Opel Zafira Expert Review
We are with the Opel Zafira in Frankfurt.
The new version of the Zafira, which is the Opel’s family car, is standing next to me and I came to Frankfurt to test it, I will start soon.
As always let me start first with the design of the car.
For one thing, due to renewal, the front of the Zafira became apparent to be similar as the smaller version of the family, the Astra.
The headlamps resemble exceedingly like the Astra. But, naturally there are certain differences and certain details here.
The grill now has different design in the Zafira.
Here, while the logo stays in the center, due to these chromium pieces it looks as if it is inside palms
Furthermore, as these chromium pieces continue towards the headlamps it ensures the Zafira to appear more elite and premium.
Alright what kind of differences is there on the sides?
Let’s look on those together as well.
To begin with, there are not many differences, in general, in the design of the Zafira.
This place consists of, as always, with wide door panels and wide glass surfaces.
Because of these wide glass surfaces, it provides spacious and bright interior that is indispensible in the family cars.
The only shadow play detail I can say here consists of the line on the rear door that we are familiar from the previous Insignias.
OK what kind of novelties are there at the rear? Let’s look at them all together.
First of all, when we look at the rear I can say that it has very similar design as the previous generation.
Because I have in Germany a while ago seen an old generation and I can say that from the rear they really look too much alike.
In here we have a chromium piece surrounding the logo and a taillight prolonging towards the boot lid.
As this car has a 1.6 liters turbo charge engine with 200 HP, it has 2 exhaust outlets here.
I will refer to engine details soon.
Alright what kind of loading capacity is offered in the Zafira? Let’s look at that all together too.
As far as I know the previous Zafiras were 7 seaters only.
But in this car 5 seater option is offered as the one I am testing that is standing next to me.
As this is a family car we can see there is a very wide loading area here.
With its rectangular construction and low loading platform it is very easy to load here.
Now is the time to find out what kind of living space the rear seats offer.
Come on let’s look at also.
The Zafira is generous in the matter of knee room.
I can say that this place is very good.
In case of the headroom, although due to the sunroof the level has been decreased,
as you can observe it still offers sufficient headroom even to me with 1.78 cm height.
These three seats can move to and fro independently and meanwhile you can enlarge the boot capacity.
In the space offered for the third passenger, the transmission hump is relatively low, therefore the feet will not have too much trouble
but because of the shoulder room it will not be very easy.
Still, if you are not adult or have smaller structure then three of you can sit here.
I am now getting behind the steering wheel of the Zafira and start to drive the Zafira on this beautiful asphalt of the Frankfurt.
We always affix our seatbelts.
We press the starter and start the drive.
I am behind the steering wheel of the Zafira.
As soon as you enter the Zafira, you feel as if you are driving a big Astra with a high ground clearance.
Because, due to the renewal, there is a new instrument panel, multimedia touch screen and A/C controls here.
And they are quite similar to the Opel Astra.
The new three-spoke driving wheel fits to the hands very well and answers your guiding whishes timely.
I can say that this steering wheel suited the Zafira very well.
It is not assertive in the quality of the materials as it uses hard materials in the cockpit
but still it satisfies the expectations of its class in a good way.
I cannot say that the Zafira is very generous in the subject of small items cubicles
but it offers some pluses to its users in the matter of functionality.
Firstly, I can say that there is quite good area in front of the gear lever.
But more importantly is the usage of rail system that the Opel calls FlexRail.
With this sliding rail system, as well as sliding the armrest to and fro,
as well as hiding the cup-holder under it, you attain a lidded small items cubicle when you slide them all.
This ergonomic comfortable AGR seats I have previously mentioned in the Astra test is also used in the Zafira
and ensures the ones travelling in the front to be very comfortable.
What makes the Zafira special and separates it from its rivals, if you ask me, is the slidable roof system.
At the moment for example, I don’t know if you realize, the interior is dark and overcast
it feels as if I am driving a convertible with the hood on, it causes to be a bit claustrophobic.
Therefore, on cloudy days without much sunshine as today, I believe it is necessary to open this and see in front much better.
And I make my selection in that way.
Let us consider the engine and driving features of the Zafira.
In the Zafira now, engine alternatives from 1.4 liters to 2.0 liters are offered.
But I should immediately indicate that the diesel engine and automatic gearbox combination you have all been curious about unfortunately is not offered in this car.
In the car I am driving now 1.6 liters turbo charge petrol engine is functioning
This engine develops 200 HP and 280 Nm of torque
and at the moment it is offered with only 6-speed manual gearbox in the Zafira.
The general character of the engine is good and it has a lively disposition.
But when you consider the Zafira’s dimensions and weight, you should accept that ıt does not make you feel the 200 HP.
But you shouldn’t get the wrong idea about that it is weak, because you reach high speeds easily without even noticing.
The engine works in harmony with the gearbox and as the gearbox is underhand it helps you to make your selections easily.
Don’t mind that I talk as if the engine is not very lively, even now when you step on it the rpm increases
and supply you to reach high speeds comfortably.
The well-adjusted steering system ensures even this size MPV to be guided easily.
For example, as now, even when you take narrow sharp bend, you do not struggle with the steering wheel much
and you shouldn’t forget that this is a family car.
The suspensions of the Zafira are generally firm.
You feel this easily especially on this narrow and sharp bends
because the body of the car does not stretch here and there much.
But it is impossible for me to comment at the moment what this firmness bring forth to the comfort
because I have been driving this car only around the Frankfurt’s smooth asphalt roads
and cannot say how it will be on Istanbul.
The insulation of the car in general is good; no discomfortable noises penetrate to the interior.
Finally, let us consider the fuel consumption you all been curious about.
For one thing, I should tell you from the start that to expect the engine under this body to be frugal will be a mistake
because ultimately it is a small volume engine, it is a turbo charge engine and it carries this big a body.
And it also develops 200 HP.
This to be economical definitely is not even a matter of discussion.
But let me share with you what I have experienced.
I have been driving this car as I have repeatedly mentioned around Frankfurt for 80 km
and at the moment the trip computer indicates to me 9.8 liters fuel consumption averages.
This value is not low but if you drive calmly and with low pace I can say that you will definitely lower this value.
But there is one detail you shouldn’t forget that if you drive with performance, it has a potential definitely to reach 11-12 liters level.
What I will tell you from Frankfurt about Opel Zafira is this much.
If there is any thing you think is missing or any extra subjects you are curious about, don’t forget to leave a comment under the video.
I would like you to know that I will try to answer all as far as possible.
By the way, if you are interested in this type of family cars, don’t forget to watch the videos of the Seat Alhambra and Ford Grand C-Max that I have tested previously.
See you...
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