We review the Vauxhall Zafira (2008) from price to economy and all its features
Vauxhall Zafira has been a surprise sales since the original was launched in 1998.
It may not be the most glamorous machine, it has touched a nerve with family buyers, loved its versatility and value for money.
When it was first launched Vauxhall saw it a niche model, but its popularity has seen it established models such as the Vectra.
It is now past the two million sales mark, a number for a people carrier. Last year 50,000 were sold in the UK, more than entire model line-up of some brands.
The latest model has been given a minor nip tuck at the front and rear, with extra detailing to the lights and grille.
But the boxy Zafira was never meant to set racing. It's all about servicing the of the active and growing family.
On the inside the Zafira gets family- friendly, the option of two extra rear seats at the flick of a lever turn it into a seater. Standard equipment includes air a CD stereo, electric front windows and of additional storage space.
There's a range of petrol and diesels, but it's 1.9 turbo diesel that makes most sense, strong performance and well over 40mpg.
The keen pricing has attracted family buyers. at £ 12,995 and going up to just over 20,000, there's a Zafira to suit most budgets. It's currently available with 0 per cent over four years..
More Motors
What to look out for when buying a used Vauxhall Zafira
Vauxhall/Opel has sold millions of Zafiras so you wouldn’t expect every single one to be trouble-free — and the second-generation Zafira (from 2005) has certainly had some problems.
Official recalls have been for faulty trailer hitch bolts and for a new steering shift, but there are many more common issues.
Owners have needed new starters, alternators, ignition coils and turbos, and suffered failures in the engine management, water pump, timing belt, exhaust gas regulation, catalytic converter and diesel particulate filter systems, resulting in power losses and breakdowns.
The 1.9 CDTi appears to have been particularly problem-prone, and many relatively new vehicles have required replacement engines, clutches, flywheels and gearboxes; the 2.2 CDTi has also had its issues, including fuel pump failures.
Other common complaints include overheating, niggles with the door locks and door fit, heating/ventilation/air-con, headlights and windscreen washer jets, water leaks into the footwells, electrical failures, steering and suspension faults and premature rusting
It can also be pretty easy to knick your spare wheel too.
Correct maintenance — including regular oil changes and scheduled replacement of the timing belt — is crucial, so check service history carefully.
The Zafira was 12th out of 15 in its class in the 2012 JD Power/What Car? survey of customer satisfaction.