This new MPV is joining the Vauxhall family! These are the very first shots that have emerged of the new Vauxhall Zafira, which isn’t due out until 2012.
Caught testing in extensive optical camouflage, the third generation Zafira shares its platform with the new Astra, and in the photos we can clearly see that this test car has the same multi-function steering wheel and soft touch interior as the smaller hatch-back.
The big news is that unlike on the new Meriva, this car won’t feature any backwards opening ‘suicide’ doors, and will continue with a conventional five-door layout instead.
Expect the Zafira to share the larger engines from the Astra line-up, which means a 115bhp 1.6 and 1.4-litre turbo petrol, and for the diesels a 1.7L ecoFLEX with 110bhp and a more powerful 2.0-litre CDTi unit.
In a leaked pre-production sketch it looked like Vauxhall’s versatile MPV would take its styling cues from the Insignia flagship, and the A-pillars and wheels match the shape of the sporty earlier drawing.
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However the roof-line is less curved than on the original picture, and the front air intake is bigger as well. The narrower grille brings it into line with the new Vauxhall ‘family’ look, while at the rear the re-designed light clusters have moved higher up, and there is a chunkier rear bumper too.
The car is likely to be properly unveiled at the Paris motor show in September, with more details available soon.