2005 Vauxhall Zafira Design 2.0 diesel from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Very minor - the INSP (service due) warning has always come on as you start the engine - I guess it was never set - I will know when it has done 20000 miles for the first service by looking at the mileage!

Windscreen washers sometimes do not work - no they are not empty or frozen!

General Comments:

It seems very slow after the Mondeo diesel, but it cranks up OK on the motorway. Very roomy and quiet. Love the way the seats move around/configure.

Main rear seat not that comfortable, but lots of leg room with it right back.

Good to drive - good driving position. Company car, but my Wife drives it a lot - she loves it. Easier to park than the Mondy - due to driving position - also seems to have a very small turning circle like a London taxi. Interior is a bit dull, but I like the white dials in the 'Design' they light up orange at night like a Rover 75, which is a bit classy. (Small things...)

The Kids like it as their mates can come out with us - oh and the Dog.

I have seen pictures of the forthcoming new Zafira, and I have to say I do not like it as much as the present one. Maybe it will look better in the metal.

Will update when things start to go wrong.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th April, 2005

20th Apr 2005, 12:21

We love our Zafira too, it's a really great car. We wanted the turbo diesel, but unfortunately funds would not stretch that far.

Our friends bought a Zafira... within a week of ours... after only having rode in it just the once, they liked it that much, but... a diesel!!

We have found our Zafira, a whole load better than our previous car, and if I was to pick faults, it really would be trivial.

You have commented on the new Zafira, I ain't that sure also. But I have seen one of those 'spy' photos of one, and it did look better, the body looked really beefy.

Although I have to admit the current Zafira still sails my boat, at least at present.

NB: Great review...

2005 Vauxhall Zafira Design 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Can fulfil most tasks asked of it, from the school run, shopping and trips to Ikea

General Comments:

I had a previous Zafira of the same spec for 3 years (02 Model Year Comfort) and was happy to purchase one again.

Unfortunately within just a few miles I found to problems, one by design the other would seem a fault.

The design problem is with the suspension, Vauxhall seem to have softened both the springs and dampers resulting in at times for me an unpleasant ride. The only road surface it seems happy on is the motorway and cruising at 70mph. However I should point out the rest of the family all like the softer suspension.

The fault is with the window demisting, when setting the ventilation controls to demist as per the manual, the windows mist up. If the temperature is above 4c then the air-con can be run which stops the misting up. Driving at night when the outside temperature is 4c or lower is a real problem.

The cruise has proved terrific and is just as good on the motorway as long runs at 30mph, well worth the £300.

Petrol consumption on a long 200 mile run averaging 46 mph was 31 mpg.

Other than the above the Zafira can fulfil most tasks asked of it, from the school run, shopping and trips to Ikea.

Would I buy another one, yes if the misting up problem can be solved, no if not.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2005

10th Apr 2005, 14:22

Hello, our Zafira is misting up also, we had just put it down to the recent cold weather, and all that expanse of glass.

To be honest... I had blamed my wife for leaving the 're-circulate' turned on, she swore blind, sorry flower.

To de-mist the windows I don't believe in using the A/C all the time, but it seems it's going to be the norm.