Zafira GSi Turbo

Zafira GSi Turbo

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Alex

Original Poster:

9,975 posts

291 months

Friday 19th December 2003
quotequote all
Speaking of Vauxhall turbos...

With two kids, and another one on the way, a VX220T is not an option for me. However, I quite fancy a Zafira GSi Turbo; has anyone tried/got one? Opinions?

Edited to correct a typo, which simply wouldn't do with my reputation!

>>> Edited by Alex on Friday 19th December 17:57

julianhj

8,791 posts

269 months

Monday 5th January 2004
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We've got them on the fleet at work.

They are bloody good. For a Zafira!

In all seriousness it would be my choice if the key question was seating. Much more entertaining that the Sharan or Previa.

For the money you get a fairly decent package, and I love the shade of blue you can spec them in (light metallic)

cheeky_chops

1,603 posts

258 months

Tuesday 6th January 2004
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any you can chip them up to 250bhp

Alex

Original Poster:

9,975 posts

291 months

Tuesday 6th January 2004
quotequote all
We looked at one at a dealer and decided that it was too small for our needs, unfortunately. Still very expensive too.

We are getting a Fiat Ulysse 2.2JTD Eleganza (with loads of toys) instead.

Tony_996hasgone

3,160 posts

265 months

Tuesday 6th January 2004
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Hadn't seen this post before, but thought I'd reply... bettter late than never!

Had mine for two years and not missed a beat, although quite a few things needed doing (under warranty) at the 2nd annual service. In summary nothing but praise for the car, just let down by crappy Vauxhall dealer service.... but that's another story.

The engine is great and will criuse on the continent at over 100mph all day long, and with 195bhp and 190 lb/ft there's plenty there to have fun with. I've had the needle touching 140, which probably means around 130.

It has a sports suspension and 17" alloys on low profile rubber, so the ride isn't as compliant as the standard Zafira's, however the upside is that it drives more like a hot hatch than a MPV. Front wheel drive means that it sometimes scrabbles to get the power down off the line but surpisingly I've never been overduly troubled by excessive understeer... and it provided great fun around the 'Ring Recaros are pretty good as well.

In terms of praticality I can see why with three kids you have opted for one of the full size MPV's, as although you can put three across the standard rear seats, it is a bit of a squash, and if you use the seats at the very back then there is no room for prams,etc.... one option is to only have one of the rear seats up so you still get half of the boot area.

Anyway, it gets a positive vote from me as a good compromise between practicality and driving enjoyment, at a reasonable price.... when I was looking there were no MPV's with a "sports" factor to them.... and moving to the RS4/6 or E55 Estate is a fair old hike in cash.

Alex

Original Poster:

9,975 posts

291 months

Wednesday 7th January 2004
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Cheers Tony, tha's what I thought one would be like!

However, you hit the nail on the head, it's the ability to get three child seats in a row and fit a double buggy in the back that was the deciding factor.

Still the Ulysse we're getting has got air, cruise, satnav, DVD, electric doors, electric seats etc, etc...

birdy

1 posts

250 months

Friday 16th January 2004
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I have a GSi and its great, bit heavy on the petrol mind but a good compromise with the missues and kids. Sporty enough to get looks from other drivers but practical enough for the family. I've had the DVD kit put in and its a god send for the kids, keeps them silent on long journeys, worth the xtra money but managed to do a deal with the dealer for it! If you want 'old boy' mod cons and a big ugly car go for the Fiat or Peugeot but it's great goin past hot hatches in this, makes me laugh and keeps me smiling!!