First drive of Zafira uncovers sparkling jewel

The multi-purpose-vehicle market is changing very rapidly in Europe, from something that was represented exclusively by slightly smaller versions of what the Americans call a ‘minivan’ to a much more broad-based vehicle range pioneered by the Renault Scenic in the compact MPV and followed rapidly by Mitsubishi and their Space Star. The difference in size between both is most easily shown by seating configuration, with the big ones being seven seaters and the smaller ones exclusively five-seaters. That’s about to change.

Opel’s entry into the smaller-sized area is selling as many copies here as it can get, aided by the arrival of the entry-level 1.6-litre engine. The Astra-based Zafira (name is loosely based on the ‘sapphire’ jewel) has seven seats, and is so clever in how it arranges them that Opel has patented part of the system. I’m already almost prepared to guarantee that this element alone will bring the Zafira close to leading this particular segment.

The vehicle is as smart-looking as anything on the road, while retaining a certain conservatism in styling that will keep it from dating too soon. And the stylists have done a superb job on the exterior, because there’s no angle from which it looks awkward. They’ve succeeded also in making it aerodynamically smooth, with a class-leading Cd factor of 0.33; in practical terms, the lack of any wind noise at high speed reflects this very well.

The car is almost the same length as the Astra wagon, though somewhat wider and significantly higher. But from the outside the extra inches don’t make it look as big as it actually is. There is a perceptual difference inside, with airy headroom and no elbow constraints ... though it must be said that three across the middle seat are more cramped than in, say, a Galaxy. But then, the Ford G-wagon is a class above, remember.

While we are inside, let’s look around. The dashboard/instruments cluster layout is fresh for Zafira, not just a mildly reworked Astra (indeed, I’d like to see this in the Astra, which has a rather too massive feel to it for some tastes). There are a couple of horizontal sculptings in the section fronting the passenger airbag which also help to improve the look of the plastic. In higher-spec models there’s an armrest for the driver, but I find these things something of a nuisance when changing gear ... they’re OK when you’ve got an autobox. The seats grip well, and the driving position is pleasantly high.

The middle passengers share a 40/60 split seat which is surprisingly comfortable even for the occasional centre passenger. Kneeroom was good even for me, and again there’s lots of air over the head. In the back there are two seats, which Opel say are ‘ideal for children, and also for most adults’. That really depends on how big the people up front are, but a space test showed them to be pretty good.

Which brings us neatly to the clever part of these seats. The two rear ones actually fold forward and flat into the floor, providing a completely level luggage area. They call the engineering of it the FLEX7 system, and this is what’s patented. The middle set of seats also fold forward and extend the luggage area even further, adding too a safety element of a strong barrier against luggage flying forward in harsh braking or impact. While in normal use, those same middle seats slide across a 540mm range, making it possible to maximise needs between legroom and luggage space. For awkward long loads, the front passenger seat also folds flat to half its height.

All this seat-shifting is simple and can be done easily and in a matter of seconds by just one person. The additional advantage is that none of the seats are taken out to provide the various positions and space, and so there’s not the problem of storing the unused ones, meaning that configuration changes can be made while away from home. It is something that has to be tried to appreciate, and I think this factor alone is a unique selling point that is going to bring Zafira buyers quickly to dealers.

The power side of things in the review car was provided by a 1.8-litre petrol engine, and a brand-new 2-litre common-rail turbodiesel will be available in Ireland soon. Opel are looking for 2,000 buyers this year. It is probable that maybe half of those will be existing Opel owners, changing from estates or hatchback Astras, but the rest will be new Opel punters captured from other brands.

It will be interesting to see how many people who might have been thinking of going the Scenic route will change direction because of the extra couple of seats. It will be equally interesting to see how many who would have liked to buy a Galaxy/Sharan/Espace sized MPV but always felt them to be too big (and expensive) will also find themselves at last able to join the ‘van’ brigade. That the large MPV segment may not be as strong as it used to be in Europe is indicated by Opel’s decision to drop the Sintra after only a few years selling over here. The ‘compact MPV’ will probably have a longer life. The industry expects growth from a 2% market share to 10% in Europe by 2005, while in Ireland the change will be from 1% to 7% over the same period.

Signs on, with Nissan, Fiat and Ford all soon coming up with their offerings in the compact area, it’s going to be a competitive progress.

Meanwhile, if Astra is the shining star in Opel’s Irish sky, Zafira could well become another bright jewel in its crown.