Insurance Group: 14
MPG: 55.4
CO2: 134
0-62 Mph: N/A secs
BHP: 108 BHP
Range: 707 miles
PROS: Good economical 1.7 ecoFLEX engine with low emissions, cheap to buy, low running costs.
CONS: Engine lacks grunt, lack of seating flexibility, the Zafira is feeling its age now compared to other more modern rivals.
Both driver’s seat and steering wheel come with two-way adjustment making it easy to find the perfect driving position. While visibility is generally good, there are some blind spots due to the small front quarter-lights which can obstruct vision on some corners. The dash is well laid-out and everything is easy to find and use.
The 108bhp 4 cylinder 16 valve 1.7-litre ecoFLEX diesel fitted in this version is well suited to the needs of a family MPV such as the Zafira. Top speed is 111mph, and it produces a potent 192lb-ft of pulling power low down in the rev range making it agile around town.
For a family MPV the Zafira handles really well. Body control is tight, there’s plenty of grip when cornering and the steering is nice and direct letting you know what’s going on instantly. The ride is firm in general – maybe a little too firm for some tastes.
On the move there’s a bit too much noise from the engine. Road and wind noise generated by the body also mean that the Zafira doesn’t match some of its rivals in terms of refinement here; the diesel engine is particularly coarse and intrusive sometimes on long journeys.
The Zafira benefits from sharper exterior styling than its predecessor, but its still has pretty much standard issue looks for an MPV. Inside, the cabin is well designed but it’s a sea of grey plastic which looks somewhat dated nowadays.
The Zafira Life model is the entry-level version and comes with basic equipment such as power steering, central locking, air-conditioning, electric door mirrors, electronic front windows and CD. Metallic paint (£495), an alarm (£250), MP3 connectivity (£90) and Bluetooth (£315) are all available as cost options.
The Zafira offers plenty of space in the five main seats, but the rearmost seats are a little on the small side - best suited to children rather than adults. However, its rivals offer seats that not only fold, but also slide and recline and generally offer a better degree of versatility. Decent boot space of 140-litres without moving any seats, and a maximum of 1,820-litres with the seats folded out of the way is still impressive in this class.
EuroNCAP awarded the Zafira the maximum five-star rating in crash-tests. Individual ratings given were: occupants 5, child 4 and pedestrian 2. Twin-front and side airbags are installed as standard as well as curtain airbags covering the first and second rows of seats. Stability control is also available as a cost option.
Anti-theft measures include deadlocks and an engine immobiliser to deter thieves.
The Zafira is well put together and has a durable feel to it. While the interior of the cabin doesn’t look that classy – the trim material used is of reasonable quality and well finished.
The Zafira has suffered in the past from problems with mechanical reliability and customers rated it as below average in the 2011 JD Power Survey, However it does come with Vauxhall’s lifetime 100,000 mile warranty for peace of mind.
Priced at £22,405 it’s certainly competitive in its class, and running costs are reasonable too. Insurance falls in group 14 and Road Tax in VED band E. It also gives good average fuel economy of 55.4mpg on the combined cycle.
The Life entry-level trim won’t help residual values as it doesn’t come with much apart from the basic equipment. Although the demand for MPVs is ever growing, there are many others that offer more in terms of space and flexibility nowadays.
With Vauxhall’s lifetime warranty and a good discount from a dealer - and if you plan to hang on to it for a long time and use it mainly in the city - it might make sense as a budget choice.
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