New Car Reviews / Vauxhall / Vauxhall Zafira Review
Vauxhall Zafira Review & Road TestReview by www.new-car-reviews.co.uk Drivers
Thanks to Vauxhall's Dynamic Safety Chassis (DSA), the Zafira handles and holds the road superbly. The cars feeling of agility is complimented by excellent punchy engines and sharp steering that make the Zafira a real pleasure to drive. All of the engines have enough power to do justice to the Zafira's chassis and choices include; three petrol engines (1.6 litre, 1.8 litre, 2.2 litre), two LPG engines (1.6 litre, 1.8 litre), one turbo-diesel engine (2.2 litre) and a sporty 2.0 litre turbo charged petrol engine.
At the top of the range the GSi Turbo is fitted with an uprated suspension and just about manages to live up to its image as a seven seater sports car. With a maximum speed of 137 mph and a 0-60 time of in 7.6 seconds it could outperform many so called hot-hatches.
Around town , it is very easy to forget you are driving and MPV (apart from the high-seating position) because the Zafira is not much longer than an Astra Estate and all controls are light and easy to use.
Passengers
The Zafira can accommodate seven adults with plenty of head and legroom all round. The cabin is very well bolted together and uses high quality materials throughout, consequently it should stand up to the test of regular family use.
At higher speeds, wind and road noise does rise above background levels but is still impressive for such a high and relatively flat-sided vehicle. Engine noise is pretty much absent apart from when pushing hard with a full load.
Practicality
This is where the Zafira is a true class leader thanks to its innnovative Flex7 seating. This system allows you to create a huge cargo area without having to remove the rear seats as with other MPVs. The two rear most seats fold flat into the floor and the middle bench folds into a vertical sandwich that can be slid forwards out of the way.
Equipment
Equipment levels are good; basic models come with power steering, air conditioning, remote central locking and front electric windows, Elegance models are fitted with a CD player, electric sunroof, front and rear electric windows.
Safety & Security
Driver and passenger airbags are standard on all models, side airbags are an optional extra. Anti-lock brakes are standard on all models except the Club and traction control is available on higher specification models. All models have central locking with a dead-bolt and etched windows improving security.
Quality & Reliability
The Zafira is based on the Vauxhall Astra, which has an excellent mechanical reliability record. The interior of car is also well built and should stand up well to regular family use.
Owning
Low servicing and running costs are characteristic of the Vauxhall range (the 2.0DTi manages a combined fuel consumption figure of 43.5 mpg). Residual values also seem to be holding up well.n for durability mean that re-sale is not a problem.
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