The third generation Zafira seven-seater goes on sale in Ireland next March, and Motors has been driving it. Zafira Tourer is bigger, with a longer wheelbase and greater seating flexibility. It also has a few new party tricks over the current Zafira that will help it reposition itself in the compact MPV sector. Interestingly, Tourer will be sold alongside the current second generation Zafira, which will become Opel's entry point seven-seater. There are no prices yet, but it is hoped that while Zafira Tourer will be dearer, the starting price for Zafira may come down.
The exterior styling reflects the latest design language from Opel and you can see clear similarities with the cutting edge Ampera in the front end with the 'boomerang' graphics. Tourer is more aggressive-looking and while there are limited things you can do to a functional one-box design, Zafira Tourer is a smart-looking businesslike machine. New options include a Citroen C4 Picasso-like extended height windscreen and huge panoramic sunroof. The tailgate glass and light clusters have been blended and the body has interesting creases and detailing in keeping with the latest Opel family design. The extended windscreen is a gimmick and only useful to brighten up the cabin in overcast or low light conditions. In bright light I found it too glary, but at least there is a blind you can pull down to reduce the windscreen area.
Inside, the build is excellent. Zafira's praised seating remains the conventional 2+3+2 set-up. The three middle seats are now individual and no longer a bench set-up. The middle row seats can be configured into 'Lounge Seating' just like an Opel Meriva, making it an extra spacious two-seat area. There are loads of storage cubbies (30+) and a huge centre console that can take a large handbag, which is great for security as it puts a stop to traffic light bag snatchers. The boot is massive (710 litres) and of course the cargo deck folds flat (1860 litres), with all the seating remaining in the car for convenience. The optional bike rack (FlexFix) is revised and can now take four bicycles while still allowing you to open the tailgate!
The engine range is more efficient and made up of three, 2-litre diesels (CDTI) with outputs of 110bhp, 130bhp ('ecoFLEX'/Tax band 'A') and 165bhp and two 1.4-litre Turbo petrol units with 120bhp or 140bhp - and before you ask the petrol units will have relatively low emissions. On the road Zafira Tourer is a hushed, composed machine. My top of the range 2-litre diesel fitted with 'FlexRide' adaptive suspension (Sport/Touring) is very nippy for such a practical machine. On derestricted sections of German Autobahn I was able to hear myself think quite easily while cruising at 170km/h.
Zafira Tourer is definitely a quality MPV. There is a host of electronic driving aids available in the Tourer, e.g. forward collision alert, advanced forward lighting system AFL+ etc. etc.
Since its launch in 1999 Zafira, with its Flex-7 seating, has set the bar for mid-sized MPVs. Over 2.2m Zafiras have been sold worldwide, but in recent years the competition has caught up with excellent offerings. With the new Zafira Tourer Opel is edging ahead again.
Michael Sheridan
