Vauxhall certainly changed the rules when they introduced the Zafira mini-MPV. Vehicles of this class weren't supposed to have seven seats and boast car-like handling, but the Zafira did. Just when it looked like the rest of the market might be catching up with the car's tricks, Vauxhall rewrote the rules by offering a bigger, better second generation version. Equipped with the 150PS 2.2-litre 16v Direct petrol engine, it's almost worth starting a family for.

The 2.2-litre engine used in this Zafira also powers larger Vectra and Signum models and with 150PS of punch, is causing a few late nights at rival companies as chin-stroking engineers are issued with mini-MPVs, big engines and shoehorns. Prices are down on 2.2-litre versions of the MK1 Zafira (which is nice - and rather unusual), starting at £17,175 for the Life, £18,900 for the SRi, £19,350 for the well-appointed Design variant and £20,350.

The 2.2-litre sixteen-valve engine that constitutes such a major attraction produces a smooth band of torque, and feels relaxed and unstressed even when the Zafira is loaded. Capable of reaching 60mph in ten seconds, it's got the get up and go to embarrass many a warm hatchback on its way to a 124mph maximum. At the same time, you should expect to average around 34mpg allied to reasonable Group 9 insurance. In other words, about 2mpg more than before, three insurance groups lower and, incidentally, lower CO2 emissions (at 197g/km). All with more space and for a lower price. Can't be bad.

So why should you buy a Zafira rather than arch-rivals like the Citroen C4 Picasso, the SEAT Altea or Ford's Focus C-MAX? Well the first reason is a pretty simple one: whereas these cars can seat only five, the Zafira can swallow seven. Yet the Vauxhall is still mini-MPV size, only half-a-foot longer than most competitors. Other rivals like Renault's Scenic or VW's Touran can be specified to seat seven but you have to pay extra.

"The 2.2-litre 16v engine feels relaxed and unstressed even when the Zafira is loaded ."

Six inches longer, 1.5 inches wider and a shade taller than the outgoing car, the latest Zafira retains the seat configuration of its predecessor, 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. 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.

The car has been designed to accommodate a wide variety of human shapes and sizes: most should be able to get themselves comfortable. There's height adjustment on the driver's seat and reach and rake adjustment on the steering wheel. On a practical note, you'll find a large glovebox, two cupholders in front of the gearlever and a drawer under the passenger seat. Other nice touches include the nets on both front seatbacks. The only real interior criticisms are the small door pockets and a general lack of colour.

On the road, steering feel has improved noticeably over the old Zafira and other aspects such as the gearchange have been finessed. Ride quality and body control have improved dramatically from the previous model, thanks in no small part to a completely redesigned suspension system. The torsion beam rear axle also helps packaging, being especially compact, and allowing for a flat floor with no suspension intrusion.

The key reason to choose the Zafira 2.2 is that lovely sixteen-valve engine. As for versatility, well it beats five-seat rivals hands down and could even make more sense for a medium-sized family than either a full sized MPV or the traditional Mondeo-sized affair. The 2.2-litre Zafira attracts a breed of buyer who had never previously considered a mini-MPV, it's that good. Worth starting a family for? We'll leave that up to you!