CAR GARAGE | Vauxhall Zafira Tourer (2012) | While the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer will continue to use Flex7 seating, the which set new standards for integration seven-seat Zafira in the original 1999, the system has evolved radically in the new car to offer even Greater levels of flexibility, innovation and comfort. Improved material quality, more cabin space and an overwhelmingly airy cabin further define the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer from its compact Zafira MPV sibling. The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer will also hold great driver appeal. Vauxhall's acclaimed Flex Ride adaptive damping system - a rarity in this class - will also be available as an option. A great emphasis has been placed on safety in the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer, with a plethora of driver-assist systems making a first appearance in the new model. The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer will receive its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (Sept. 15-25).
Compared with the current Zafira, the Tourer's wheelbase and tracks have all grown substantially, improving both the ride and stability of the car. The wheelbase is now 2760mm (+57 mm), while the tracks are 1584mm at the front (+96 mm) and 1588mm in the rear (+78 mm). The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer takes its front axle from the European Car of the Year-winning Insignia, the which means an isolated sub-frame and MacPherson struts. The compound crank / Watt 's link combination suits this type of vehicle well, offering excellent space efficiency, light weight and high levels of stability / control. Enhancing the base chassis' dynamic prowess will be the option of Vauxhall's FlexRide adaptive damping system, a rarity in the MPV class.
When Vauxhall Zafira Tourer unveiled the concept at Geneva, Mark Adams - Vauxhall / Opel 's Vice President of Design - pronounced it a "lounge on wheels", combining luxury with high degrees of flexibility and spaciousness. This principle has been retained for the production car. As with other models, the headlights feature Vauxhall's wing-shaped daytime running light graphic. The streamlined, aerodynamic design of the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer features a belt line sweeps upwards and visually That propels the vehicle forward, while the Vauxhall 'blade' sculpts and adds motion to the body-side. A horizontal bar carrying the Vauxhall logo extends into the light elements, giving the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer a broad, sporty look at the rear. Visibility has been improved thanks to a completely re-designed front layout, with slim A-pillars, large side windows and re-positioned door mirrors (now fixed directly to the door panel).
While the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer retains the basic concept of Flex7, it's made significant improvements in the way it functions. Thanks to a clever folding mechanism (available on Certain models), the back of the middle seat now folds forward and rotates, providing occupants in the outer seats with individual armrests. So configured, the outer seats can move fore and AFT through 280mm (+80 mm compared with the current Zafira) and also move by 50 millimeters towards the center of the car, giving passengers improved shoulder and elbow room, and the feeling of limousine-levels of space and comfort. The Vauxhall Zafira Tourer's load volumes have also Increased over the existing Zafira. In five-seat mode, the luggage area can now hold up to 710 liters (up 65 liters versus current Zafira), and up to 1860 liters (+40 litres) when all rear seats are folded.
