Vauxhall Zafira

Vauxhall Zafira - For Sale;
Vauxhall Zafira - User & Expert Reviews.

Vauxhall Zafira (Vauxhall Tourer from 2012)

The Vauxhall Zafira is a one of the most popular 7-seater cars in the UK. During March 2010 there were two and a quarter million searches in Google for the term Vauxhall Zafira. There are over 40 different models to choose from in Diesel and Petrol, including a more environmentally friendly and efficient "EcoFlex" version. A new sleeker version called the Tourer has been available since last year. The regular Zafira is available in three models; the Exclusiv, Excite and Design. The Tourer is available in six different models; the ES, Exclusiv, Tech Line, SRI, SE and Elite.

Vauxhall Zafira side view pictured above.

It is one of the more affordable family vehicles available in the UK today. As it was one of the first 7-seater cars available in the UK, there are a lot of older models still around. I’ve recently sat inside one and from the outside it looks quite big, but on the inside it feels small. Despite this, it is perfectly sufficient and even better it has an NCAP Rating of 5 Stars.

Purchase Price

Prices start at around £18,500 for a regular Zafira and over £20,000 for the Tourer sleek and luxurious model. The Eco Flex is one of the most economical MPVs with seven seats on the market today. For more money you can get a larger engine and a wider range of extras. There are nearly 2,500 used models for sale on Ebay Motors (UK) at any one time with prices ranging from £100 to over £20,000.

Vauxhall Zafira seating view pictured above.

Seating Configuration

The seven seats come as two front seats, three middle row seats and a back row of two fold down flat seats. To access the third row you need to either; pull the middle row seat forward, climb through the middle section (when it is down), or go through the boot. The boot space when all seats are in use is small, however you can still fit three large shopping bags or a small buggy or stroller in the available space.

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer (seating view) pictured above.

Servicing

A full service for a Vauxhall Zafira can cost as little as £99. A full MOT and service can cost approximately £145. However these figures have been taken from a national discount car service provider so the actual cost may vary locally. Most new purchases will now come with the option of a maintenance contract at a nominal monthly fee.

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer pictured above.

Co2 Emissions and Car Tax Bands

With over 20 engines to choose from the Co2 emissions range from very low to very high. The 2.0 CDTI 16V (130PS) Eco Flex has one of the lowest emissions for a seven-seated car at 119g/kg of C02 whilst the 1.8i 16V VVT (Manual 5 gear) emits 168 g/kg of co2. Subsequently the Car Tax Bands range from Band C to Band H.

Fuel Efficiency

The 1.7 CDTI Ecoflex Life is one of the best seven seat car for fuel efficiency. The miles per gallon ranges from 43.5 (urban) to 61.4 (extra urban), this gives an average of just over 53 mpg. The fuel tank has a capacity of 58 litres. The Eco Flex model falls into insurance group 7. Larger engines and petrol models are in a higher insurance category.

Performance

As an example of the huge choice of engines available the 1.7 Cdti Ecoflex Life has a top speed of 112 miles per hour and can accelerate to 62 miles in under 13 seconds. The BPP is 110 with a max torque of 191. This model has a 6 speed manual gearbox.

Vauxhall Zafira VXR (fast) pictured above.

Dimensions

The Vauxhall Zafira dimensions are mainly standard across all models. The Boot space is a limiting 140 litres with the third row seats in the upright position. The car is 4.46M Long x 2.026M Wide. The height is average for an MPV being just over 1.6 meters.

Conclusions

Among the most popular family cars in the UK, it is difficult to beat, certainly when price is factored in. It is in the flexibility category where this 7-seater really scores high marks. Each of the third row seats individually folds into the floor and the second row slides and folds too, meaning there are endless possible combinations for fitting in cargo, luggage and, indeed, people. With the full quota of seven passengers it can get a bit tight at the back. Now in its third generation, the Zafira has reached something of a crossroads with the release of the larger Tourer last year and the expected launch of a hybrid and even possibly an electric version. It is an ideal family car for the larger family. The safety features and availability only serve to promote the mass appeal of this people carrier.