By Khulekani Dumisa

South Africans are not big fans of MPVs but this cannot take away from their versatility. If you are looking for a vehicle that can ferry a large family or crew, and their luggage or work items, and tow as well, you need not look further than the Opel Zafira Life.

Looks

Upfront, it sports an assertive look with a large grille and a dominant Opel logo and LED daytime running lights. Halogen lights rather let down the great looks. On the side, the stretched MPV sports dark rear windows and a restrained but tasteful design with slightly flared wheel arches and good-looking rims. The rear is decent to look at and features LED lights with a 3D design.

Interior

Inside, the spacious MPV sits eight with tons of space. The dash looks good but is minimalistic in design. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ready infotainment has a screen that is a tad small for the car and our test Life model has no steering controls, something we have not seen in a car costing north of R700,000 in a while. There’s also one USB for all eight occupants but rear passengers have trays for drinks and meals.

Safety features

Some safety features include blind spot monitor, electronic ESC, hill-start assist, 180-degree reverse camera, and front, and rear parking sensors. The 180-degree camera and parking sensors come in handy as the Zafira is a large vehicle and can be tricky to park in tight spaces.

Engine

The Opel Zafira Life is powered by a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine with 110kW and 370Nm. The engine is paired with an eight-speed transmission. Fuel consumption comes in at a claimed combined 6.3l/100km.

Living with the Opel Zafira Life

Large families and those families that also need vehicles to do some work don’t always have vehicles that can take care of their needs. Large MPVs like the new Opel Zafira aim to fill this gap. Whilst not perfect, they do a good job at responding to this need. Here are some highlights and lowlights from our time with the Opel Zafira:

– Highlights:

– Looks smart;

– Space (sits 8 and can even accommodate their luggage)

– Easy to get in and out with sliding door on either side;

– Many storage spaces;

– Frugal and sufficiently powered engine, and accurate transmission. We never saw fuel consumption above 8.8L/100km even in the city with passengers and their luggage;

– Apple CarPlay, auto wipers and auto lights;

-180 Degree Camera and Blind Spot monitor;

– Removable rear seats for extended cargo area; and

– Price: R750,000 seems like a lot but this is a lot for car for the money.

– Lowlights:

– no steering wheel controls;

– Small infotainment screen;

– One USB port for all 8 occupants;

– No cup holders for Rear passengers; and

– Key must be handed over to petrol attended when you refuel as its needed to open the fuel cap. Not in 2022!

All things considered, we would shortlist the Zafira when looking into the segment. Go check it out!

Pricing

The Opel Zafira Life Edition is priced from R749,900.