What they said when the Vauxhall Zafira was new… (Jun 27 2005)
THE Vauxhall Zafira was the first motor in the compact MPV sector to offer seven seats when it was introduced in 1999 and since then others have followed its lead.
It has proved a huge success accounting for over 40 per cent of the seven-seat MPV market in 2004 and outselling the rest of the top 10 combined.
Now Vauxhall has revamped the Zafira completely and it is due to go on sale on July 23, the company expecting to sell 50,000 units in its first full year.
Based on the new Astra chassis, the latest Zafira is wider, higher and longer and, in my opinion, far better looking.
This is not merely a facelift of the old model. Vauxhall designers have given the Zafira a sporty look which was missing from the original boxy, van-like model.
From whatever angle you view it, the Zafira has lots more poise and elegance and is instantly recognisable with its new corporate grille, bold projector beam headlamps and chrome-edged rear light clusters.
The Zafira is now the sleekest model in its class with less wind resistance which cuts down on noise and helps to deliver better fuel economy. From all angles the new Zafira is a vast improvement on the outgoing model.
Five powerplants will be available in the new Zafira from launch, with two more joining the line up in the autumn. The initial engine choice is a 1.6i 16v Twinport, 2.2i 16v Direct, 2.0i 16v Turbo, 1.9 CDTi 120bhp and 1.9 CDTi 16v 150bhp.
Five trim variants will also be available at launch - Expression, Life, Club, Design and SRi.
A new six-speed auto transmission is available with the 120bhp 1.9 CDTi with an ActiveSelect function. This gives the control of a manual, as by tapping the lever across to the left you can choose ratios of your own accord.
In autumn, the line-up will include the 1.8i Ecotec petrol which should be much better than the lacklustre 1.6 I drove on the press launch in Devon.
And for those wanting real power the 2.0i Turbo VXR version, with 240bhp under the bonnet, will also make its debut before the end of the year.
There's a dramatic change of quality inside the new Zafira. The materials used are of a much higher quality and solidity.
A new multifunction steering wheel, standard in all models from Club upwards, allows control of the stereo and information functions without the need to take your hands off the wheel, while heating, ventilation and climate control buttons are simple to use. The central display screen is mounted high up in the fascia, making it easy to read without taking your eyes off the road.
Depending on the model you choose, up to 30 different cubby holes and pockets are available in which to store the bits and pieces that go with family life.
And, if you opt for the Panoramic roof you get five extra storage compartments in the form of aircraft-style overhead lockers, offering an extra 20 litres of interior storage space.
The new Zafira's big boot can accommodate up to 1,820 litres of luggage with the seats folded - 120 litres more than its predecessor - while in five-seat configuration it still offers 645 litres of load space.
But whether you really need seven seats is debatable. I suppose it can be handy if it's your turn to do the school run with your own and friends' children. It's really a five seater with the added bonus of two small fold-down seats which can be a bonus in an emergency.
Safety features include twin front, side and head curtain airbags, active head restraints are also available, a seat occupancy detection option also works out whether the ISOFIX-equipped front passenger seat is unoccupied or fitted with a transponder-equipped child seat, and disables the airbag if necessary.
Furthermore, if an airbag is deployed in an accident, the hazard warning flashers are automatically switched on and all doors unlocked.
So, how dies it drive? Stiffer suspension settings and a more rigid body means the new Zafira offers much better driving enjoyment.
Despite its size and high stance it corners well with little body roll and on the motorway and Aroads eats up the miles with refinement. It is exceptionally quiet on the move and the diesel variants are almost as silent as the petrol versions.
Standard features on the Expression and Life models include: anti-lock braking system, power-assisted steering, electric front windows, driver's seat height adjuster, remote control central deadlocking, steering wheel adjustable for reach and rake, air conditioning, stereo/radio CD player, 12-volt auxiliary power socket, black roof rails, electronic stability programme.
Design and Club models add part-leather seats, dark-tinted rear glass, front fog lights, trip computer, electric rear windows, rain-sensitive windscreen wipers, automatic lighting, leather-covered three-spoke steering wheel and 17-inch alloys.
Prices start at £12,995 for the Zafira Expression 1.6i 16v, up to £18,95 for the Zafira Club 1.9 CDTi.
Should do well.
Words: Stewart Smith
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