Review Opel Zafira 2.0 CDTI

Compared to the previous model with an extravagant front, which was dominated by connected headlights, the Zafira received more inconspicuous, but excellent adaptive LED headlights. They themselves switch between seven modes, which are said to be 25% brighter than halogen. There were no significant changes in the side or rear of the car. In my subjective opinion, the car now looks a lot sleeker, which I like better than the previous version.

First of all, I have to mention the great ergonomic, semi-leather seats, which are adjustable in every imaginable direction and do not hurt the back even after a long time behind the wheel.

The steering wheel is adjustable in a wide range, almost everyone can find a position behind it. In the winter months, heating the steering wheel and seats will come in handy. The windshield is unusually far, the dashboard is very long, but the view is good thanks to the thin A and B pillars.

Compared to the previous Zafira , the number of buttons has been significantly reduced to a reasonable level, the buttons have been left for everything important and the rest can be set using the touch screen.

Infotainment Navi 950 with a 7″ touch screen can be controlled with four touch buttons on both sides and a pair of rotary controls. The system is localized into Czech, only voice control is not available in it. The system is fast and the control is logical. An interesting function is OnStar, which ensures not only automatic accident reporting, but also two-way communication with a Czech-speaking dispatcher. It can remotely send you a route to the navigation system, locate or, for example, diagnose the car. The car can also be controlled using a smartphone app. Internet connection sharing via Wi-Fi is also available. There is a 12-month trial period for OnStar, after which you can decide whether to extend it for 249.90 CZK per month or 2499 CZK per year. Also with the Wi-Fi hotspot you have time to try it out, either 3 months or 3 GB of data. The connectivity provider is Vodafone, and after the trial period, 3 GB of data for 28 days will cost you 399 CZK, 10 GB for 599 CZK, or you will pay 3990 CZK for 100 GB of data for the whole year.

It wouldn't be Zafira if it didn't offer great space variability. In the second row, the seats are split in a ratio of 40:20:40, are independently sliding and have adjustable backrests. Thanks to Lounge, it is possible to create a large armrest from the middle seat, the two passengers in the second row have maximum comfort, plenty of space is a matter of course and there are also sun shades. The third row is significantly less spacious and boarding is not very comfortable, it is average in this MPV category.

The luggage compartment is very variable, its volume varies from 152 liters to 1792 liters. Length up to 180 cm and width at the narrowest point between the rear wheels – 105 cm. You don't have to leave the blind at home, it can be hidden in the compartment behind the third row of seats. The flexibility of the car is demonstrated by the FlexiOrganizer, which is a network program, and the FlexiCover – a folding carpet, which can be used in any way the seats are arranged. Although it does not belong in the interior, I will also mention the FlexFix – an integrated bicycle holder that took the place of the spare wheel holder.

In addition to classic gasoline and diesel engines, gas-burning engines are also available, namely 1.4 on LPG and 1.6 on CNG. The tested car has a more powerful version of the two-liter diesel with 170 horses. The engine behaves in a refined manner, it is very well soundproofed. The stated consumption with the six-speed manual transmission is 4.2 / 6.1 / 4.9 liters of diesel, but this applies to tires with low rolling resistance. In reality, with winter tires and frequently switched on heating of the seats and the steering wheel, the combined consumption was around 6 liters. In 6th gear, the engine turned 1600 rpm at 90 km/h, then 2300 rpm at 130 km/h. The noise was at the level of 60 dB both when driving at 50 km/h on cat heads and on the highway at 130 km/h.

A number of technologies help safety and comfort behind the wheel. Let's start with blind spot monitoring, this system works exactly as it should and can be relied on. The lane keeping system copes with less visible lanes surprisingly well. And finally, I would like to mention the adaptive cruise control, in combination with a manual transmission, of course, it cannot offer the same functionality as with an automatic, but when driving on the highway it was necessary to downshift only exceptionally. It's a shame that due to limiting the cruise control's minimum speed to 50 km/h, its use in the city is somewhat limited.

Price from: CZK 462,900

Price in the Innovation equipment and with the 2.0 CDTI 125kW engine: CZK 629,900