Vauxhall Zafira CDTi Range

Vauxhall Arent Gambling With The Latest Diesel Zafiras. They Know Theyve Got Aces In Their Hand. Andy Enright Reports

Theres an entirely understandable logic that dictates that if youre about to buy a practical car you should choose a practical engine. Vauxhall always made great play regarding the racy turbocharged versions of their Zafiras but when was the last time you saw one on the road? Of far greater significance are the more prosaic but relevant diesel engines fitted to the latest Zafira and Vauxhall can serve up a pair of aces.

Both engines are 1.9-litre common rail diesel units. Buyers choose between an entry-level 120bhp powerplant or for those in a hurry, theres the 150bhp version. Prices open at £17,290 for the CDTi120 in Life guise and top out at £21,340 for a CDTi150 in Elite trim.

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To save you reaching for a back copy of a car magazine, that works out less than the old model. When you consider what an improved vehicle the latest Zafira is, its easy to see why Vauxhalls competitors are looking a little nervy. Both engines feel lively and flexible with little of the lag and surge that afflicted the power delivery of early turbodiesel units. They arent the quietest diesel engines Ive experienced and if refinement is a priority, cars like the Corolla Verso D4-D and Honda FR-V 2.

2 i-CTDi are markedly superior. Soundproofing in the wheelarches and underbody could also be a little better. Until you drive the two Zafira diesel models back to back, its tough to appreciate how much quicker the 150bhp installation is but for most customers the cheaper 120bhp unit will be the better buy. Both are fitted as standard with a six-speed manual and the 120bhp car will get to 60mph in 12 seconds while the 150bhp model will detain you for 10.

2. Top speeds are pegged at 116 and 126mph respectively and combined economy figures are 46.3mpg for the 120 and 45.6 for the 150.

Carbon dioxide emissions vary little, the 120bhp Zafira putting out 165 grammes per kilometre travelled and the more powerful model a scant 2 grammes more. Opt for the automatic on the 120bhp car and the figures become a good deal less impressive.

"These diesel engines are reliable, economical and flexible"

Given that the Saab 9-3 Sports Saloon shares these two powerplants, its easy to appreciate that they punt a Zafira up the road with no little verve. Mid range torque is predictably good and the gearlever is fun to snick around the gate. Ride quality and body control have improved dramatically from the old Zafira, thanks in no small part to a completely redesigned suspension system. The torsion beam rear axle also helps packaging, being especially compact, allowing for a flat floor with no suspension intrusion.

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 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 outgoing car, the latest 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 old car would have been hideously cramped with all seven seats in use, the latest model offers a little more breathing space. Its still not ideally suited to a rugby sevens team and their kit, but for the larger family, its 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. Dont believe the hype that the Flex7 system is instantly intuitive.

Some reference to the manual and a certain degree of practice is required before you can say youve mastered the seating system. 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 thats been attached to a garage air line. 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. Built in a £300 million state-of-the-art facility in Bochum, Germany, the latest Zafira is built to a zero defect principle and the results are apparent inside the cabin. Although it doesnt feel quite as bulletproof as the Astra inside, its still a very impressive effort.

With the exception of overall refinement, theres little to generate complaint. Expect to see these diesel models at the top of the mini-MPV sales chart.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Vauxhall Zafira CDTi diesel range
PRICES: £17,290-£21,340 on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 7E-9E
CO2 EMISSIONS: 165-167g/km
PERFORMANCE: [150bhp] Max Speed 126mph / 0-60mph 10.2s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [120bhp] (average) 46.3mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4467/1776/1637mm