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Dean Slavnich test drives the new Opel/Vauxhall Zafira

Why fix something that is far from broken? That was thinking behind Opel/Vauxhall engineers when developing the new second-generation Zafira.

The first generation Zafira was a revolution, the second is an evolution

The MPV, in its first form of life, was considered by many as Opel/Vauxhall’s strongest product. The then innovative Flex7 seven seating system even forced Ford execs to axe their upcoming five-seater MPV.

The Flex7 has been such a success that it survived the evolution between the two Zafira models. But Opel/Vauxhall has not rested on its laurels. Change has taken place on the new Zafira. After all, there are many new pretenders to the MPV crown.

The interior of the Zafira now benefits from an upmarket feel. Soft-touch plastics and gently-damped controls feature generously, but it’s the use of the panoramic roof that really differentiates Zafira generation one and Zafira generation two.

The see-through roof concept creates a feeling of space and features neat stowage solutions in the form of aircraft-style overhead lockers. The panoramic roof also offers plenty of light into the vehicle, a point that is highlighted all the more when driving a standard Zafira without a see-through roof.

As well as the panoramic roof, the new Zafira also brings to market a number of new innovations in the compact MPV market. There’s the IDS-Plus chassis, which first featured on the Astra, and electric Continuous Damping Control that delivers very good ride and handling. Vauxhall/Opel’s Adaptive Forward Lighting also graces the MPV.

A number of petrol engines are available from launch, including a 1.6 litre Twinport, a 2.0 litre 16v turbo and a top-of-the-range 2.2i litre 16v direct. The diesel line-up is based on two power derivatives from the 1.9 CTDi base: a 120 ps (88 kW) unit and a 150 ps (110 kW) version.

Two other engines will soon join the Zafira line-up, an all-new 1.8 litre Ecotec that develops 140 ps (103 kW). This new petrol engine is the first of a new generation to include continually variable camshaft phasing, which delivers peak power across a broader rev range. A 2.0i turbo VXR base will also be added that offers 240 ps (176 kW).