Review of the new Vauxhall Zafira CDTi Range

There's an entirely understandable logic that dictates that if you're 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, there's the 150bhp version. Prices open at £17,845 for the CDTi120 in Life guise and top out at £21,885 for a CDTi150 in Elite trim. This car 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.

Both engines feel lively and flexible with little of the lag and surge that afflicted the power delivery of early turbodiesel units. They aren't the quietest diesel engines I've experienced and if refinement is a priority, cars like the Corolla Verso D-4D 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, it's 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 10.2s. Top speeds are pegged at 116 and 126mph respectively and combined economy figures are 46.3mpg for the 120 and 45.6mpg 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, it's 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 first generation car, the MK2 Zafira retains its originator's seven-seat configuration, with a middle bench seat offering three berths and two seats in the back that also fold flat into the floor.

If by chance, your only experience of Zafira motoring was with the old MK1 model, then you should notice the extra legroom on offer when taking a seat in this car. Whereas the first generation Zafira would have been hideously cramped with all seven seats in use, this 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 ever, 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. 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. Don't 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 you've mastered the seating system.

It is to the Astra that the Zafira owes many of its exterior design cues, the current model looking for all the world like a MkV Astra Estate that's 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, this Zafira is built to a zero defect principle and the results are apparent inside the cabin. Although it doesn't feel quite as bulletproof as the Astra inside, it's still a very impressive effort. With the exception of overall refinement, there's little to generate complaint. Expect to see these diesel models continue at the top of the mini-MPV sales chart.

TOP 5 ZAFIRA DEALS

The results below show the top ZAFIRA deals on buyacar

Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 CDTi SRi [150] 5dr [Exterior Pack] Auto Diesel Estate
Price £19,653 Click for a Zafira Review	Save £6,742
Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 CDTi SRi [150] 5dr [Exterior Pack] Diesel Estate
Price £18,548 Click for a Zafira Review	Save £6,352
Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 CDTi Life [120] 5dr [Euro 4] Diesel Estate
Price £15,901 Click for a Zafira Review	Save £5,359
Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 CDTi Design [120] 5dr [Euro 4] Diesel Estate
Price £17,392 Click for a Zafira Review	Save £5,918
Vauxhall Zafira 1.9 CDTi Design [150] 5dr [Euro 4] Diesel Estate
Price £18,272 Click for a Zafira Review	Save £6,248