Vauxhall Zafira Tourer (2012 - 2018)
Elite 2.0 CDTi 16v 170 Auto 5dr MPV
Very, very disappointed; poor fuel economy, inconsistent steering alignment, auto box with a mind of its own,
Due to illness / disability I traded in my 3 yr old Motability car (an Insignia SRi 160 manual) for the Xafira Tourer.
I was assured that the 'new' engine was very economical, although with mixed driving my Insignia had averaged 49.8 mpg over 3 yrs and 42k.
I took delivery of the car and 2 months later drove to France on Holiday. The same journey in the insignia had yielded an average of nearly 60mpg (mainly motorway) yet the same journey in the Zafira yielded only 45mpg.
The fuel consumption has continued to be poor and currently stands at 35mpg.
To compound the matter, the steering alignment was badly out from the point of delivery;
I therefore took my car to my Vauxhall dealer, who, after 'checking' the alignment, told me there was nothing wrong.
I have taken the car for realignment at 3 different Kwik Fit centres (Motabilitys approved tyre and steering alignment centre) and each one had had a go at adjusting the alignment' each with 3 different readings.
The car still has inconsistent steering and gives no confidence at all.
The auto gearbox; ah yes
When I say it has a mind of its own, I mean that I can be travelling along a perfectly flat road, at a constant road speed, and all of a sudden it will change down.
In addition, there are time when, in an uphill gradient it will change down, yet flicking the lever into 'manual' mode immediately shows a 'change up' image on the instrument panel.
Unless the gearbox ECU has two totally different maps for manual and full auto mode, then all I cans say is that the gearbox is poor.
The handling is good for a car with a r aside seating area, and is firm yet supple in SRi configuration.
I deliberately didn't choose climate control and sat nav as they are vastly overpriced for what they offered, preferring Google Maps and free sat nav on my iphone, and air conditioning is good enough.
I must say that unless you load the boot towards the roof, the ability to swallow cases and luggage is inferior to my Insignia hatchback.
Would I buy the same car again?
No, not unless Vauxhall I prove all of the above.
Would I recommend this car?
No, unless you really need a 7 seater or a fairly cheap auto on Motability.
Write your review
About this car
Price | £17,815–£32,995 |
---|---|
Road Tax | B–H |
MPG | 39.2–68.9 mpg |
Real MPG | 75.3% |