Test drive Opel Zafira 2006 - 2008 Minivan

To stay

Opel Zafira. Price: 790 000 rub. On sale: since January 2008
Next year, Opel will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Zafira model. Success is confirmed by the fact that its modernization continues to this day
Soon, the two millionth Zafira will come off the Opel conveyor, and only about 194,000 these cars were sold in Europe last year. In order for the success of the brand to accompany in the future, interest in the model must be maintained. Therefore, in December last year, a presentation of the updated Zafira was held in Bologna, and in January, European journalists were invited to Switzerland to a third-generation test of the popular CDW.
The first acquaintance at Zurich Airport. The updated Zafira looks more muscular than the predecessor. But not heavily, but more sports. The pattern of the radiator grille is emphasized by chrome inserts, the niches of fog headlights seemed to be slightly lubricated with a raising air flow. Dynamics, but not aggression: this is a family car. Volumetric rear lights with integrated transparent blocks at the level of reversing indicators are based on a chrome bar. Struggle, and stylish. The interior of Zafira was often easily criticized, as very boring. Designers have worked in this direction: chrome edges of the control systems of climate control systems and audio systems, new strokes in the decoration of the dashboard and door panels.
But the main ones were not cosmetic changes. The line of engines that Zafira is equipped with three units: gasoline and two diesel. The gasoline engine is a 1.6-valve ECOTEC equipped with a modern CAM-PHASE system. Depending on the conditions of movement, the phases of gas distribution at the inlet and release change, so that the engine is more responsive to the operation of the accelerator pedal. This motor, developing 115 hp, replaced the former, 105 -strong. The maximum torque amounted to 155 nm (3.3% higher than that of the predecessor), and the average fuel consumption decreased by 4.3% and is 7.1 liters per 100 km.
The 1.9 -liter 100 -horsepower turbodiesel was replaced by versions of 1.7 CDTI with a capacity of 110 and 125 liters. p., Responsible to the Euro 5 standard. In these 16-valve engines, direct injection and the Common-Rail fuel supply system are used. The average fuel consumption was reduced to 5.7 liters per 100 km, and the release of CO is 152 g/km. The engine is equipped with a new turbocharger, whose work at first disappointed. The motor, displeasedly rumbling, forgives touching from a place at low speeds, but then do not lower the tachometer arrow below 2500 min-1. Both engines are equipped with a 6 -speed mechanical KP, and on mountain serpentines the constant operation of the gear lever did not cause much delight. But then the algorithm was found, and we became friends with the motor. Alas ... Zafira will not be supplied to Russia with these engines.
Switzerland was chosen for a test drive. The PR manager of GM CIS Agnes Ron (special thanks to her for organizing the test) explained this pragmatic. Like, European media representatives are easiest to collect in this country. In fact, on the roads of Switzerland Opel Zafira looks harmonious. And the preserved (who would doubt it) the transformation system of the Flex7 salon makes it as functional as possible. You can go to a ski resort with the whole family or in the company of six friends for a party, in a five -seater version with a luggage of 490 liters to visit a supermarket, and leaving only one row of seats and receiving 1700 liters of volume and length of the cargo platform of 2.8 meters, transport materials For a country house. But even being in the salon alone, you do not experience complexes about the fact that you do not use all the capabilities of the car. Opel marketing manager Donna Martin noted five points, according to which the buyer chooses a single -volume car that does not require compromises. In this case, you can limit yourself to only one thing: enjoy driving. This is largely facilitated by the system of adaptive chassis. The excellent quality of the Swiss roads did not allow to fully experience the possibilities of a smart suspension, but the controllability of the machine on mountain passes fully answered the principle of relaxing and enjoy.
With a new heart
Already today in Russia you can purchase an updated Opel Zafira. True, so far in the only specification: Cosmo equipment with a 1.9 cm3 diesel engine with a capacity of 150 hp. and mechanical 6-speed KP. The entire line of motors of today's Opel Zafira ten versions, including the 1.6 CNG Ecotec model operating on natural gas. When developing a new line of power units, the main task that the designers had to solve was an increase in engine efficiency.
Driving
A rather rare combination of operational qualities: pragmatism, functionality and pleasure from driving.
Salon
Designers have worked here, which was a great addition to the main advantage of the FLEX7 system.
Comfort
The backs of the front seats are not enough developed lateral support.
Security
In equipment, 8 airbags, active head restraints, a traumatic pedal node, fasteners of ISOFIX children's seats.
Price
Competitive.
Our opinion
Three options for configurations, plus Zafira OPC for a family with sports ambitions. Seven options for engines, including a turbodiesel with a volume of 1.9 liters that will be available to Russian customers. The price niche is from 549,000 to 790,000 rubles (for the OPC version, the recommended price is 962,000 rubles). Agree, there is something to choose from, provided that you have decided on the type of car.
Author: Stanislav Shustitsky
 
 

A source: Magazine 5 wheel [April 2008]