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1.6 Stats
Top speed: 110mph 0-60 mph: 13.5 seconds Economy: 32.8 mpg NCAP: 3 stars, 5 stars from 2005
Why Buy: You get a very versatile seven seat cabin that is suitably spacious, which got even better with the revised model in 2005. Well finished inside, the rearmost seats fold flat into the boot floor and the middle row folds in half and slides up against the front seats. Like I said, versatile, but still compact.
Equipment: Early models are quite basic in Comfort specification, so Elegance is the better buy for kit. Later ‘Expressions’ have more safety kit and remote locking, but the Life has the all-important air con and CD player, while the Club has curtain airbags.
Driving: Nothing exciting, just a solid driving experience which means that it is always comfortable and does not get upset when pushed. This is just a bigger Astra and it feels like it which is a very good thing and makes it easy to live with and drive around town.
Marketplace: It’s a Vauxhall, so there are always lots to choose from. Buyers seek out the diesels, but we would say that the smaller petrols will do a job at a good value price. Just avoid shabby examples and there are plenty around.
Best Buys: Of the older models, the 2.0 diesels are worth finding in at least Elegance trim. 2.0 Turbo is surprisingly quick and as people get scared of those, they are now bargains. Late model 1.6 Lifes are certainly worth it and cheaper than you think.
Sum Up: Zafira is hard to fault as a family vehicle which adapts to changing amounts of luggage and bodies. Running costs also not as frightening as a full size MPV, and its compactness means that you won’t have a problem around town.
Words: James Ruppert