2-7 Seats In Seconds? Our 2014 Vauxhall Zafira Review

Google Zafira and you will find the name means victory in Arabic. That leaves you wondering just what is it an MPV is claiming victory over – the school parking? With such a grandiose name, the 2014 Vauxhall Zafira had better deliver. So far, it hasn’t disappointed. Affordable, reliable and enjoyable, the Zafira is the best-selling European mini-MPV.

There are various engines available for propelling the kids to school, including the 1.6- and 1.8-litre 16-valve petrol units and, an ECOFLEX 1.7-litre diesel. Most buyers will jump on the oil burner, but the 1.8-litre petrol shouldn’t be overlooked. This unit features advanced valve and cam phasing technology, allowing 90 per cent of the 175Nm maximum torque to be available from 2,200 to 6,200 rpm. This grunt allows for spirited driving, something you don’t usually get in an MPV. The 1.7-litre CDTi diesel power plant can be had in either110 or 125PS flavour with plenty of stump pulling torque on tap.

Once the Zafira is out on the road, it exhibits tight handling as well as a comfortable ride. This combination ensures both driver and passengers are happy.

 

Whether you need to haul a canoe or the greater part of the church choir, the Zafira has you covered.  The 2014 Vauxhall Zafira is packing seven seats total, the rear five of which can be folded flat for hauling the big loads. Of course like most MPVs, the rear two seats are not fit for adult human use. The seating system is extremely versatile however, and can be configured in two, three, four, five, six or seven seat guises faster than an electron travels through a length of wire.

While in typical 5-seat mode, the boot offers 620-litres of luggage. Also, depending on which trim level you buy, there are up to 30 storage compartments available for hiding your candy stash from the kids. The ‘Flex Organiser’ luggage bay stowage system is also offered on the 2014 Vauxhall Zafira. The more cubbies the better – that’s our motto.

The Zafira owes much of its good looks to its next of kin, the Astra. One feature that distinguishes it from the family however, is the optional panorama roof. It almost makes you feel like you’re driving a sexy convertible and not a family hauler – almost.

 

If you’re in the market for a seven-seat MPV, you’ve probably got a lot of mouths to feed, making saving money at the pump extremely important. The 2014 Vauxhall Zafira has a diesel engine that achieves 55mpg and CO2 emissions of 134g/km – the same for both power outputs. The 1.8-litre petrol returns 39mpg and 168g/km, while the 1.6-litre option yields 42mpg and 157g/km. Insurance groups start at 12 and hike up to 17 depending on which model you choose.

The Vauxhall Zafira offers a well-designed interior, good economy and a high quality finish.  Even with a burgeoning compact MPV sector, the Vauxhall Zafira still remains a champion, true to its name.

If you want to get hold of the 2014 Vauxhall Zafira, don’t hesitate to leave us a message on our contact page, or give us a call on 01903 538835 to find out more about our 2014 Vauxhall Zafira lease deals.

The 2014 Vauxhall Zafira- what do you think?