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Before its clever Flex7 interior layout arrived, large families were limited to cumbersome, expensive, full-size MPVs or the handful of estate cars that had impractical rear-facing chairs in the boot. The Vauxhall is great because you don't need to take the seats out if you want more luggage space. The all-new model is well established too, so even late-plate versions of the original are keenly priced. And Zafiras of any age are terrific value.
Drivers after a little extra performance can revel in the surprising pace of the turbocharged GSi. A 190bhp 2.0-litre engine takes the hot Zafira from 0-60mph in only 7.6 seconds, but the trade-off is a firm ride. Our pick is the robust 2.0 diesel, which blends reasonable performance with 43mpg economy. Petrol options include 1.6, 1.8 and 2.2-litre units, although the smaller two can be noisy when worked hard. However, the 1.8 is available as an automatic, carrying a £500 premium over the manual.
Vauxhall's Network Q approved car scheme provides peace of mind on dealer-supplied models - although cheaper examples will be outside the franchised network. As with the rest of the Zafira, the cabin is tough, yet look out for well worn interiors. Entry-level versions have no ABS either, so aim for Design or Elegance trim. The Zafira is eight years old, but its design hasn't dated, and the driving experience is fine thanks to its Astra underpinnings.
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