Hard things to get excited about, seven-seater MPVs. In order to build in the functionality, they have to take out the fun. Which was perhaps why, when Ford launched its Focus C-Max, it stuck to a five-seat configuration, claiming research that showed people rarely, if ever, need seven. Think about it. Even if you had SEVEN friends, would you really want to go for a drive with them? All at once?
But surely Vauxhall wouldn't agree?
And the maker would have reason. Since 1999, 300,000 Zafiras have been purchased across Europe and the car is such a hot number in 2004 that it outsold the rest of the top ten MPV combined. If you think of the iconic Vauxhall as a Vectra saloon, think again: the new Zafira, insiders tell me, could well outsell the Vectra in the coming year.
Why is this?
Simple. Witness a manufacturer telling the truth for once:- Whereas many rivals offer large, clumsy MPVs or base their models on commercial vehicles, Zafira brings emotion and dynamism into the class... The core of Zafira's appeal lies in the Flex-7 seating system, which is unchanged. The final tail end seats, albeit big enough for adults and furnished with half-decent foot wells, sneakily fold flat into the floor. Think of them as nuclear weapons. Hopefully you'll never need the things but it's maybe nice to know they are there. And when they're folded down, there's plenty of space for a sprawling family of five.
But what about 'emotion'?
Well this is certainly a feel good car. There's nothing van-like about the driving position; it feels like a sporty estate. And the other half dozen might agree, too. They'll like the upgrade in fabrics and trim (particularly the new, soft-touch plastics) and, if you've splashed out on the Panoramic roof, they'll appreciate the lighter, airier feeling that comes with having four skylights to gaze through. At �850 though, it's a big splash.
What's the best choice?
Meet Zafira's core model. The new 120PS CDTi engine (that's 118bhp in old money) is priced at �16,995 in 'Life' spec and is understandably expected to be in greatest demand. Vauxhall also correctly points out that its rivals are failing to meet the swift-growing demand for MPVs that are both diesels and automatics, so it expects the six-speed semi auto model to be hugely in demand. Sadly, the privilege of keeping your left arm and leg redundant in stop-start traffic won't be free: it's a �1,300 bolt-on.
Let's get driving then...
Not quite on par with the seamless majesty of VW's DSG design, it's pretty good all the same. If you want a shade of hot-hatch rocketry, you need to think about the 16-valve version of this engine, which will produce 150PS and costs a far heftier �20,045. Despair not though, because this 120PS unit is sparky and won't let you down for measured and reliable acceleration when overtaking. What's more, you can't add the 6-speed auto option to the 150PS model and are stuck with the six-speed manual box instead, which isn't quite so appropriate to the model.
So will this Vaux be pop?
It's rewarding to drive, has many practical abilities despite not being built like a Transit and, with the new body, looks far more engaging. In short, it's another sizeable step forward for Vauxhall. And with an average of more than 46mpg, it's what every self-respecting school-run mum has been looking for.
Tiscali verdict: 9/10 Zafira zaps rivals
