range PRICES: £12,995-£22,845 – on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 5-15 CO2 EMISSIONS: 165-228g/km PERFORMANCE: [VXR] Max Speed 144mph / 0-60mph 7.2s FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.8] (urban) 28.5mpg / (extra urban) 47.1mpg / (combined) 38.2mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4467/1776/1637mm

FLEX ADDICT
Vauxhall’s Zafira has long campaigned in terms of value for money and the 1.6-litre models best exemplify this. Andy Enright reports

If you’d resigned yourself to a second rate mini-MPV from a budget manufacturer, this might come as good news. Prices for the latest Vauxhall Zafira range kick off at around £13,000 and you’re not about to get saddled with an engine that would struggle to punch its way out of a wet paper bag. In fact, the 1.6-litre petrol Zafira models are well worth further investigation. If you were about to settle for second best, put down that pen, step away from that dotted line and read on.

Let’s face facts. Much as Vauxhall have tried to convince us to the contrary, mini-MPVs in general and the Zafira in particular are not about tyre-shredding power and performance. They’re bought for other reasons such as practicality, safety and ease of ownership. This is why for most people, the 1.6-litre entry-level model is, in fact, a better car than the 240bhp ripsnorting Zafira VXR. Less, in this instance, is most definitely more. You probably won’t care that it takes 13.9 seconds to get to 60mph and that the top speed of 109mph isn’t going to make you the Obergruppenfuhrer of the autobahn. No, what’s more germane is the almost diesel-like fuel consumption figure of 38.7mpg and a CO2 emissions figure of just 175g/km. The engine is a benign unit that revs sweetly and only really feels its capacity when you’ve loaded the vehicle to capacity or are attempting to set a stiff target time for Lance Armstrong on a Category III climb. Three basic trim levels are offered, opening with the Expression, the model that features the headline-grabbing £12,995 price tag. Move up to the Life model and you’re still netting quite a bargain at £15,030 with roof rails included. At the top of the totem pole is the 1.6-litre Club, fitted with air-conditioning, alloy wheels and curtain airbags. This car has been improved in recent times with a smarter look that includes extra chrome detailing on the radiator grille, smarter foglamp surrounds, restyled rear lamp clusters and chrome detailing on the front headlamp lenses.

"The Zafira 1.6-litre may not be thrilling but it is thrifty"

Steering feel has improved noticeably with the Zafira in recent times and other aspects such as the gearchange have been finessed. Ride quality and body control have improved dramatically from the first generation model, thanks in no small part to a completely redesigned suspension system. The torsion beam rear axle also helps packaging, being especially compact, and allowing for a flat floor with no suspension intrusion. The one thing you can never have enough of in an MPV-style vehicle is space and sure enough, the tale of the tape reveals that the Zafira has succumbed, if not to middle age spread, then at least to a little loosening of the belt. This is perhaps understandable given the fact that with utility vehicles like the Meriva mopping up sales in the supermini-MPV class and no recognised full-sized MPV contender, there was a vacuum into which the Zafira would be drawn. Six inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and a shade taller than the first generation car, the current Zafira retains the seven-seat configuration, with a middle bench seat offering three berths and two seats in the back that also fold flat into the floor. What has changed is the amount of legroom on offer to the occupants. Whereas the first generation car would have been hideously cramped with all seven seats in use, the latest model offers a little more breathing space. It’s still not ideally suited to a rugby sevens team and their kit, but for the larger family, it’s close to perfect. As before, the seating system is so versatile that the Zafira can be configured in two, three, four, five, six or seven seat guises in a matter of seconds. Most buyers will run in five-seat format, and in this mode the Vauxhall can cope with 620-litres of luggage – fully 20 more than the old car. Depending on the trim level, the Zafira can also boast up to 30 storage compartments. The ‘Flex Organiser’ luggage bay stowage system that has proved a success with Astra Estate buyers is also available on the Zafira. Don’t believe the hype that the Flex7 system is instantly intuitive. Some reference to the manual and a certain degree of practice is required before you can say you’ve mastered the seating system. It is to the Astra that the Zafira owes many of its exterior design cues. Whereas the first generation Zafira was clearly related to the Astra Mk IV, the current model looks for all the world like a MkV Astra Estate that’s been attached to a garage air line. A particularly interesting feature is the optional panorama roof. With four large glass panels, this system offers passengers a light, airy atmosphere in the back, while tinted glass and a powered shade protect against dazzle. A centre console running the length of the ceiling has a number of overhead compartments. Built in a £300 million state-of-the-art facility in Bochum, Germany, the latest Zafira is built to a zero defect principle and the results are apparent inside the cabin. Although it doesn’t feel quite as bulletproof as the Astra inside, it’s still a very impressive effort. The 1.6-litre versions of the Zafira are probably pipped by the diesel models as the best buy in the range, but if funds won’t permit you to stretch to one of the CDTi engines, the 1.6-litre petrol is no sorry substitute. It’s a tough and willing powerplant wrapped in one of the best mini-MPVs money can buy. Vauxhall hit the mother lode with the last Zafira and look set to do so again.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Vauxhall Zafira 1.6 range PRICES: £12,995-£15,755 – on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 7E CO2 EMISSIONS: 175g/km PERFORMANCE: Max Speed 109mph / 0-60mph 13.9s FUEL CONSUMPTION: (urban) 30.1mpg / (extra urban) 47.9mpg / (combined) 39.2mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4467/1776/1637mm