What's all this about?

Another midlife facelift but at least this time you can spot the differences. This is the 2016MY Vauxhall Zafira Tourer and, as you can see, it takes a lot of inspiration from the excellent Astra C-segment hatchback.

I can see - does anyone at Vauxhall explain why this is so?

Yes, British chap Mark Adams, the vice-president of design for GM Europe, says: "The front design of the new Zafira Tourer takes the major characteristics of the award-winning Astra and anchors it in Vauxhall's new portfolio. Its sharp, precise double-winged daytime running lights convey a new level of sophistication, which is also reflected in the interior by a completely redesigned instrument panel. It is purer, clearer and easier to use." And we can't really put it any better than that.

Has the Zafira Tourer got an interior on a par with the new Astra, then?

Again yes, with the seven-inch screen for the upgraded IntelliLink infotainment now integrated into a one-piece centre console. There's a nice new steering wheel. OnStar, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 4G/LTRE Wi-Fi hotspot are all lobbed in for good measure. The Zafira Tourer retains the Flex7 seating, ergonomically certified AGR front seats, a Flex-Fix bicycle carrier and FlexRide adaptive damping that made its predecessor so adaptable. And the options list also now includes the full LED Adaptive Forward Lighting headlamps and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Excellent. What has Vauxhall done to the drivetrains?

The square root of naff all. Engines and gearboxes are carried over wholesale from the pre-facelift Zafira Tourer, which is no bad thing as there are some gems in among the offerings.

OK, how much and when can I buy it?

No exact idea on prices and specs yet, although expect something in the £18-19,000 ballpark as a kick-off point, and the Astra-inspired Zafira Tourer will be in showrooms from October.

Matt Robinson - 31 May 2016