Vauxhall Zafira Tourer: The Speed Demon Minivan?

3.8 / 5
Vauxhall Zafira Tourer Driving, Engines & Performance
Comfort
8.5
Performance
6.0
Value
8.0
Reliabiliy
7.5
Author
Hans Müller
November 12th, 2023
When you think of a speed demon, the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer probably isn't the first car that comes to mind. Or the second. Or even the third. But here I am, tasked with putting this family-friendly minivan through its paces on the secret We Review Cars track. Buckle up, folks, because this is going to be one wild ride—or at least as wild as a seven-seater can get.

First things first, let's talk about the engine. The Zafira Tourer comes with a variety of engine options, but the one I had the pleasure of driving was the 1.6-liter diesel. Yes, you heard that right—a diesel. While it may not sound like much, this little engine that could churns out a respectable 134 horsepower. Not exactly the stuff of legends, but it's enough to get the job done. And by 'job,' I mean ferrying the kids to school and back.

On the track, the Zafira Tourer was surprisingly nimble for a car of its size. The steering was responsive, and the suspension did a decent job of soaking up the bumps. But let's be honest, this isn't a car designed for the Nürburgring. It's more at home in a Tesco car park than on a race track. That said, it handled the twists and turns of our secret track with a grace that belied its bulk.

Acceleration was, shall we say, leisurely. The Zafira Tourer takes its time getting up to speed, but once it does, it cruises along quite nicely. The 0-60 mph time is around 10.4 seconds, which won't set any records, but it's perfectly adequate for a car in this class. The diesel engine provides a decent amount of torque, making overtaking slower traffic a relatively painless affair.

Now, let's talk about the interior. The Zafira Tourer is all about space and practicality. With seven seats and plenty of room for luggage, it's the perfect car for family road trips. The seats are comfortable, and there's a good amount of legroom for passengers in all three rows. The dashboard is well laid out, with all the controls within easy reach. And let's not forget the panoramic sunroof, which floods the cabin with natural light and gives the interior a more spacious feel.

But what about the tech? The Zafira Tourer comes with all the usual bells and whistles, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. It's not exactly cutting-edge, but it gets the job done. And for those long road trips, there's even a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot to keep the kids entertained.

So, how does the Zafira Tourer stack up as a speed demon? Well, it's not going to win any drag races, but that's not the point. This is a car designed for comfort and practicality, and it excels in those areas. It's a solid, reliable family car that just happens to be a bit of fun to drive. And in the end, isn't that what really matters?

In conclusion, the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer may not be the fastest car on the road, but it's certainly one of the most practical. It's a car that does what it says on the tin, and it does it well. So, if you're in the market for a family-friendly minivan that won't break the bank, the Zafira Tourer is definitely worth a look. Just don't expect it to set your pulse racing.

Specifications

SpecificationValue
Engine1.6-liter diesel
Horsepower134
Fuel typeDiesel
Mpg62.8
0-60 mph10.4 seconds
Top speed120 mph
Transmission6-speed manual
Drive typeFront-wheel drive
Seating capacity7
Cargo capacity710 liters