Vauxhall Zafira (05 on) - Review

Review by David Ross on
Last Updated: 23 September 2009
The original Zafira revolutionised the people carrier market with it's clever seating, spacious interior and plenty of family-friendly features. Vauxhall has carried these strengths on to this model but added sharper styling, improved build quality and refinement too. There are plenty of neat features such as storage boxes in the roof, keyless entry and an optional panoramic glass roof but compared to newer people carrier the Zafira is limited in its flexibility and the once class-leading Flex7 now seems clumsy and awkward. It's also not great to drive, however it is spacious and there's a huge range of engines and trims on offer. In early 2008 it was tweaked slightly with some styling changes and improved levels of standard equipment.
3.5 out of 5

Other Vauxhall reviews

4.5 out of 5

Safety

The Zafira was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating, which makes it one of the market leaders for safety. Features include ABS, twin front, side and curtain airbags, active head restraints, electronic stability programme, understeer control and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Security is a taken care of with an immobiliser and remote central deadlocking.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    5 out of 5

  • Child Protection Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

The 2004 Astra - on which this model is based - has a decent reputation for reliability and durability and the Zafira is the same. It's not without it's faults though but most tend to be niggles rather than anything serious.

Car check problem points

Body

A recall in 2005 for a possible issue with the trailer hitch fitting bolts.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.