The control of the MPV body is tight, while strong grip and also direct steering definitely make driving fun. However, Zafira MPV being a family car should not have included a firm suspension as it makes the ride somehow harsh. Wind and road noise can also be heard in plenty from the coarse and the engines. The diesel engine might be noisier than the petrol powered versions but all still do not meet the required standards for the best class. You will however appreciate an impressive gearshift.
The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer ES 1.8i 16v 5dr comes equipped with a 16 valve 4-cylinder engine producing 140 ps at 6300 rpm, while the torque figures are 129 lb-ft at 3800 rpm. It will manage to accelerate from 0-62 mph in an impressive 7.2 seconds and attain a top speed of 121 mph. Other than 1.8, there is a 1.6 VVT unit that also uses petrol and still manages a decent performance. However, the 1.7 diesel version manages 108 bhp for extra torque.
Looks & Equipment
The styling of the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer is smart while the car features a power steering, central locking, stability control, air-con, electric door mirrors, electric front widows, metallic paint, cruise control, rear parking sensors, driver airbag, passenger airbag, front side airbags, immobilizer, mp3 connectivity, CD and Bluetooth.
There are design versions that add powered rear windows, alloys and rain sensing wipers as well. Leather upholstery is featured in elite models, while sportier styling touches as well as sports suspension apply to SRi versions. The low-end models will definitely miss a lot more to include only the basics. The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer with its standard equipment and features may not be very versatile but provides adequate comfort for family transport.
Practicality, Safety and Reliability
The front 5 seats of zafira do have plenty of space unlike the rear seats that can only comfortably accommodate children. The seats’ design is definitely not the best compared to some rivals. You cannot slide, fold and recline individual seats. The rear bench is one piece that can only be folded halfway and before sliding it up against the backs of the front seats. However, there is still a decent space in the boot that can accommodate the passenger luggage needs most families would have.
The curtain airbags in the front and the second seats as well as deadlocks and immobilizers are among the safety features that helped zafira to manage a 5-star rating in crash test from Euro NCAP. Despite dependable and sturdy materials, dull grey plastic materials inside the cabin does not make a plush environment though its not a cheap one. The ratings for Zafira’s power and mechanical reliability are not impressive at below average.
Value for Money
The prices for Zafira are not that high and the range is from £13,995 to £25,840, while attractive discounts are also offered by most Vauxhall dealers to potential buyers. The class does not either involve high running costs. While some rivals have a better resale value, it can only be said to be reasonable for the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer ES 1.8i 16v 5dr.
A lifetime warranty, reassurance even though limited to 100,000 miles for the Zafira MPV is still attractive. With all these offers and the uses you can make of the car among other considerations, investing in the family car does still guarantee a good value for your money.
