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VAUXHALL Zafira Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 3
First production year: 2005
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
Body style: Van
VAUXHALL Zafira Tourer photo gallery

The third generation of the Zafira was introduced in 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show first as an Opel and later as a Vauxhall for the British market. In 2016, it went through a facelift.

The MPV market was shrinking more and more, making room for the SUV market that was growing day by day. But the GM still believed in the minivans and that's why the continued to offer a spacious, good for seven, vehicle. It was based on the same platform with the Astra J and, at the time of its launch, it was Britain's most favorite 7-seat vehicle.

The facelift brought new headlights, which lost the boomerang light, and a new grille that resembled the one found on the Insignia. The front bumper was redesigned as well and received a sportier look, even if we were talking about a minivan, which is in total opposition with a sporty car.

Inside, few options started to be included as standard. The infotainment system with a touch-screen on top of the center stack was installed in from the base version. It gathered a few of the previously used buttons that cluttered the area. There were 13 storage compartments in the Zafira, but the glove-box was a small one.

The Zafira was offered with a choice of one gasoline and two diesel options, mated to either a manual or an automatic gearbox. Unfortunately, it wasn't offered as a hybrid.

full description and technical specifications
VAUXHALL Zafira Tourer photo gallery

The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer was one of the best MPV with 7 seats from the market. Unlike other vehicles from its segment, it was based on a car platform instead of a utility vehicle. And that added more comfort and better driving experience.

The tall, long Vauxhall Tourer evolved a lot since its first-generation back in 1999, which was based on the compact-class vehicle Astra. The 2011 model was based on the mid-size sedan Insignia (known as Holden Commodore or Buick Regal) but with a longer wheelbase. That made more room for the mid and rear passengers. The driver had a good driving position with a great view of the road. The instrument cluster was with regular, round dials, and a small display for the on-board computer.

For more information, the driver could have access to the infotainment unit placed on top of the dashboard that was Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. The 6-speed manual came as standard while the 6-speed automatic was offered as an option.

The middle row featured a Flex 7 system that allowed to adjust each seat individually back and forth and recline. The last row of seats was good for two children.

The engine choice was big, starting with a 1.4-liter turbocharged and went up to a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel unit. Due to a good aerodynamic coefficient, the Zafira Tourer was fuel-efficient for its class.

full description and technical specifications
VAUXHALL Zafira photo gallery

Vauxhall introduced the second generation of the Zafira minivan in 2005, following the same recipe as its predecessor but enhanced.

Zafira's first generation was a major hit on the market. It provided a seven-seat vehicle that could easily park in cramped, compact-sized spots. Like its predecessor, the second generation sat on top of an Opel/Vauxhall Astra platform, leading to lower costs of ownership and affordable prices. It was also a hit on the car-rental companies, which were a big customer for Vauxhall/Opel.

GM's European design department used the same lines on the Astra H lineup on the new generation. Its clear ellipsoid headlights followed the new-edge design language. They flanked a reversed trapezoidal grille crossed by the Vauxhall-specific slat with a V-shape in the middle. From its sides, the car lost the black moldings, which were helpful against parking scratches. Instead, Vauxhall replaced them with body-colored ones that enhanced the overall car's look. Also, Vauxhall added body-colored flush door handles and mirrors.

Inside, the cabin provided enough room for up to seven passengers on three rows of seats, with the last row folding flat in the trunk. At the front, the high-mounted seats provided good all-around visibility. The instrument cluster was smaller than on the 2003-2005 Zafira, but the center stack was taller and included the infotainment's screen. Vauxhall installed only the speedometer, tachometer, and fuel level in the instrument panel, losing the coolant-temperature gauge.

Under the hood, the carmaker introduced a choice of six engines, both gasoline and turbo-diesel, paired with either a five- or six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic.

full description and technical specifications