Owner PeachorLemon_Archive    Posted in Vauxhall Zafira   Comments 0

Got this 8 month old car in March 2007 to replace my 10 yo Volvo estate. After prevaricating/researching for a year (and driving the wife mad) it was an eventual toss-up between the VW Touran and the Zafira. I am a fan of VWs (the wife has a Golf) and was suprised how closely the quality of the Zafira matched the Touran. There is also more space and headroom in the Zafira (although less cubbyholes) and more toys ?‚?£ for ?‚?£. There was also the matter of looks, I much preferred the Zafs svelte body. I was a bit wary about the diesel engines as I had read unfavourable owners reports on What Cars site. My concerns have been unfounded, the diesels a peach (sic), punchy and I am currently averaging 49.5mpg according to the onboard computer. Although a bit clattery outside, the engine is at a whisper inside. Road noise can be a bit intrusive at speed (poss due to the 17 inch wheels) but you can drown this out by turning up the excellent sounds system. Access to the seats are a lot easier than previous cars due to the height & strapping toddlers into childs seat is now almost stress free. The additional height also affords better forward visibility on the road. <br>One of the most important considerations for me was that the Zaf had a full size spare unlike the VWs (and other marques)can of foam. I just cannot accept it is beyond the wit of automotive designers to find space for a spare wheel in modern cars. I find this practice unacceptable. <br> <br>I have had to replace the front tyres at 17k and the front pads at 19k. I suspect it had a hard first 8 months as a fleet car & am hoping I get a few more miles out of my new tyres. <br> <br>The only misgivings I have about the car is the well documented A pillars obscuring vision and engines reluctance to pull under 2k rpm. Cruise control would have been welcome/expected at this spec but sadly lacking. <br> <br>I would heartily recommend this car, it ticks all the important MPV boxes and then some. I am suprised at easily how it has won my affection considering it is only a Dad waggon.