Flex-7 allowed the rear two seats to be stored flat to the floor in the car and not in the garage!
It’s no oil painting but the new car thankfully looks more estate-like. The old car’s short overhangs are now longer, front and rear, to increase interior space. The roofline slopes to the rear while the front edges have been rounded off, giving the car the best aerodynamic efficiency in its class. The bonnet and body feature some subtle creases that make the car a little more interesting; even the grill gets the ‘Trapezoid’ treatment.
A new slightly gimmicky sunroof made up of four glass panels is the most noticeable exterior option. It runs the length of the car with a series of storage bins dividing it. It certainly makes the car look a little different from the competition; one of Opel’s designers described it as a car with a ‘Mohawk’ haircut.
The painfully dull, uninspiring and very black interior has been dramatically improved. The dash is brighter, better thought out and infinitely superior to the outgoing model. The driving position is class-leading, with the gear lever better positioned and less of a reach back. There is a new aircraft-like handbrake lever that frees up more oddment space. The instrument dials have been raised too, which aids safe driving. The load cover can now be stored in the boot when all seven seats are in place. As a five-seater, the Zafira has tonnes of boot capacity (645 litres) but with all seven seats in place there is only modest storage space of 140 litres.
The new Zafira is strong, having scored top marks in NCAP crash tests. It also features innovations like LED brake lights that flash when pressed hard (this road safety aid has yet to be made legal in Ireland as brake lights are meant to stay on when activated, but it has been passed in Europe so it is only a matter of time before it is legal here). Isofix anchors have been fitted in the outer two middle row seats.
Road holding is impressive and Zafira provides a comfortable ride. Further up the range you can get IDS+ active suspension (comfort and sport modes) and it’s a great option. AFL (dipped lights that follow the direction being steered) are on the options list and are a first in the compact MPV sector. Trailer Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist, Keyless Entry and Start and Bluetooth also feature on the options list.
Power trains include petrol (1.6, 1.8, 2.2 & 2 litre turbo) and diesel (1.9), with outputs from 100 to 200bhp. A fire breathing 240bhp OPC (Opel Performance Centre) version is on the way too. The volume seller will be the 1.6 litre petrol but my choice has to be the higher powered of three 1.9 litre diesels (150bhp). It has plenty of pulling power low down and cruises effortlessly while returning decent economy; when needed it can hustle along very nicely. Five speed gearboxes are standard with six speed standard up the range and auto options.
I bought the last Zafira for the family and can safely say the new one is the business.
Michael Sheridan
