Vauxhall - Zafira Tourer - Miscellaneous Documents - 2009 - 2009

The answer Motor Madness to all questions Ian Lamming enjoys being popular with people needing a lift Q UIZ night, yeh, it’s the only night of the year when I feel popular. That’s because people need a lift so they can eat their bodyweight in cheese and wash it down with gallons of prosecco. By some amazing coincidence, I just happen to have a seven seater, so I have more new found friends than ever. So this is what it’s like to feel loved. There’s plenty of interest too in the ride to Barney school (that’s where the quiz is). It’s Vauxhall’s latest Zafira, the Tourer to be precise and it’s in a lovely pale metallic silvery blue. Old Tourer was a fine and splendid looking car with the front of the Ampera. Now I expected the whole range to eventually get this shnozz, it’s a really striking, modern look. I can only think that Vauxhall sacked the designer as this never happened. New Tourer moves away from the radical and takes on a more Astra-esque corporate appearance. It is softer, more curvaceous, perhaps a tad safer. Straight or three quarters on it is conventional but look side on there is a more pronounced step in the lines which makes the Zafira look more distinctive. The back looks neat too. But Zafiras are all about practicality so it’s back to my quiz chums. There are three rows of seats and the way they slide, tilt and tumble is impressive, the seats not the chums, although...? They are easy to use, spacious and comfortable. When you don’t need the two in the boot they disappear into the floor and it is a cinch to do, even when the tipsy crew are stumbling back in for the homeward journey. There’s also plenty of clever space for the storage of niks, naks, phones, wallets, purses, sick bags. It’s all very comfy, all very practical and it is met with oohs and aahs of approval. When the driver is on his lonesome Zafira is a goody too. It’s great to drive thanks to a refined, powerful and economical 170PS turbo diesel. There is bags of poke and expect miles per gallon to be clearly stuck in the 50s without even trying. Driver sits high so the view is good too and it is a relaxing way to chomp through the miles. Ride is uber comfortable and surprisingly controlled so it’s fun to drive. The kids will love it; it has touch screen tech to die for including OnStar mobile 4G WiFi hotspot, which can be used by up to seven devices simultaneously. I’ll leave that to them then. I appreciate the satnav and connectivity that allows hands free for the phone and Bluetooth to access my sounds. Touch screen also does away with countless buttons that once cluttered the fascia. Multi-function touchscreen tidies nicely the interior and puts the focus on the attractive clocks. I’m asked questions on a daily basis by folk, including what I think of various cars, what are my favourites, which are the best for particular circumstances? At least with the Zafira my quiz buddies can help me with the answers. Fact File • Vauxhall Zafira • • • • • • • Tourer Tech Line 2.0CDTi Engine: 2.0 turbo diesel Power: 170PS 0-62mph: 9.1 secs Top speed: 129mph Combined MPG: 57.7 Transmission: six speed manual CO2 g/km: 129