There are three engines on offer in total when considering Vauxhall Zafira Tourer performance.

Petrol engines

The petrol option is a 1.4-litre turbocharged unit with 140hp and a six-speed manual gearbox – a six-speed automatic is optional. This will complete the 0-60mph benchmark in 9.9 seconds.

Diesel engines

Two diesel alternatives include 1.6- and 2.0-litre CDTI units with a choice of 134hp, and 170hp power outputs.

The lowest powered model will take 10.4 seconds to get up to 60mph while the top engine will reach the same speed in 9.1 seconds. More impressive is the low down pull from the top diesel engine and even in gear there is enough acceleration to make overtaking a simple task.

Manual or automatic

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, and a six-speed automatic cab be specified on all but the base diesel. The manual gearbox can feel a little clunky at times but the long gearing does make it very good for cruising along the motorway.

Parkers recommends

We’d suggest you go for the lower-power diesel engine in ECOflex guise, which is capable of a claimed 62.8mpg on the combined cycle with CO2 emissions of 119g/km.

If you’re expecting a sedate driving experience that offers little excitement, then you’d be right.

There have been some improvements with a new front axle and the FlexRide chassis first seen on the Insignia model, which gives it a slightly more engaging feel. It may not be as driver-focused as the Ford Grand S-MAX but it holds its own against the likes of the Renault Grand Scenic or Mazda5.

What the updated chassis does provide is a smooth ride. Even on 19-inch wheels it soaked up bumps and rough roads with ease. There is also a choice of ‘Tour’ or ‘Sport’ mode. The Sport option alters the throttle and steering response (and also the gearbox on automatic models) while Tour provides an even smoother ride. The steering is well weighted offering a assured feeling at higher speeds but also offering the lightness needed in tight situations and built-up areas.

There’s a small amount of body roll in the corners but no more than you might expect from such a sizeable car.