• Bigger interior
• Panorama roof system
• Unrivalled versatility
• Seven engines
• No word just yet on Australian specifications and availability

Vauxhall will unveil the second generation of its hugely-successful MPV trendsetter, the new Zafira, at the Geneva Motor Show next month (3rd-13th March).

The stylish new Zafira features dynamic design and driving performance as well as a larger, high-quality interior. The Flex7 seating system continues to set standards with its ingenious versatility.

An innovative panorama roof system, with integrated storage compartments, makes its debut with new Zafira, creating a pleasing, light atmosphere for passengers.

Familiar from the Astra and redeveloped for new Zafira, the IDS^Plus chassis (Interactive Driving System) with electronic CDC (Continuous Damping Control) ensures exciting driving. Adaptive forward lighting (AFL) is available for the first time in an MPV.

There are two diesel and four petrol engines from the ECOTEC family with power outputs of 100 to 200hp. The top-of-the-line engine is the 200hp 2.0 turbo. Vauxhall’s new 1.9-litre common-rail turbo-diesel engine joins the line-up.

Zafira was launched in 1999, in Europe, as the first MPV with a third row of seats that could be completely folded down and stowed away. It was this easy-to-operate Flex7 seating system that was decisive in the unrivalled success of the multiple award-winning bestseller.

To date, around 1.4 million units of the original Zafira have been produced with 15 per cent sold in the UK, where sales have risen every year since launch. In 2004 more than 51,000 Britons bought Zafiras, easily keeping the model at the top of its sector despite growing competition.

The new Zafira’s look is confident, dynamic and unmistakeably related to its Astra stablemate.

Length/width excluding exterior mirrors/height figures are 4467/1776/1637mm (176/70/64.4in). That makes the new Zafira 150mm (6in) longer, 34mm (1.5in) wider and a shade taller than the current model.

New Zafira’s elegant and dynamic looks are accentuated by eye-catching details such as large air inlets in the front bumper, visibly hi-tech, three-dimensional headlamps and tail lights.

In the driver-oriented cockpit the gear shift lever is positioned higher for easy, comfortable operation, making space for a U-shaped aircraft style hand brake lever integrated in the centre console, and an additional storage compartment.

A large, easy to read monitor displays all information for the infotainment systems with intuitive operating concept, including units with DVD navigation and Bluetooth technology.

In terms of comfort and space, the new Zafira is a step ahead of the first generation model. Thanks to its long wheelbase (2703mm/106.4in) and clever packaging, up to seven passengers have even more room in all three rows. The Flex7 seating system ensures maximum versatility for all transport needs. In a matter of seconds, the Zafira can easily be turned from a seven to a six, five, four, three or two-seater, without having to remove or stow away the seats.

In five-seat configuration, the new Zafira’s luggage compartment volume is 620 litres,
20 litres more than in its predecessor. Depending on the trim level, the new Zafira will offer around 30 practical storage compartments. The FlexOrganizer cargo management system from the new Astra Estate – it keeps the boot and its cargo neat and tidy beyond belief – is now also available for the Zafira.

The optional panorama roof with integrated storage facilities has its world premiere in new Zafira. With four large glass panels, the system offers passengers a pleasant, light atmosphere while dark tinted glass and a power-operated shading system protects against strong sunlight. A centre roof console running the length of the ceiling has five different-sized storage compartments.