Zafira MCE for Bologna

The Vauxhall Zafira is all set to gain a powerful new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine offering up to 240bhp. The covers come off the facelifted Zafira at the Bologna Show this week with Opel badges, but expect to see the Vauxhall versions on sale in the UK early in 2008.

Called the MCE, the new 2.0-litre turbocharged engine will come in 200- and 240bhp versions, replacing the turbo engine in the current SRi model. Insiders at Vauxhall hint that the more powerful engine could be badged as a GSi, but it's unlikely there will be a new Zafira VXR.

Other changes to the engine line-up for the Zafira include a new 1.7-litre CDTi turbodiesel with 110- and 125bhp options to replace the current 1.9 CTDi unit. There's also a 'weight-optimised' 1.6-litre Twinport Ecotec engine that Vauxhall says will rev more freely and be more economical due to reduced friction inside the engine.

More obvious to the naked eye are the styling changes to the revised Zafira. The bumpers and lights at both ends have been restyled, while inside Vauxhall has concentrated on creating a higher quality feel to the cabin.

The revised Zafira is on sale in the UK in early 2008 and UK pricing is expected to be announced early in January.

Alisdair Suttie