Vauxhalls Spacious Zafira

Vauxhall Zafira MPV (1999 to continuing)

FOR: Clever seating for seven in a relatively small package, and good to drive.
AGAINST: Needs more safety kit, and the cabin is also short of storage cubbyholes.
VERDICT: It provides reliable and flexible family transport.

The Vauxhall Zafira is a seven seater, and they are arranged into 3 rows, the back row of which can be folded away (flushed with the floor) easily to create more space, individually or together. At the time of its introduction, this was considered "revolutionary", seats can be physically removed from the vehicle if not required. The system was named Flex 7. The car first appeared in 1999, and a second generation model was introduced in 2005.
Before the Zafira came along, the MPV market wasn't exactly full of bright sparks. Vauxhall's Flex-7 seating really changed things, the rear pair of seats quickly fold away flush into the floor, while the seats in the middle reclines, slides and tumbles. It’s easy to use, and now much copied by the likes of the latest Toyota Verso. It makes the Zafira's cabin more flexible than rivals of the day such as the Renault Scenic or even the Citroen Xsara Picasso.
The biggest problem with Zafiras is that they cambelt changes every 40,000 miles. There not cheap neither as each one comes in at around a few hundred quid. Except for the turbo model, fuel economy is good, with the favourite 1.8 petrol producing nearly 33mpg. If you opt for an engine above the 1.8 mark you'll notice a jump up in the insurance groups, so work with your budget to make sure you won't be left short. Models from 2001 onwards, service intervals were doubled to 20,000 miles. Vauxhall's Network Q web of approved used garages do good work at reasonable rates, but the thing is repair bills can be high if you're unlucky and something does go wrong.
What to watch out for when you go to buy one: Damp carpets that could indicate that water is working its way into the cabin through gaps in the bulkhead, but this isn't quite as serious as it sounds. Because about an hour's labour and a bit of sealant will have it fixe,. give all of the seats a test fold, but pay particular attention to the slide latches on the middle row, which often fail and can leave the seats unsecured, rear bumpers cost a lot to replace, so check for cracks or bodged DIY repairs with mismatched paint, and inspect handbooks to make sure that the cambelts have been replaced when they should have been. This doesn't apply to the chain-driven 1.6 and the 2.2 litre petrol engines, or the 2.0 litre diesel. Check that the spare wheel is still strapped underneath the car where it should be. It's there to free up space for the clever rear seats, and is all too easily stole,. the word on the street is go for the 1.8 Elegance model and avoid the 2.0 Di Comfort.
This Astra based seven seater is Vauxhall’s surprise package. Innovative ‘Flex 7’ seat-folding technology puts it ahead of the pack in terms of use of space and its compact size means it’s a good drive. But the ride is ponderous and the rear seats are for small children only.
High driving position gives a good all round view. The seats and steering wheel are adjustable, which makes it easy to get comfortable. Dials are clear, but some radio buttons are too small and fiddly. However, Zafira's driving position does feel more ''van like'' than the Astra on which it is based.
Wind and road noise mean it's less refined on the motorway, but it's otherwise competent, changing lanes and overtaking easily. Front passenger has plenty of space and the seats are quite supportive
High level of standard equipment, including air conditioning and electric front windows. Design is the best mix between spec and trim, while the 2.0 GSi has plenty of sporting touches like 17in alloy wheels.
Zafira lags behind the Picasso and Scenic with just a three star Euro NCAP rating. There are driver and passenger airbags with optional side bags, plus ABS and traction control on top cars. The Thatcham New Car Security Ratings (NSCR) give Zafira four stars for drive away theft protection and two stars for break in security.
The heavy body means the 1.6 isn't quite up to the job, as sed the 1.8 is a better all rounder and will suit most needs. 2.2 is a brisk performer without being hot, which is left to the athletic 2.0 turbo in the GSi. Zafira is without an impressive diesel engine. The early 2.0 Di is slow, low on power and unrefined. The 2.0 DTi from mid 2000 is a big improvement, with more power and performance. However, neither is a truly modern choice and is only suitable for the long distance motorway driver. Zafira is largely based on the Astra and it shows on the road. Its taller, chunkier body means it's not as supple, but it still handles more like a conventional car than a bulky MPV. It's easy to manoeuvre and good all round visibility makes it easy to drive around town.

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