Opel Zafira Tourer
Opel Zafira Tourer (coming soon) Opel Zafira Tourer (coming soon)
The European compact van market is estimated at one million cars a year. This is not very much, given the number of models fighting for the favor of the buyer, who also more often prefer crossovers to compact cars. Nevertheless, according to Opel experts, compactvans had their own buyer, they are and they will be - they are not even in a hurry to remove the old Zafira from the market, which will be sold for some time in parallel with the new Zafira Tourer.
Who's new?
Typically, compact cars are based on a Class C car platform, but the platform principle itself seems to go down in history. Zafira Tourer, like many of the latest models, is designed according to the so-called modular principle: the MacPherson type front suspension is borrowed from Opel Insignia, and the semi-independent rear suspension, complemented by the Watt mechanism, is borrowed from the Astra model. Both pendants are attached to the body through a subframe, which makes their work virtually silent. Zafira Tourer is generally one of the quietest single-volume cars I have ever driven: there is an excellent aerodynamic study of the body and high-quality sound insulation.
Opel Zafira Tourer
The main value of a compact van is a spacious multivariate interior. Three seats of the middle row can be folded and moved independently from each other in the longitudinal direction, and if there are only two passengers, then the middle seat folds in the transverse plane and turns into a comfortable armrest, while the side seats are shifted back and to the center. In this case, simply a royal reserve for the legs and complete freedom in the shoulders are formed, which even the passengers of limousines will envy. You can add chic with the optional glass roof and an elongated windshield (like the Citroen C4 Picasso), thanks to which the car turns into a real aquarium.
Opel Zafira Tourer
4-seater placement - the most convenient possible - the level of comfort with this configuration of seats is comparable to executive sedans 4-seater - the most convenient possible - the level of comfort with this configuration of seats is comparable to executive sedans
Opel Zafira Tourer
Here is only a small part of the possible options for transforming the cabin Here is only a small part of the possible options for transforming the cabin
If maximum passenger capacity is required, then third-row seats integrated in the floor can be used - however, only children will be comfortable there: there is very little leg and head space, as, however, on the “gallery” of all compact cars.
Opel Zafira Tourer
Nobody has ever proposed such an elegant solution that turns the middle chair into an armrest before Zafira Tourer. At the same time, metamorphoses occur quickly and without unnecessary efforts. Nobody has yet proposed such an elegant solution that turns the middle chair into an armrest before Zafira Tourer. Metamorphoses occur quickly and effortlessly.
To store small things, Zafira Tourer offers more than 30 different containers scattered throughout the cabin, but the main pride of the developers is the FlexRail multi-layer box between the front seats with aluminum rails, along which the deep cup holders and the armrest case move back and forth, and below them is another box with its own sliding cover. All together, it resembles a bottomless miracle box magician.
Opel Zafira Tourer
The central FlexRail box organizer with multi-level sliding drawers is an explicit find of designers and layouts The central FlexRail box organizer with multi-level sliding drawers is an explicit find of designers and layouts
The creators did not forget about the proprietary FlexFix system, which is integrated into the rear bumper and allows you to transport bicycles without damage to the boot capacity - and not just two, but four pedal cars at once!
Opel Zafira Tourer
For test drive to Bavaria, the company provided copies only with diesel engines and a manual gearbox - a favorite combination in Europe, but not popular with us. Nevertheless, such a version will also be offered in Russia, however, the diesel engine we will have is the most powerful of the three - 165 strong. The engine is excellent - it pulls well at low speeds and does not require frequent gear changes. In traffic jams when the clutch is off, the StartStop system automatically suppresses it, saving fuel. The distance to the vehicle ahead is controlled by a radar integrated in the front bumper. Traffic signs are read by the Opel Eye mounted at the top of the side window and warns the driver if the permitted speed is exceeded. Ultrasonic sensors located along the perimeter of the body monitor the marking and interference during rebuilding; they also help to find a parking place along the road. However, all these are pleasant and expensive options, as well as the adaptive FlexRide suspension. However, already in the base Zafira Tourer has a complete set of airbags and a stabilization system of the latest generation.
ARB SCH / SP CUT
In rich trim levels, the Zafira Tourer is literally crammed with all kinds of tracking sensors: for road markings, for neighbors in the stream, for traffic signs, for parking spaces. Autopilot just around the corner? In rich trim levels, the Zafira Tourer is literally crammed with all kinds of tracking sensors: for road markings, for neighbors in the stream, for traffic signs, for parking spaces. Autopilot just around the corner?
From the driver’s point of view, you can only complain about the artificial steering feedback typical of the latest Opel models. And personally, for half a day of driving, I still could not find the optimal fit in the driver's seat, and by the end of the route my back was pretty sore. Otherwise, there are no complaints about ergonomics. The scattering of buttons on the center console scares only at first glance, but it turned out to be not difficult to navigate them. I was pleasantly surprised that, with a similar architecture, the interior of Zafira Tourer in terms of quality of decoration, in my opinion, is noticeably superior to both Astra and Insignia.
Opel Zafira Tourer
A rear view camera paired with parking sensors may seem like a redundant solution, but for a novice driver this is what you need A rear view camera paired with parking sensors may seem like a redundant solution, but for a novice driver it's what you need
The smoothness of the ride is typically European: the suspension perfectly filters the microroughness of the roadway, but it seems harsh when traveling seams and joints. However, these observations are related to the FlexRide suspension, and we will find out how versions with standard shock absorbers behave in Russia. The start of sales is scheduled for next spring.
Opel Zafira Tourer
All seats are fully integrated into the body, and to obtain maximum capacity and a flat floor, they are not required to be removed. All seats are fully integrated in the body, and to obtain maximum capacity and a flat floor, they are not required to be removed.
Opel Zafira Tourer
Predecessors
The history of compact cars from Opel began recently, in 1999, when the first generation of the Zafira model was released. From the Renault Scenic that dominated the market then, the model was distinguished by a more traditional appearance, “assembled” chassis and a gambling controllability. Later, there was even a version from the OPC factory tuning studio with a 2-liter turbo engine, which was quickly called the “Hot Dad Machine”. The second generation of the model only developed the image of a “hot” compact van, but the new Zafira Tourer is already made with an emphasis on comfort
Predecessors
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Andrey Ezhov
- It's amazing how much attention the engineers approached to the development of the new Zafira, and this is an important but not the most popular Opel model. The interior is not only flawlessly thought out in terms of convenience and capacity, but it creates a much-desired feeling of expensive things, quality, gloss. An important role in this, of course, is played by the incredibly low level of noise and vibration, especially against the background of the previous model. Within two generations, Zafira has made a real breakthrough.
Andrey Ezhov, editor
