Test drive Opel Zafira 2006 - 2008 Minivan

And yours and our

At the peak of Contradictions
Unlike most competitors, Zafira is the second generation of compact van from Opel. And the current model managed to surpass the applicant in many ways. But it is made in an exclusively corporate style. Unfortunately. Because the current models from Adam Opel AG disadvantages have general, and the advantages of separate. Let's start with the advantages.
 
Main Zafira goes well. Well in all senses of the word. Good, but not excellent. Nice high-torque allows not abuse too frequent switching of the manual. Selectivity movements of the arm is not bad, but the clutch pedal uninformative. Because of what has to step on the gas at the start too, so as not to stall. In the car quietly. At the turn of the minivan retains a position sufficiently close to the horizontal. And if you go beyond the trajectory, the classically in front-wheel, with a predictable and gradual demolition of the front axle. No surprises. The intensive work of the wheel are not welcome ugulivany amount may reach supercritical mark and catch the car would be difficult. The longitudinal rolls are present, especially when braking that is what it is. Although the slowdown itself, in spite of the peck, quite transparently and effectively.
 
The main problems arise from the Ergon-omy. Plastic interior is not pleased with any eye or hand. Small, indistinct buttons and knobs-insensitive krutilki made without love for his client. Slippery steering wheel has a sharp cut-crossbar for which clatter palms maneuvers. But worst of all the input interface in the menu. When would you not want to use the radio or climate control, will have to take your eyes off the road, or even stop to understand the intricate ramifications of the encrypted control. And find out the latest information on the faded, sand-colored monitor is not easy, because the data is laid out in abundance, but one font and in a strange corner of the screen. About Non-retentive shift paddles we are not too lazy to write every time a test the next Opel. But get used to the algorithm and can not! Active rebuild the road from here it looks like ridiculous throwing. The illumination of turn signals is so overflowing! The reason is that to distinguish a weak pressure when you give triple blinking for rebuilding, and the permanent mode for turning is not easy, and sound clicks here are unusually quiet. And when you notice that for five minutes you rush with flaw on, you give a reverse cutoff. But instead of shutdown, you often just change the side into which the turn signal blinks. Mess! They can be used to get used to. But is it just necessary?
 
Another problem visibility. She manifests itself in everything. In small outer mirrors with serious distortions at the outer edge. In triangular windows, through which in the side you see at least something, and only two plump divergent racks are noticeable at the angle. In short, the dead zones are enough that little contributes to active and safe ride.
 
But I liked the transformation of the cabin. Door openings are wide. In the trunk, the lowest loading height. And the third row of seats, even flat and thin, but quite spacious, especially if the passengers of the second row of a bit will move forward, which also provides here. In short, utilitarian goals here clearly dominate the pleasure of driving.
 
The advantage of Zafira is its compactness compared to competitors.

Cold gray tones of the cabin and a buckle plastic in the interior design did not please us

Specifications Opel Zafira
 
Engine
Type petrol
Working volume, cm3 2198
Max. Power, hp at rpm 150/5600
Max. Moment, nm at rpm 215/4000
 
Dynamics
Max. Speed, km / h 200
Acceleration 0-100 km / h, from 11.6
 
Total information
Fuel consumption (EU), l / 100km 6.4 / 11.3
Volume of fuel tank, l 58
Wheel base, mm 2705
Long, mm 4470
Width, mm 1800
Height, mm 1635
Mass cutting. / full, kg 1500/2165
Price $ 30 490

DESIGN
First show 1997. New version 2005. Design under the guidance of Brian Nebitt (Bryan Nesbitt).
 
Outside, the bright style of Opel rejoices and the appearance of the minivan. The brandness of the person is formed by a brilliant plate on top of the radiator cladding. Aerodynamic body kit is aggressive in moderation permitted family universal dynamics. On the side of the semi-lift silhouette of honest and informs about all its advantages: the convenience of vertical landing, capacity, dynamics and ability to translate not only luggage, but also the cargo. Behind the brand of style is close to confusion in identifying models. But unusual proportions are deployed, which turn the set of branded parts into fragments, which emphasize the individuality.
 
Inside the T-shaped architecture of the instrument panel is built on the central console accent. It makes an element of democratic and leaves a trace from a really inappropriate ideology of Drivers-Car.
 
Text Evgeny Hapov, Vladimir Smirnov
Photo Leonid Dedukh
 

A source: Cars