The new Stylish and Sporty Vauxhall Zafira Tourer
Vauxhall has created a new stylish and sporty MPV, the Zafira Tourer, a big brother for the popular Zafira model. The Tourer, described by its creators as ‘a lounge on wheels’, is based on the concept vehicle that featured in the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and the first cars are due to go on sale in late 2011 with models in showrooms in the UK by early 2012.
The Zafira Tourer features a flexible seven-seat configuration in its airy and spacious cabin. The third row of seats can be folded flush with the floor of the luggage area, as in the present Zafira, while the second row now comprises three separate seats that can be folded and moved independently to create different seating arrangements. The Tourer has a storage system running between the front seats similar to that found in the latest Vauxhall Meriva. This system helps the driver and passengers to keep the cabin tidy. To add to the airiness of the cabin, you can have, as an option, a panoramic windscreen which combines with a sunroof on certain models.
Visibility has been improved thanks to slim A-pillars, large side windows and re-positioned door mirrors. Meanwhile, to make sure the Tourer is easily seen by other road users, the headlights feature Vauxhall’s wing-shaped daytime running light graphic.
The Tourer has a long list of driver assistance systems which are either built in or optional. These include radar-based adaptive cruise control with collision mitigating braking which monitors the distance to vehicles in front and reduces the car’s speed or applies emergency braking to try to stop a collision. Other systems are lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, side blind spot alert and advance park assist which helps drivers to find a big enough parking space and then guides them in to it.
The Tourer, which has a chassis that uses key components from the Vauxhall Insignia, is 190mm longer than the present Zafira and, subsequently, has a longer wheelbase. This contributes to the stability and ride comfort of the vehicle which can be further enhanced with an optional adaptive damping system.
Three engines – a 1.4-litre turbo petrol, a 1.8-litre petrol and a 2.0 CDTi diesel – are being used for the Zafira Tourer. The common rail diesel units are also found in the Insignia and Astra ranges and produce 110PS, 130PS, or 165PS. Six-speed manual gearboxes will be standard with the 1.4 and 2.0 engines, and there will be the option of a six-speed automatic gearbox on certain models. A five-speed manual gearbox will be available with the 1.8 engine.
