Is the Daddy still cool? | Car Reviews

#01#Vauxhall can possibly lay claim to the invention of the performance MPV with the original Zafira GSi. That car, like the latest development you see here, shared many of its underpinnings with the contemporary Astra - no bad thing at the time. We've already written about how much better the new Astra is than the older car, particularly the sporting-biased models; the VXR is a real hot hatch and forms much of the basis of the Zafira VXR.

Vauxhall are pushing the VXR brand harder than ever, but we've seen before (with the Meriva VXR) that an ill-advised application of the VXR decals can actually detract from the value and integrity of the brand, casting a shadow of cynicism over what we've found with cars such as the Astra and Monaro - a welcome reinvention of the performance Vauxhall brand with thoroughly capable, fast and desirable cars.

From the outside, the Zafira VXR makes a very bold statement as compared to the basic model. Every angle is an expression of sporting intent; the front has been heavily reworked with ducted bumpers, mesh grilles and a deeper, more aggressive profile. From the side, the deep sills and large alloys transform the Zafira's shape into something altogether different to that of a standard MPV. The rear similarly features a deeper moulding for the rear bumper, punctuated at either side by large trapezoid-shaped exhausts.

In the bright red hue of the test car, the VXR really does stand out from the crowd. Whether this is tasteful and desirable comes down to personal preference, but for those who require an MPV and would like to keep an element of sportiness, it strikes a fine compromise between the two virtues.

The interior is similarly reworked with the VXR effect. The sculpted figure-hugging seats in the front are on the hard side, but comfortable and supportive. The rear of the car, whilst restyled with VXR trim, retains the core appeal of the Zafira as a family wagon in terms of roominess and flexibility. The latest incarnation of Vauxhall's 'Flex7' system works better than ever and this practicality is the Zafira's most valuable asset. It really works well as a basic MPV. #p##07# The cabin features a range of handy cubbies, perfect for all the accompaniments that come with the challenges of parenting. Optional audio controls in the rear ensure that the occupants can select their own music, should their tastes not align with those of their parents...

Driving controls, many trimmed in VXR stitched leather, are light and easy to use, although our test car did suffer from a slightly notchy gearchange and the handbrake handle is unnecessarily over styled in our opinion; it takes a little getting used to. On the move, the VXR exhibits a fairly stiff ride albeit well damped; you're in no doubt that this is a sporting offering, but it isn't unpleasant and drives around town nicely.

Where the chassis pays real dividends is where the VXR is meant to - away from the urban throngs and out on the open road. Here, the firm suspension results in quick and flat cornering and taut body control. There is a noticeable deterioration from the lower, lighter Astra, but it makes a good fist of trying to deliver a sporting drive, aided and abetted by strong progressive brakes, a clever and complicated arrangement of chassis aids and strong performance. A slicker gear shift and more feelsome steering would be appreciated as, although quick, it feels a little wooden and detached at times.

The now familiar 2-litre turbo unit provides an unseemly amount of poke for what is essentially still an MPV. Should the need take you (and conditions and the law allow), the VXR will romp to 60mph in just over seven seconds and runs on to a maximum of 144mph. These figures are nigh on hot hatch pace and the in-gear muscularity is equally as impressive as the all-out figures. The odd power delivery we've seen in all other applications of this engine remains, if a little smoothed out in this case. For the most part the front wheels manage to get all the power down, though there can be a fair degree of torque steer, more pronounced in the wet as you'd expect.

Overall the Zafira VXR delivers most of what it sets out to do. It's appreciably better as a VXR model than the Meriva is, probably due to the better car that lies beneath in the shape of the new Astra. Given the constraints of the Zafira's true brief in life - that of the family transporting MPV - it makes a fine effort of providing some fun and ability for those times when the kids are at their grandparent's.

Overall, the Vauxhall Zafira is still an eminently practical mid-size MPV underneath all the glitz. One could argue that it falls short of providing the VXR experience Vauxhall is trying to pitch and perhaps a slightly lesser badge would suit, but it isn't a cynical exploitation of the VXR brand. Its biggest problem isn't a gross weakness in the execution; it comes in the form of Vauxhall's traditional nemesis - Ford. As a buyer in this market you would have to have an irrational hatred of Ford's products not to place the S-MAX above the Zafira on your shopping list. The Zafira is a decent MPV, but the S-MAX is something special when it comes to the driver's needs.

2007 Vauxhall Zafira range overview

- Vauxhall Zafira Expression 1.6i 16v: £13,530
- Vauxhall Zafira Life 1.6i 16v: £14,785
- Vauxhall Zafira Life a/c 1.6i 16v: £15,285
- Vauxhall Zafira Life a/c 1.8i 16v VVT: £16,010
- Vauxhall Zafira Life a/c 1.8i 16v VVT Easytronic: £16,485
- Vauxhall Zafira Life a/c 2.2i 16v Direct: £17,160
- Vauxhall Zafira Life a/c 2.2i 16v Direct Automatic: £18,160
- Vauxhall Zafira Life 1.9CDTi (120PS): £17,275
- Vauxhall Zafira Life a/c 1.9CDTi (120PS) Automatic: £18,640
- Vauxhall Zafira Club 1.6i 16v: £15,510
- Vauxhall Zafira Club a/c 1.6i 16v: £16,010
- Vauxhall Zafira Club a/c 1.8i 16v VVT: £16,735
- Vauxhall Zafira Club a/c 1.8i 16v VVT Easytronic: £17,210
- Vauxhall Zafira Club a/c 2.2i 16v Direct: £17,885
- Vauxhall Zafira Club a/c 2.2i 16v Direct Automatic: £18,885
- Vauxhall Zafira Club 1.9CDTi (120PS): £18,000
- Vauxhall Zafira Club a/c 1.9CDTi (120PS) Automatic: £19,365
- Vauxhall Zafira Energy 1.6i 16v: £16,010
- Vauxhall Zafira Energy 1.8i 16v VVT: £16,735
- Vauxhall Zafira Energy 2.2i 16v Direct Automatic: £18,885
- Vauxhall Zafira Energy 1.9CDTi (120PS): £18,000
- Vauxhall Zafira Energy 1.9CDTi (120PS) Automatic: £19,365
- Vauxhall Zafira Design 1.8i 16v VVT: £17,935
- Vauxhall Zafira Design 1.8i 16v VVT Easytronic: £18,410
- Vauxhall Zafira Design 2.0i 16v turbo (200PS): £20,880
- Vauxhall Zafira Design 2.2i 16v Direct: £19,335
- Vauxhall Zafira Design 2.2i 16v Direct Automatic: £20,335
- Vauxhall Zafira Design 1.9CDTi (120PS): £19,200
- Vauxhall Zafira Design 1.9CDTi (120PS) Automatic: £20,565
- Vauxhall Zafira Design 1.9CDTi 16v (150PS): £20,325
- Vauxhall Zafira Design 1.9CDTi 16v (150PS) Automatic: £21,690
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi 1.8i 16v VVT: £18,135
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi 2.0i 16v turbo (200PS): £20,430
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi 2.2i 16v Direct: £18,885
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi 2.2i 16v Direct Automatic: £19,885
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi 1.9CDTi (120PS): £19,400
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi 1.9CDTi (120PS) Automatic: £20,765
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi 1.9CDTi 16v (150PS): £19,875
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi 1.9CDTi 16v (150PS) Automatic: £21,240
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi XP 1.8i 16v VVT: £18,935
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi XP 2.0i 16v turbo (200PS): £21,230
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi XP 2.2i 16v Direct: £19,685
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi XP 2.2i 16v Direct Automatic: £20,685
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi XP 1.9CDTi (120PS): £20,200
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi XP 1.9CDTi (120PS) Automatic: £21,565
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi XP 1.9CDTi 16v (150PS): £20,675
- Vauxhall Zafira SRi XP 1.9CDTi 16v (150PS) Automatic: £22,040
- Vauxhall Zafira VXR 2.0i 16v turbo (240PS): £22,255