Zafira Petrol or Turbo Diesel

[minimatt1967]

Hi I'm in the process of finding a replacement for our MK3 astra estate and the missus has expressed an interest in the Vauxhall Zafira, this will be a used one probably over 5 years old. In the main I would like to know what you consider to be the best engine, with a view to performance versus/fuel economy/driveability and what is the best balance? If you could post what sort of fuel economies you are experiencing that would be very useful aswell.
Many thanks
Matt

p.s GSi is not an option, this really is super sensible family mobile but if I had my way.... no no resist temptation!

[Yugguy]

Normally I'd say diesel but the VX 2.0DTI is a st engine, slow and thirsty - the later 1.9 is much better.

Of all those petrol engines you'll actually find the 2.2 is the best for lugging a big car, it's just got that extra bit of torque over the 2.0 and just as efficient. And IIRC it's chain-cam so no belt.

[Firkin D]

Forget 1.6 if you have more than 2 up. I have the 1.8 and it is fine for everyday about town driving. Nothing special but does the job no fuss.

[satchbot]

2.2 no brainer. You'll need the extra to pull it and the passengers/luggage around with some decency.

[_Lee_]

For a car like that I would suggest a diesel option for its pulling power and economy. Its not a car you drive with zeal so why go for the thirsty 2.2?

[Yugguy]

Cos the 2.0DTI is neither pully nor economic?

[Silent1]

If the 2.2 is the Z22SE a-la the VX220 there's a few things you can do to make it quicker.
Such as fitting the 2.4 inlet manifold giving some impressive gains.
You can also supercharge it if you want...

But there's a guy who got 220BHP (engine dyno'd) out of one in a VX220 by just changing the cams, removing balancer shafts etc, nothing too radical really.

For an idea of the things you can do, look on Z22SE.co.uk

[Pooh]

Can we have a forget the Zafira and buy a Multipla instead option?

[Silent1]

Pooh said:

Can we have a forget the Zafira and buy a Multipla instead option?

That's like saying, no jodie kidd, i don't want to ride you today, instead i'm going to stick a red hot poker up my bum.

[Pooh]

Silent1 said:

Pooh said:

Can we have a forget the Zafira and buy a Multipla instead option?

That's like saying, no jodie kidd, i don't want to ride you today, instead i'm going to stick a red hot poker up my bum.

Looks aren't everything, in most ways the Multipla is a far better car.(and yes I do speak from personal experience)

[JamesK]

On that basis you'd bin them both and get an S-Max though.