Opel Zafira test drive since 2009 minivan
Compact player
Compact minivans are now in fashion. For comparison, we chose the shortest and most roomy - Hyundai Matrix with Opel Zafira. The very idea of \u200b\u200bcreating minivans based on car models C was surprisingly viable. Proof of this is the variety of models that have already appeared in this class. Moreover, every year there are more and more of them. Just a few weeks ago, one of the most unusual cars of this type debuted in the Russian market. Opel Zafira, which differs from its classmates in that it has seven places, like an adult single -crew. And in a couple to it, we took a car that can be called the Zafira antipode - the most compact of the compact Hyundai Matrix minivans.
Overpattle scammers. In appearance, this pair is unity and the struggle of the opposite. Opel, when choosing a design concept, Zafira decided that a sufficient share of extravagance provides the number of places. So her appearance, to put it mildly, is not too intricate. Against the background of the general variety of competitors, such a stylistic solution can be considered original. It will probably find a response in the hearts and wallets of many Russian buyers.
But the Korean machine, on the contrary, looks extremely elegant. A memorable shape with a stepped window line emphasizes a height characteristic of minivan and at the same time differs with swiftness. It is understandable: under the rear windows, a modest nameplate - Disegno Pininfarina. Neat faceted planes with a moderate degree of aggressiveness have long become the hallmark of this body atelier.
The design of salons varies to the same extent as the exterior. The powerful Zafira panel is somewhat unified with Opel Astra, but increased in height. But on the Hyundai Matrix panel is light and elegant, primarily thanks to the instrument panel located in the center. It is slightly deployed towards the driver, so the information is read without any voltage - after a few minutes you simply do not notice the atypicality of such a design.
Bricks. The difference in the length of Zafira and Matrix is \u200b\u200babout 290 mm, which is a lot for the car. It is this distance that lies between the upper and lower boundaries of the class and dilutes the German and Korean to various poles. The remaining compact minivans in length are just within these limits. And if you imagine that it was thanks to these three decimeters in Zafira that another row of seats managed to accommodate, then I would like to remove the hat before the talent of Opel compotors.
By itself, the fact of squeezing the third row in the trunk does not actually deserve applause. The main problem in this situation is how to ensure the transformation of the salon. The creators of large minivans are usually limited to the possibility of removing the seats. In middle-class station wagons like Mercedes-Benz or Volvo, the third row is cleaned on the floor, but due to the limited place and partly mass, the underwear is designed only for children. But in Zafira, two chairs of the third row have quite adult sizes, but hidden so cunning that you can find them only by reading the instructions. The chairs are deployed in the horizontal and stretched over the floor of the trunk and under the second side.
The idea is generally simple, but for its implementation it was still necessary to solve the question of how to clean them there and extract from there. The solution was also chosen by the original: the middle row pillow rises and presses to the back, and then the entire second row moves forward. These two movements, if you know where to press, are performed in a few seconds. Then we turn the trunk carpet, pull the handle in the floor - and please, place number six. True, to get seven, you will have to take out the entire carpet.
Dancing minus. The middle row, moving forward, opens a fairly convenient passage for landing in the rear seats. They are not the most comfortable, of course, but it has long been noticed that it is better to go badly than to go well.
In addition, the backs of seats of the middle row can be thrown forward, the same should be done with the chair of the front passenger and carry items with a length of the entire salon. Or just use the hatch behind the armrest of the middle row ... In general, the term is ideal for Zafira, which was once used in Russian instead of the word minivan-a station wagon of increased capacity.
The Matrix salon, due to the lack of a third row, does not offer such vast possibilities for transforming the cabin, but there are some elements that are uncharacteristic for an ordinary passenger car. The rear seat is divided into two parts, which have independent adjustments in the longitudinal direction and along the angle of inclination of the back. This gives additional opportunities for varying the volume of the luggage compartment. Plus a typical abundance of all kinds of drawers and pockets for trifles. For example, on the instrument panel, in addition to the glove box, there are three more opening containers plus a deep niche on the console. Apart from the free space under the radio - the standard space is designed for a double format, although the plant is installed at the factory of the usual size. 
SPLEEN. At the time of the test in Moscow, there was no Zafira with a 1.8-liter engine, which is quite close to the characteristics of the only motor offered in Russia for Matrix. So here we are forced to compare the ultimate options in some way. It is clear that with a 2.2-liter engine Opel drives much more dynamic. It is especially pleasant that all other characteristics are sharpened under the maximum proximity to a light car. Of course, for this I had to pay a little the softness of the suspension, but, firstly, within the rational, and secondly, many such unobtrusive rigidity and like it to many.
Hyundai Matrix, however, is not too far behind the dynamics, and there are also no complaints about the characteristics of the motor. The suspension is somewhat less energy -intensive than Opel, so Matrix has become more noticeable on the roads of the road. However, a more significant and unpleasant disadvantage is the gear shift: the lever was extremely incomprehensible. If you can put up with problems with problems with each turn, then regular non -attachment for the third annoys stronger. About the same as the strange arrangement of the pedals of Opel: the drowned accelerator turned out to be too close to the brake, so that when the leg is transferred, it constantly clings to it. Theoretically, both the KP lever and the Opel pedals can be used to, but it would be logical to expect that these minor troubles would not appear at all.
HANDS UP! In terms of adjustments at the workplace of the driver, both cars offer a fairly wide selection, but both have their own things. So, Opel has a seat pillow, when lifting, leans forward a little - in its kind advice on choosing the optimal posture. However, in general, setting takes time and habit. For example, in order to find the handle of its adjustment located across the steering column. In Hyundai, the adjustable zone of lumbar support is located so low that it rests only with the rear edge of the pillow in the lower back.
Hyundai Matrix is \u200b\u200boffered in only one configuration, which, however, includes an electric package, air conditioning, alloy wheels and an audio system. Such a set, and even with a fairly powerful engine of 1.8 liters, is quite worthy of about $ 16 thousand, which are asked for it. True, this is a special offer that acts temporarily. Later, the price should increase by a thousand.
An additional two places Zafira will cost one and a half thousand for each: a modification with a 1.8-liter engine (supplied by Comfort) costs about $ 19 thousand. At the same time, unlike Matrix, the completion does not include heating seats, cast discs and casting wheels, and Rear windows electric drive. But the version of 2.2 liters in the Elegance configuration that we has received will cost almost four thousand more. Not much for a car that can chase with other models a class higher and at the same time holds more than any car of this length.
Text Valery Chusov, photo Alexey Ilyin
Source: "Autopilot"
