Vauxhall's new Zafira revealed

By Jack Rix

February 2011

FOR years, Vauxhall has sold only one seven-seater model. But now, the line-up is set to expand. These are the first official pictures of the Zafira Tourer Concept – a plush new Ford S-MAX-rivalling people carrier that made its debut at this week’s Geneva Motor Show.

And Auto Express can reveal that this is precisely how the final production model will look when it hits dealers in September to 
sit above the current Zafira.

Up front are the boomerang-style headlight clusters first seen on the Ampera hybrid, along with Vauxhall’s new single-bar grille. And another design feature seen in the firm’s latest models is the ‘blade’ crease in the side panels.

Interior flexibility and comfort are key to MPV buyers, though, and no expense has been spared in this respect. The cabin is 
bathed in light by a panoramic screen which flows seamlessly into a full-length glass roof.

Plus, Vauxhall’s Flex7 seating layout has evolved. At the push of a button, the centre seat in the middle row folds to reveal a pair of armrests in the outer chairs. These seats can then slide back and towards each other to increase space, while extending footrests enhance comfort further. There’s also pair of Apple iPads mounted on pivots in the rear, although these are unlikely 
to make it to production.

Under the bonnet, the 1.4-litre turbocharged engine is equipped with stop-start. FlexRide adaptive dampers also feature, hinting that the Zafira Tourer will deliver a new level of driver appeal when it appears in showrooms.