New Zafira gets nearer

01st June 2010

The next Zafira is set to get a serious dose of style to match its practicality. As you can see from our exclusive spy shots, the Astra-based MPV remains faithful to the dramatic sketch of the car that was leaked last year.

You can just make out the Ampera Concept style air intakes in the front bumper, which blend with the intricate LED headlights. The light units feature multiple bulbs, just like the larger Insignia, and help give the newcomer a much more interesting nose.

A prominent feature line runs back from the light units, along the bottom of the side glass and up to a BMW-inspired Hofmeister kink at the rear. The sheet metal at the side also features the tick-shaped crease which is the same as the five-door Astra.

Unlike the smaller Meriva, the new Zafira won’t feature rear-hinged suicide doors. Instead, it’ll use large conventional doors which are almost rectangular in shape to make access easy.

The newcomer also features a gently sloping panoramic roof which gives the allusion of sportiness but doesn’t compromise rear headroom.

The interior will feature similar design themes to the Insignia, Astra and Meriva, which the next generation of Flex seating is likely to be best in class for accommodating seven occupants.

Under the bonnet, the newcomer is likely to feature the same engine range as the Astra, so the 1.4-litre turbo and 1.6-litre naturally aspirated and turbo petrols will be joined by a 2.0-litre diesel and 1.7-litre ecoFLEX oil burner.  The Zafira is also being developed to accommodate the Ampera’s range extending petrol-electric powertrain.

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