Insurance Group: 17
MPG: 55.4
CO2: 134
0-62 Mph: 11.5 secs
BHP: 123 BHP
Range: 707 miles
PROS: The Zafira has a spacious cabin and is also able to offer a good driving experience, and can combine practicality and safety with a good level of fuel efficiency too.
CONS: There isn't the flexibility available with the back seats that don't split to fold, and the lack of visibility is also an issue that can affect some drivers.
The driving experience with the Zafira is generally pretty good, and considering the large size of the vehicle it is good to see that body roll and grip while cornering are both very good. The accurate steering means that the handling is very good, but one issue is that the firm ride does mean that most lumps and bumps in the road are felt in the cabin. The driving position is quite good and offers a range of adjustment both for the steering wheel and the driving seat, but the thick windscreen pillars are a problem in terms of obstructing visibility.
The engine performance for this model is quite good, with the 1.7 litre diesel engine able to propel the Zafira from 0-62mph in only 11.5 seconds. The car can hit a top speed of 117mph, which is quite competitive for a car of this size, but driving at motorway speeds will leave many people frustrated at the high levels of engine noise and wind noise that are heard in the cabin.
The Vauxhall Zafira is a car that has the traditional Vauxhall style that has been so successful for many years, and the distinctive grille and headlight combination is typical of the cars that Vauxhall have produced over recent years. As with any MPV the body is quite square simply because of the space and practicality required, and this isn't hidden as much as it can be in more modern vehicles in the class. Inside, the Zafira is quite nice with an attractive trim, but the stereo on the centre console does have a number of small fiddly buttons.
One disappointing thing for a car with this price tag is that it doesn't come with alloy wheels, but this version of the Zafira does have air conditioning as standard and can also boast a three spoke steering wheel with leather trim. Many of the most attractive options are on the extras list, and may tempt some buyers.
One aspect in which the Vauxhall Zafira does quite well is in the practicality stakes, with plenty of space in the front and the rear to accommodate five adults, with headroom and legroom both being good. The boot is of a good size, but the lack of split folding seats in the back does limit the practicality a little. A problem to be aware of with the Zafira is that it has suffered from poor driver reviews in terms of reliability, but does come with a competitive warranty.
The Zafira does come with a range of airbags to look after occupants in the front and rear of the car in the event of a collision, and this model also comes with a number of driver aids such as ESP and traction control. This has helped the Zafira to a five star award in the Euro NCAP safety test.
With a list price of £21,010, this model of the Vauxhall Zafira doesn't come cheap, and it also doesn't have a particularly impressive list of equipment to justify the price.
However, the running costs for this model with ecoFlex are quite reasonable, with the engine able to deliver an average 55.4mpg. The insurance group is quite low meaning that premiums shouldn't be too high, but one major issue is the low resale values for the Zafira. The excellent Vauxhall warranty covers the car for 100,000 miles, and this isn't limited to a specific time frame, while it also comes with a one year roadside breakdown assistance policy.
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