Vauxhall Zafira
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a family MPV that won’t break the bank? The Vauxhall Zafira might be exactly what you need. This practical seven-seater has been a favourite with British families for decades, offering genuine versatility and space at a reasonable price. It’s the car for people who need maximum practicality without the premium price tag of German alternatives.

From its introduction, the Zafira has focused on clever packaging and family-friendly features. The FlexSpace seating system revolutionised how families think about car interiors, allowing you to configure the cabin for passengers or cargo as needed. While it may not have the premium feel of rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan or Ford S-Max, it delivers where it matters most: space, reliability, and value for money.

The Zafira excels at being a practical workhorse that families can depend on. Whether you’re tackling the school run, loading up for a family holiday, or helping friends move house, it rises to the challenge. The ride is comfortable, the running costs are reasonable, and there’s enough space for seven people plus their luggage. While newer models like the Zafira Tourer brought improved refinement and styling, even older versions offer tremendous value for growing families on a budget.

What's the Vauxhall Zafira Like to Drive?

The Vauxhall Zafira prioritises practicality over performance, and that’s perfectly fine for most families. The engine range includes efficient petrol and diesel options, with the 1.4-litre turbo petrol being a popular choice for its balance of power and economy. The 1.6-litre CDTi diesel delivers excellent fuel economy, making it ideal for high-mileage drivers. Power outputs typically range from 110 to 165 BHP, providing adequate performance for a seven-seat MPV.

On the road, the Zafira feels composed and predictable rather than exciting. The steering is light and easy, making parking and low-speed manoeuvres simple despite the car’s size. The suspension does a good job of smoothing out bumps while keeping body roll in check around corners. It’s not sporty, but it doesn’t need to be. The focus is on comfort, refinement, and ease of driving, which it delivers admirably for everyday family use.

Inside the Vauxhall Zafira: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Zafira and you’ll immediately appreciate the clever design and spaciousness. The dashboard layout is straightforward and user-friendly, with clearly marked controls that make sense. The materials feel solid rather than luxurious, but everything is well put together. The FlexSpace seating system is the real star, allowing you to fold the rear seats completely flat into the floor to create a massive load space when needed.

The front seats are comfortable and offer good support for longer journeys. All seven seats are genuinely usable, though the rearmost pair are best suited for children or shorter adults. The middle row slides and reclines, helping to maximise comfort and legroom. Cabin storage is excellent with numerous cupholders, door pockets, and cubbyholes throughout. Later Tourer models added improved materials and technology, including touchscreen infotainment systems with smartphone connectivity.

The Vauxhall Zafira succeeds by focusing on what families actually need: space, flexibility, and affordability. While it may not offer the premium feel of German rivals or the style of newer SUVs, it delivers exceptional practicality at a price that won’t stretch family budgets. The FlexSpace seating system remains one of the cleverest solutions in the MPV market, and the running costs are genuinely affordable.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Vauxhall Zafira?

The Zafira shines when it comes to running costs, making it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious families. The diesel engines are particularly economical, with the 1.6-litre CDTi capable of achieving over 60 MPG in real-world driving. Even the petrol engines return respectable fuel economy figures. Insurance groups are reasonable for a seven-seater, and parts are readily available and affordable thanks to Vauxhall’s extensive dealer network.

Purchase prices are very competitive, especially for used examples. You can find a decent Zafira for well under £10,000, making it accessible to families who need space but have limited budgets. Depreciation has already done most of its damage, so you’re unlikely to lose much money. Maintenance costs are generally low, though it’s worth checking service history carefully. With flexible car finance options available, the Zafira represents excellent value for money in the MPV market.

Vauxhall Zafira Practicality & Boot Space

The Zafira’s practicality credentials are outstanding, which explains its enduring popularity with families. The FlexSpace seating system allows you to completely fold the rear seats into the floor, creating a cavernous 1,860-litre load space. Even with all seven seats in place, there’s still a useful 152 litres of boot space for shopping or small bags. The middle row seats slide and fold individually, giving you maximum flexibility for passengers and cargo.

Around town, the Zafira’s compact dimensions make it surprisingly easy to park and manoeuvre despite its seven-seat capacity. The sliding rear doors on some models are particularly helpful in tight car parks. For families who regularly need seven seats but don’t want the bulk of a full-size SUV, the Zafira hits the sweet spot. It offers similar space to much more expensive alternatives while remaining affordable to buy and run. Storage throughout the cabin is excellent, with plenty of places for the family’s bits and pieces compared to other used Vauxhall cars.

The Vauxhall Zafira stands out in the competitive MPV market by delivering exceptional practicality at an affordable price. Its FlexSpace seating system, spacious interior, and seven-seat capability make it ideal for growing families who need maximum versatility. While it may not offer the premium appeal of more expensive rivals, it excels where it matters most: functionality, reliability, and value for money.

You choose the Zafira because you need a practical family car that won’t break the bank. Its clever interior packaging, reasonable running costs, and proven reliability make it a sensible choice for everyday family life. Whether you’re considering a newer Tourer model or looking at cars under £10,000, the Zafira offers one of the best value propositions in the seven-seat market. For families prioritising space and affordability over luxury, it remains hard to beat.