Vauxhall confirms new Zafira model

Vauxhall has confirmed that a new Zafira Tourer model will go on sale in late 2011, with deliveries in early 2012. The Zafira Tourer is based on the concept of the same name from this year’s Geneva motorshow.

It’s to sit above the current Zafira model, rather than to replace it. Early images show that the production model looks very similar to the concept, which was the work of design chief Mark Adams.

The handsomely styed Tourer will offer an evolution of the Flex7 seating arrangement first seen in the original 1999 Zafira, but with improvements to flexibility, comfort and to the quality of materials. The third row of seats can be folded completely flat, and the second row is made up of three individual seats, rather than a bench.

With the back row of seats folded flat the load area can hold 710 litres, and with the middle row folded 1860-litres can be carried. A wealth of cubby holes and storage bins make the interior versatile and useful.

A ‘FlexFix’ integrated bike carrier, which forms part of the rear bumper, will be available too.

Besides a spacious, comfortable cabin the Tourer will offer improved driving dynamics, with key chassis components lifted from the Insignia, as well as FlexRide adaptive damping to improve ride quality.

Safety takes a priority, with new optional technology such as blind spot assist and traffic sign recognition making an appearance, as well as handy gear such as advanced park assist and automatic forward lights.

The Zafira Tourer will be available with the 2.0-litre CDTi diesel engine currently fitted to the Insignia and Astra, with three power outputs – 110PS, 130PS and 165PS.

There will also be two petrol engines, a 1.4 Turbo and a naturally aspirated 1.8. All engines but the 1.8-litre petrol will come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

There are no fuel consumption or emissions figures as yet, but expect them to be released ahead of the production cars official unveiling later this year at the Frankfurt Motor Show, along with pricing and trim levels.