Vauxhall Zafira Tourer SRi 1.4i 16v Turbo Start/Stop 5dr Car Review - March 2012

One of the plus points of the Zafira Tourer is that there is very little body movement when cornering, and this has been achieved by using a firm suspension. The problem with this is that it does transmit much of the bumpy British roads to the passengers which isn’t ideal. The light steering means driving the car around town is a doddle, but it remains light at speed, meaning that you will have to correct the wheel often. Visibility is good in all directions, and the seat and the steering wheel can all be adjusted to suit the taste of the driver.

Engine performance from the 1.4 litre petrol engine is generally quite good, with acceleration from 0-62mph achieved in 9.9 seconds. The top speed of 126mph is also more than enough for most drivers, but driving quickly does mean that there is a high level of engine noise and wind noise to be heard in the cabin.

Considering that the Zafira Tourer is based on the Zafira, the looks aren’t as similar as you might expect, with bold black air intakes and fog light settings shaped to reflect the shape of the headlight clusters. The lines are also softened and more curved than the standard Zafira, with a huge rear windscreen which does help the car to stand out. Inside the upholstery is nice and attractive, with the dials well lit, but the centre console does have a number of buttons that are all a little difficult to use while driving.

This version also comes with a reasonable level of equipment, with the CD stereo also boasting DAB digital radio reception. The 18-inch alloys improve the exterior look of the car, and it also boasts parking sensors which can come in very handy on a big vehicle like this. Air conditioning and cruise control also help to ensure that the car is comfortable and relatively civilized on the motorway.

One of the main plus points of the Zafira Tourer is that it is hugely practical, and with the flexibility of being able to carry seven people this is certainly attractive. The boot space is limited when all seven seats are in use, but these seats can be folded flat to offer a much better load space. Vauxhall have not been as good as some other brands in terms of reliability, but they are backing up their new vehicles with an impressive warranty.

The Zafira Tourer also has plenty of safety equipment, including airbags to protect the first two rows of seats in case of an accident. There are also a number of driver aids that help to ensure the car is stable and easy to control on the road.

With a list price of £24,005, there is no doubt that this version of the Zafira Tourer will be an attractive option for many buyers, but the lack of space in the rear two seats may make some people look to slightly larger seven seaters.

The running costs for the Zafira Tourer are quite competitive too, with this version able to achieve an average 44.78mpg. The low insurance group means that premiums should be reasonable, and the practicality of the car means that resale values should be quite good too. The package is completed by 100,000 mile warranty which is particularly good as it doesn’t have a time limit, and a one year roadside breakdown assistance policy.