With a price tag the wrong side of £20,000, the Vauxhall Zafira is one of the most expensive compact MPVs in this year’s test. But twist the salesman’s arm and that price should drop by £2000.
A powerful diesel engine goes some way to justifying the price, too. With 148bhp and 236lb/ft of torque, the Zafira goes from 30-60mph in 13.8 seconds. The raw numbers disguise a relative lack of pull below 2000rpm, however, so you’ll need to work the gearbox to make the most of the engine.
It’s quick around corners as well as down the straights and there’s impressive stability right up to the legal limit. There’s also the security of a five-star Euro NCAP rating.
Some testers found the handbrake awkward to use, but the Zafira tackled the hill start without fuss.