| Overall Rating |
 |
| Description |
| This Astra-based midi-MPV is affordable to buy and own, and it offers seven-seater capacity that beats most rivals five seats. It's practical, flexible, very family-friendly and usually reliable. |
| Handling |
 |
| Comfort |
|
| Quality & Reliability |
|
| Performance |
|
| Roominess |
|
| Running Costs |
|
| Value for Money |
|
| Stereo/Sat Nav |
|
| NCAP |
| 3 |
| Best Models |
| 2.0 GSi Turbo, 2.0 DTi |
| Worst Models |
| 1.6 Club |
| Replacement |
| In 2005 by current Zafira |
|
 |
| Road Test |
| Zafira fits seven seats into a body that's almost the same length as an Astra estate. It does it using the clever 'Flex-7' fold-away seating system, freeing up load space when you?re not carrying a full crew of family and friends. This feature puts it ahead of Picasso, Scenic and most other midi-MPV rivals. Based on the 1998-04 Astra, Zafira is fairly cheap to run and increasingly cheap to buy. Used prices start at under £5000. The interior is airy and roomy for five plus luggage but you'll need a roof box for holidays with all seats in use. The 1.6 16v engine that works well in Astra is slightly overwhelmed by Zafira's extra weight; the 1.8 16v is preferable. The 2.0 Di diesel is sluggish. The 2.0 Turbo and 2.2 16v are lively. Easy to drive with a high driving position, Zafira feels quite nimble despite unavoidable body roll. |
| Positive Points |
- Very flexible passenger/load layouts
- Seven seats beat Picasso, Scenic and C-Max
- Inexpensive to buy and run
|
| Negative Points |
- Old 2.0 Di is sluggish
- Rear seats are tight except for small kids
- Base spec cars lacked ABS and air con
|
|
