Vauxhall Zafira (2005 - 2014) 1.9 CDTi SRi (150ps) 5d (Euro 4) (2006/55) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Practicle, but fun family MPV. Versatile, with tidy roof bars which can accomodate all sorts of utility units.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Who really cares!? It's a car which is practicle, looks smart with SRi alloys, rear spoiler and metalic blue - when clean, and moderately sporty!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes - but not the Diesel versions - which gives appauling acconomy. I have 150NHP version, but the 120BHP version I have also recently tested (as a courtesy car) isn't much better. Vauxhall have tested my car, verified engine is working normally, but they are unable to act honestly and face up to the fact that they have mislead consumers by publishing highly misleading NCAp COmbined (plus urban/extra urban) economy figures. This car is costing me £1,000 over 4 years (based on only 14,000 miles per year annual mileage) in extra fuel - due to diabiolical 30-33mpg fuel ecconomy.

What are you likely to buy next?

A similar vehicle - maybe a Touran Diesel if I can verify their NCAP fuel figures are honest and accurate - or a Zafira 1.8i Petrol, as similar ecconomy but fuel is cheaper.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£20,000

When did you buy the car?

March 2006

Did you get a good deal and why?

Lease-hire deal is reasonable.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Purchase price is approximate. This is a lease-hire company car. I needed a practical 7 seater, which wasn't too big, and which handled well.

What was the dealer like?

Didn't by from dealer, although local Vauxhall service centre is reasonably good for service, and local sales centre very helpful.

What's it like to drive?

Excellent roadholding, enhanced with IDS+ Active suspension upgrade option. Doesn't seem like an MPV at all, except for slightly higher/dominant driving posiution which is an asset too.

What's it like to park?

No problem from front. Not best vision out of the back windows, but always seem to park with more space than expected. Other drivers may be wise to consider rear park assist.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Yes. The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) needed cleaning and SW upgrade within first few weeks of ownership. OK since. However at 2 year mark (Feb 08) the Exaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Valve failed and long delay (2 Part shortage indicates this is an unreliable part! The mpg is apaulling. Only 30 - 33mpg in normal 12 mile commutes. I get 28 - 30mpg from a 1998 2.0L Saab 9000 auto, in similar driving conditions! I will never trust a manufacturers NCAP figures again.

What's most practical about your car?

Loads of space. Usefull 7 seats, including the boot seats which can accomodate adults for a 30 min run fairly comfortably. Seats fold into floor very useful.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

IDS+ Active suspension upgrade option is fun. Extremely hard to find the limits of traction. With 150BHP Deisel, and excellent roadholding this car is FUN to drive on long and/or windy journeys.