The Zafira was one of the original people carriers, or MPVs, and was launched back 1997 with some neat and unique design features such as rear seats that folded completely flat into the load area floor. This was at a time when the competition's rear seats needed a strongman to lug them out and store them in your garage. It was hardly ideal when you just needed some extra space.
In its latest guise the Zafira has improved upon the original and now offers a more sophisticated yet still eminently practical means of family or business transport. Despite its quite large proportions it is remarkably car-like to drive. With the exception of a rather high sill that proved difficult for my elderly Mother the Zafira has a comfortable interior with multi-adjustable seating that is more akin to a car than an MPV.
Standard fare on my Design trim vehicle is air conditioning, twin front and side airbags, power windows at the front, remote locking with deadlocks and ABS. Optional extras included an upgraded sound system with sat nav, cruise control, electric folding door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors and adaptive front lighting. This bumped the list price from £20,645 to a rather hefty £23,340.
As with most Vauxhall's there is a rather solid, quality feel to the build and although the interior is hardly design chic there are plenty of styling touches, from chrome highlights and chequer-pattern centre panels in the seats, to make it something a little different from norm'. It is also very pleasant to live with on a day-to-day basis. Whether moving the family, driving to work or moving that chest of drawers the Zafira appears to take it all in its stride. The fold-flat third row of seats, and a van-like load area with all the rear seats folded, ensure that loading anything is an easy matter. In view of the Zafira's practical aspects the interior also seems very durable, essential for the daily knocks and bumps that can occur from family and practical usage.
The 1.9 litre turbo diesel offers a maximum 280Nm of torque from 2,000 to 2750rpm and is mated to a manual 6-speed gearbox. Never the most refined of units it is nonetheless a capable performer with a top speed of 116mph and the benchmark 60 mph passed in 11.4 seconds. Fuel consumption is in the order of 42 mpg in mixed driving during my time with the car. The official figures state a combined MPG of a whisker of 47 mpg.
Even in its sportier guises, the Zafira isn't a vehicle you get excited about, but it is one that you can admire and respect. It truly is a vehicle that does exactly what it claims. It's very much the ideal family vehicle, roomy, good load space - with or without the seats in use - a nice easy driving sensation and excellent value for money. Its general ride and handling capabilities are safe, assured, predictable, performance is more than adequate, and it's one of those vehicles you immediately feel at home with, as if you have been driving it for years.
