South Africans will remember the Opel Zafira, which was sold in both A and B generations from the turn of the century up until around a decade ago, with our market missing out on the third generation Zafira C. Highlights of the first and second-generation Zafira models included their versatility, clever packaging and of course, the fact that there was a performance version in the form of the Zafira (B) OPC. Fast forward to 2022 and the Zafira is back and is a far larger product than the three that preceded it. The model is also now called the Zafira Life and has recently been introduced to the local market.
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The MPV segment in South Africa registers between 4 000-5 000 units per year, meaning that the 300 Zafira units Opel aim to sell is a reasonable figure, however, there are many competent entrants in this segment so the Zafira will need to be impressive. We drove the new models around Gauteng recently to see what the German brand has to offer.
New looks
Products such as the Hyundai Staria and Kia Carnival have shown us all that outlandish and futuristic design principles can be executed very effectively in products as inherently functional as an MPV. While the new Zafira is far from a design leader, it is certainly not offensive, with a generic side profile and rear-end while the brand has done a good job of incorporating its corporate 'face' into the front-end of the latest model.
Flexible interior
The interior is where MPVs traditionally deliver the goods, literally. The Zafira is available in two model designations, the Edition and Elegance variants. The Edition version is aimed at families and the private second and features seating for 8 occupants, cruise control, a cooled glovebox, front and rear Park Distance Control, 17-inch alloy wheels, 4 airbags, climate control,
The Elegance model is more aimed at the corporate sector, as a luxury shuttle, but it can also be used by families. It features seating for 7 occupants, however, the second-row is rather clever and can be swivelled, allowing the occupants to face one another, while a stowable table means that meetings can be had on the go. This model gets added features such as a multi-function steering wheel, heated front seats, a panoramic roof, sun curtains for passengers, keyless entry/start, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitor, head-up display and speed sign detection.
Both models feature an impressive 1 060-litres of boot space with all three rows of seating in place and also have the same 7.0-inch colour infotainment system with reverse camera integration, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, however, the Edition makes do with a six-speaker sound system while the Elegance gets 10 speakers.
Diesel power
The Zafira range is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine that produces 110kW and 370Nm of torque. The engine is paired with the superb ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic gearbox, resulting in a claimed fuel consumption figure of 6.3L/100km, which results in a driving range of 1 111km with the 70-litre fuel tank. At the launch event, we covered around 200km in the newcomer where its powertrain impressed with the gearbox and engine working well to keep the Zafira on the boil, while fuel returns were 8.3L/100km with some admittedly spirited driving.
Verdict
The Zafira range enters a saturated market, with rivals such as the Hyundai Staria, Kia Carnival, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes-Benz Vito, Ford Tourneo and Toyota Quantum all offering similar packages at around the same price point. The Zafira is certainly one of the largest MPVs available, and its powertrain manages to be both efficient and powerful enough to get the job done. In the areas of safety, quality and in-car tech, the Zafira is very much in the middle of the pack, making it one of the MPVs you should shortlist when arranging test drives.
Pricing
The Zafira range is covered by a five year/100 000km service plan and comprehensive warranty.
| Model | Price |
| Zafira Life Edition | R 749 900 |
| Zafira Life Elegance | R 869 900 |
