VAUXHALL ZAFIRA ESTATE 2.0T VXR 5DR

Vauxhall's enormously successful Zafira is impressive in second generation guise. Andy Enright assesses its chances...

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA ESTATE 2.0T VXR 5DR

Big practicality and a surprisingly high quality finish set the Vauxhall Zafira apart from its compact MPV rivals. The VXR range topper is an odd inclusion in the range but great fun and even the less extrovert versions drive very nicely. It's not bad looking either with the Vauxhall family styling cues very much in evidence.

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA ESTATE 2.0T VXR 5DR

Some cars offer a lot of scope for improvement. Vauxhall's Zafira, however, was never one of them. It fulfilled its brief brilliantly in offering seven seat family transport that was safe, affordable, reliable and enjoyable. Vauxhall subsequently reaped the rewards, the Zafira being the biggest seller of all European mini-MPVs, eclipsing the Renault Scenic in a market the French company once called their own. Replacing the Zafira was never going to be easy, but Vauxhall got the MK2 model just right.

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA ESTATE 2.0T VXR 5DR

A wide range of engines are offered and the MK2 Zafira marked the debut of Vauxhall's 140bhp 1.8-litre ECOTEC powerplant. Thanks to advanced valve and cam phasing technology, 90 per cent of the unit's 175Nm maximum torque is available from 2,200 to 6,200 rpm. This wide range ensures lively performance and exceptional pulling power even at low engine speeds, making everyday driving more relaxed with less need to change gear. Below the 1.8, petrol buyers have a slightly underwhelming 1.6-litre engine and above it come the 2.2-litre alternative and the turbocharged 2.0-litre that's offered with 200bhp or 240bhp in VXR form. The diesels are 1.9-litre in capacity with either 120 or 150bhp and along with the 1.8-litre petrol, are the best choices for buyers with typical MPV duties in mind for their Zafira.

Vauxhall pioneered the concept of the performance mini-MPV with the GSi Turbo version of the last Zafira and filling that niche even more emphatically today is the Zafira VXR. From the VXR sub brand of high performance vehicles, this model can call upon a 240bhp powerplant that will rocket the car to 60mph in 7 seconds flat and on to a top speed of 144mph. With 320Nm of torque in reserve, this Zafira has as much muscle as a Porsche Boxster S. If the growing family means that you've had to shelve plans for a sporty car, here's the perfect antidote. With a honeycomb grille, a larger front bumper (with a central air intake) and fog lights, the VXR has serious rear-view mirror presence. Deep sill extensions, twin tailpipes and 18-inch alloy wheels ensure that bystanders know what they're looking at. The interior features Recaro sports seats and a sports steering wheel and gear lever.

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA ESTATE 2.0T VXR 5DR

The one thing you can never have enough of in an MPV-style vehicle is space and sure enough, the tale of the tape reveals that the MK2 Zafira has succumbed, if not to middle age spread, then at least a little loosening of the belt. This is perhaps understandable given the fact that with utility vehicles like the Meriva mopping up sales in the supermini-MPV class and no recognised full-sized MPV contender, there was a vacuum into which the Zafira would be drawn. Six inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and a shade taller than the previous car, this MK2 Zafira retains the seven-seat configuration, with a middle bench seat offering three berths and two seats in the back that also fold flat into the floor.

What has changed is the amount of legroom on offer to the occupants. Whereas the first generation model would have been hideously cramped with all seven seats in use, the current version offers a little more breathing space. It's still not ideally suited to a rugby sevens team and their kit, but for the larger family, it's close to perfect. As before, the seating system is so versatile that the Zafira can be configured in two, three, four, five, six or seven seat guises in a matter of seconds. Most buyers will run in five-seat format, and in this mode the Vauxhall can cope with 620-litres of luggage - fully 20 more than the old car. Depending on the trim level, the Zafira can also boast up to 30 storage compartments. The 'Flex Organiser' luggage bay stowage system that has proved a success with Astra Estate buyers is also available on the Zafira.

It is to the Astra that the Zafira owes many of its exterior design cues. Whereas the old Zafira was clearly related to the Astra Mk IV, the current model looks for all the world like a MkV Astra Estate that's been attached to a garage airline. A particularly interesting feature is the optional panorama roof. With four large glass panels, this system offers passengers a light, airy atmosphere in the back, while tinted glass and a powered shade protect against dazzle. A centre console running the length of the ceiling has a number of overhead compartments.

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA ESTATE 2.0T VXR 5DR

Trim levels run through Expression, Exclusiv, Life, Club, Design, SRi, Elite and VXR. Diesels are priced more expensively, so you've really got to want that extra torque and economy. The MK2 Zafira has been improved in recent times with a smarter look that includes extra chrome detailing on the radiator grille, smarter foglamp surrounds, restyled rear lamp clusters and chrome detailing on the front headlamp lenses. Curtain airbags become standard on all Zafira models, while Design, Elite and VXR models have received piano black interior detailing around the audio and ventilation controls.

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA ESTATE 2.0T VXR 5DR

Most compact MPV buyers won't even entertain the turbocharged versions of the Zafira. They're certainly a hoot to drive but sub 30mpg fuel economy isn't real what affordable family transport is all about. The Zafira's diesel engines both achieve economy in the region of 46mpg which is much more like it as are CO2 emissions of 165g/km or 167g/km for the 120bhp and 150bhp models respectively. The 1.8-litre petrol engine is another sound choice from a cost perspective. Its 36mpg and 187g/km emissions are bettered by the base 1.6-litre option (38mpg and 175g/km) but the 1.8 lays on much the better driving experience.

The Zafira has an enviable reputation amongst family buyers and used values hold up well in comparison to mainstream rivals. Insurance groups start at 5 and range up to 15 for the VXR but most models drop into a manageable group 9.

VAUXHALL ZAFIRA ESTATE 2.0T VXR 5DR

It was always hard to see how Vauxhall could have got this one wrong. The first generation Zafira made a lot of sense but was only really deficient in terms of visual pizzazz and interior wow factor. The Mk V Astra has these qualities in spades and lending them to the latest Zafira wasn't the work of a genius. Expect to see Vauxhall remain at the top of the mini-MPV sales charts.

The Zafira's main selling point is the interior with its user-friendly seating and high quality finish. Some extra storage space would have made it even better, but it's still an impressive effort from the Zafira's designers. The engine range can certainly excite with its turbocharged petrol options but the diesels and the advanced 1.8-litre petrol option will generate the most sales.