Opel Zafira 1.8 (A) Review
08 Sep 2010|25,590 views
This Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) is as smart-looking as anything on the road, while retaining a certain conservatism in styling that will prevent it from being outdated so soon. The Opel designers have certainly done a splendid job on the exterior because there isn't a single angle from which the car looks awkward.
Opel has more importantly succeeded in providing endless possibilities for drivers. What I'm talking about is the patented unique Flex7 seating system which allows drivers to create more trunk space by knocking down not one, but two rows of seats. That cuts down the 7-seater to either 5 or 2-seater, depending what the afternoon program is.
And that is exactly why the Opel Zafira has opened its doors to a wider target market.
Exterior
The Zafira's look is confident, energetic and is unmistakably related to the Astra. The car magnifies its sportiness as well as sophistication by the V-shape tapering of the fascia and eye-catching details such as large air inlets in the front bumper. However, I wasn't really fond of the minute size of the mirrors given the size of the car.
Opel has more importantly succeeded in providing endless possibilities for drivers. What I'm talking about is the patented unique Flex7 seating system which allows drivers to create more trunk space by knocking down not one, but two rows of seats. That cuts down the 7-seater to either 5 or 2-seater, depending what the afternoon program is.
And that is exactly why the Opel Zafira has opened its doors to a wider target market.
Exterior
The Zafira's look is confident, energetic and is unmistakably related to the Astra. The car magnifies its sportiness as well as sophistication by the V-shape tapering of the fascia and eye-catching details such as large air inlets in the front bumper. However, I wasn't really fond of the minute size of the mirrors given the size of the car.
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But what I really like about the front end is the confident wide front chrome beam with the integrated Opel logo. It makes one feel proud to drive an Opel. It takes the hood tapering and draws it into the two-part radiator grille fins, which are fully chromed as well, giving the MPV a sporty and elegant appearance.
To add on, the rising body shoulder and aerodynamic roofline gently slopes downward to the rear accentuating the back end with a dynamic look. The design enhancement is rounded off by the taillights' silver transparent strip, which links with the rear chrome beam across the tapered back of the car.
 |
Interior
Thanks to the intelligent packaging by the designers and engineers, the Zafira comfortably seats seven passengers in three rows. As I mentioned before, the unique Flex7 seating system guarantees maximum volatility.
All it takes is a few smooth moves and the car can be modified to seat seven, six, five, four, three or two passengers without having to remove or cumbersomely stow away the seats. As a two-seater, the Opel Zafira boasts a maximum of 1,820 litres of luggage space. When configured as a five-seater, the car stores 645 litres of luggage room, making it the best in its class.
Speaking of best, this brings us to the neat part of the seats. The two rear ones can be folded and placed flat on the floor, providing a complete level of luggage space. The middle set of seats can also be folded forward, further extending the luggage area. And adding to a safety element of a strong barrier is the boot cover and cargo net which come standard. It prevents things from falling out or flying forward in harsh braking or impact. The awesome thing is - all this seating configuration can be done easily and in a matter of seconds by one person. Oh and did I mention that foldable tables are available? They do. And that, in my point of view, can help keep a child busy with his colouring book for a while during a long drive.
Thanks to the intelligent packaging by the designers and engineers, the Zafira comfortably seats seven passengers in three rows. As I mentioned before, the unique Flex7 seating system guarantees maximum volatility.
All it takes is a few smooth moves and the car can be modified to seat seven, six, five, four, three or two passengers without having to remove or cumbersomely stow away the seats. As a two-seater, the Opel Zafira boasts a maximum of 1,820 litres of luggage space. When configured as a five-seater, the car stores 645 litres of luggage room, making it the best in its class.
Speaking of best, this brings us to the neat part of the seats. The two rear ones can be folded and placed flat on the floor, providing a complete level of luggage space. The middle set of seats can also be folded forward, further extending the luggage area. And adding to a safety element of a strong barrier is the boot cover and cargo net which come standard. It prevents things from falling out or flying forward in harsh braking or impact. The awesome thing is - all this seating configuration can be done easily and in a matter of seconds by one person. Oh and did I mention that foldable tables are available? They do. And that, in my point of view, can help keep a child busy with his colouring book for a while during a long drive.
Alright, enough said about the seats. Let's touch on the other features of the interior.
After a long day at work, all we want to do is get home quickly in the most comfortable position possible. And the available driver's armrest that comes standard provides just that for the Zafira. But seriously, it can be a nuisance when you're trying to engage the huge aeroplane-like-control handbrake as the armrest prevents the ease of employing it.
But the seats did grip well, and the driving position was pleasantly high, which was what I was looking out for given my pint-size. Legroom was easily satisfying for me, and again there's lots of air over the head. And with the generous space available, it'll do a fine job swallowing lengthy drivers and passengers.
Another interesting feature for the car is the gear shift lever. It's positioned in optimal reach for the driver, allowing for comfortable operation and it automatically retracts back to the centre of the selector after engaging the required gear. It's definitely a fresh feel as compared to other cars.
After a long day at work, all we want to do is get home quickly in the most comfortable position possible. And the available driver's armrest that comes standard provides just that for the Zafira. But seriously, it can be a nuisance when you're trying to engage the huge aeroplane-like-control handbrake as the armrest prevents the ease of employing it.
But the seats did grip well, and the driving position was pleasantly high, which was what I was looking out for given my pint-size. Legroom was easily satisfying for me, and again there's lots of air over the head. And with the generous space available, it'll do a fine job swallowing lengthy drivers and passengers.
Another interesting feature for the car is the gear shift lever. It's positioned in optimal reach for the driver, allowing for comfortable operation and it automatically retracts back to the centre of the selector after engaging the required gear. It's definitely a fresh feel as compared to other cars.
 |
The Drive
The Zafira has just the sort of comfortable handling you require in an MPV, though steering feel could be better. Good news is that despite its huge size, body-roll is reasonably well contained when turning at higher speeds.
But the downfall is the jerking I experienced. Jerks were distinctively evident when gears changed, especially during the initial pick up. This happened even when I was trying to control the pressure exerted on the accelerator pedal. The reason could be because the Zafira works on a semi-automatic gearbox and with the weight of the car, the slightest jerk of the car is inevitable.
Although, the Zafira travels comfortably at cruising speeds, the unexpected engine noise can be quite a pain. And with the available Sports mode, pick-ups are more efficient and confident, but much noisier as well.
The Zafira has just the sort of comfortable handling you require in an MPV, though steering feel could be better. Good news is that despite its huge size, body-roll is reasonably well contained when turning at higher speeds.
But the downfall is the jerking I experienced. Jerks were distinctively evident when gears changed, especially during the initial pick up. This happened even when I was trying to control the pressure exerted on the accelerator pedal. The reason could be because the Zafira works on a semi-automatic gearbox and with the weight of the car, the slightest jerk of the car is inevitable.
Although, the Zafira travels comfortably at cruising speeds, the unexpected engine noise can be quite a pain. And with the available Sports mode, pick-ups are more efficient and confident, but much noisier as well.
Conclusion
The 1.8-litre does a pretty good job in covering all its bases as an MPV. And having flexible seats that are easy to maneuver when configuring, I'd say the Opel Zafira has won many of its competitors.
At $109,888 (as of 19 Aug 2010), there are other options available. But for one that can allow you to have up to 1,820 litres of trunk space, you got yourself a fair deal.
Meanwhile, if the Astra is the shining star in Opel's German sky, Zafira could well become another bright jewel in its crown.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The 1.8-litre does a pretty good job in covering all its bases as an MPV. And having flexible seats that are easy to maneuver when configuring, I'd say the Opel Zafira has won many of its competitors.
At $109,888 (as of 19 Aug 2010), there are other options available. But for one that can allow you to have up to 1,820 litres of trunk space, you got yourself a fair deal.
Meanwhile, if the Astra is the shining star in Opel's German sky, Zafira could well become another bright jewel in its crown.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
This Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) is as smart-looking as anything on the road, while retaining a certain conservatism in styling that will prevent it from being outdated so soon. The Opel designers have certainly done a splendid job on the exterior because there isn't a single angle from which the car looks awkward.
Opel has more importantly succeeded in providing endless possibilities for drivers. What I'm talking about is the patented unique Flex7 seating system which allows drivers to create more trunk space by knocking down not one, but two rows of seats. That cuts down the 7-seater to either 5 or 2-seater, depending what the afternoon program is.
And that is exactly why the Opel Zafira has opened its doors to a wider target market.
Exterior
The Zafira's look is confident, energetic and is unmistakably related to the Astra. The car magnifies its sportiness as well as sophistication by the V-shape tapering of the fascia and eye-catching details such as large air inlets in the front bumper. However, I wasn't really fond of the minute size of the mirrors given the size of the car.
Opel has more importantly succeeded in providing endless possibilities for drivers. What I'm talking about is the patented unique Flex7 seating system which allows drivers to create more trunk space by knocking down not one, but two rows of seats. That cuts down the 7-seater to either 5 or 2-seater, depending what the afternoon program is.
And that is exactly why the Opel Zafira has opened its doors to a wider target market.
Exterior
The Zafira's look is confident, energetic and is unmistakably related to the Astra. The car magnifies its sportiness as well as sophistication by the V-shape tapering of the fascia and eye-catching details such as large air inlets in the front bumper. However, I wasn't really fond of the minute size of the mirrors given the size of the car.
|
But what I really like about the front end is the confident wide front chrome beam with the integrated Opel logo. It makes one feel proud to drive an Opel. It takes the hood tapering and draws it into the two-part radiator grille fins, which are fully chromed as well, giving the MPV a sporty and elegant appearance.
To add on, the rising body shoulder and aerodynamic roofline gently slopes downward to the rear accentuating the back end with a dynamic look. The design enhancement is rounded off by the taillights' silver transparent strip, which links with the rear chrome beam across the tapered back of the car.
|
Interior
Thanks to the intelligent packaging by the designers and engineers, the Zafira comfortably seats seven passengers in three rows. As I mentioned before, the unique Flex7 seating system guarantees maximum volatility.
All it takes is a few smooth moves and the car can be modified to seat seven, six, five, four, three or two passengers without having to remove or cumbersomely stow away the seats. As a two-seater, the Opel Zafira boasts a maximum of 1,820 litres of luggage space. When configured as a five-seater, the car stores 645 litres of luggage room, making it the best in its class.
Speaking of best, this brings us to the neat part of the seats. The two rear ones can be folded and placed flat on the floor, providing a complete level of luggage space. The middle set of seats can also be folded forward, further extending the luggage area. And adding to a safety element of a strong barrier is the boot cover and cargo net which come standard. It prevents things from falling out or flying forward in harsh braking or impact. The awesome thing is - all this seating configuration can be done easily and in a matter of seconds by one person. Oh and did I mention that foldable tables are available? They do. And that, in my point of view, can help keep a child busy with his colouring book for a while during a long drive.
Thanks to the intelligent packaging by the designers and engineers, the Zafira comfortably seats seven passengers in three rows. As I mentioned before, the unique Flex7 seating system guarantees maximum volatility.
All it takes is a few smooth moves and the car can be modified to seat seven, six, five, four, three or two passengers without having to remove or cumbersomely stow away the seats. As a two-seater, the Opel Zafira boasts a maximum of 1,820 litres of luggage space. When configured as a five-seater, the car stores 645 litres of luggage room, making it the best in its class.
Speaking of best, this brings us to the neat part of the seats. The two rear ones can be folded and placed flat on the floor, providing a complete level of luggage space. The middle set of seats can also be folded forward, further extending the luggage area. And adding to a safety element of a strong barrier is the boot cover and cargo net which come standard. It prevents things from falling out or flying forward in harsh braking or impact. The awesome thing is - all this seating configuration can be done easily and in a matter of seconds by one person. Oh and did I mention that foldable tables are available? They do. And that, in my point of view, can help keep a child busy with his colouring book for a while during a long drive.
Alright, enough said about the seats. Let's touch on the other features of the interior.
After a long day at work, all we want to do is get home quickly in the most comfortable position possible. And the available driver's armrest that comes standard provides just that for the Zafira. But seriously, it can be a nuisance when you're trying to engage the huge aeroplane-like-control handbrake as the armrest prevents the ease of employing it.
But the seats did grip well, and the driving position was pleasantly high, which was what I was looking out for given my pint-size. Legroom was easily satisfying for me, and again there's lots of air over the head. And with the generous space available, it'll do a fine job swallowing lengthy drivers and passengers.
Another interesting feature for the car is the gear shift lever. It's positioned in optimal reach for the driver, allowing for comfortable operation and it automatically retracts back to the centre of the selector after engaging the required gear. It's definitely a fresh feel as compared to other cars.
After a long day at work, all we want to do is get home quickly in the most comfortable position possible. And the available driver's armrest that comes standard provides just that for the Zafira. But seriously, it can be a nuisance when you're trying to engage the huge aeroplane-like-control handbrake as the armrest prevents the ease of employing it.
But the seats did grip well, and the driving position was pleasantly high, which was what I was looking out for given my pint-size. Legroom was easily satisfying for me, and again there's lots of air over the head. And with the generous space available, it'll do a fine job swallowing lengthy drivers and passengers.
Another interesting feature for the car is the gear shift lever. It's positioned in optimal reach for the driver, allowing for comfortable operation and it automatically retracts back to the centre of the selector after engaging the required gear. It's definitely a fresh feel as compared to other cars.
|
The Drive
The Zafira has just the sort of comfortable handling you require in an MPV, though steering feel could be better. Good news is that despite its huge size, body-roll is reasonably well contained when turning at higher speeds.
But the downfall is the jerking I experienced. Jerks were distinctively evident when gears changed, especially during the initial pick up. This happened even when I was trying to control the pressure exerted on the accelerator pedal. The reason could be because the Zafira works on a semi-automatic gearbox and with the weight of the car, the slightest jerk of the car is inevitable.
Although, the Zafira travels comfortably at cruising speeds, the unexpected engine noise can be quite a pain. And with the available Sports mode, pick-ups are more efficient and confident, but much noisier as well.
The Zafira has just the sort of comfortable handling you require in an MPV, though steering feel could be better. Good news is that despite its huge size, body-roll is reasonably well contained when turning at higher speeds.
But the downfall is the jerking I experienced. Jerks were distinctively evident when gears changed, especially during the initial pick up. This happened even when I was trying to control the pressure exerted on the accelerator pedal. The reason could be because the Zafira works on a semi-automatic gearbox and with the weight of the car, the slightest jerk of the car is inevitable.
Although, the Zafira travels comfortably at cruising speeds, the unexpected engine noise can be quite a pain. And with the available Sports mode, pick-ups are more efficient and confident, but much noisier as well.
Conclusion
The 1.8-litre does a pretty good job in covering all its bases as an MPV. And having flexible seats that are easy to maneuver when configuring, I'd say the Opel Zafira has won many of its competitors.
At $109,888 (as of 19 Aug 2010), there are other options available. But for one that can allow you to have up to 1,820 litres of trunk space, you got yourself a fair deal.
Meanwhile, if the Astra is the shining star in Opel's German sky, Zafira could well become another bright jewel in its crown.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The 1.8-litre does a pretty good job in covering all its bases as an MPV. And having flexible seats that are easy to maneuver when configuring, I'd say the Opel Zafira has won many of its competitors.
At $109,888 (as of 19 Aug 2010), there are other options available. But for one that can allow you to have up to 1,820 litres of trunk space, you got yourself a fair deal.
Meanwhile, if the Astra is the shining star in Opel's German sky, Zafira could well become another bright jewel in its crown.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Car Information
Opel Zafira 1.8 MTA (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.1km/L
Horsepower
104kW (140 bhp)
Torque
175 Nm
Acceleration
12.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Opel Zafira
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