Minivans – a controversial category of cars. Hugely popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s, they later fell victim to crossovers and other “off-road-inspired” machines. Controversial also because once I wrote a minivan review, someone at Citroën read it… and since then they’ve refused to give me a car for testing.
But let’s get back to the Zafira.
The Opel Zafira first appeared in 1999 and seriously disrupted the market, reaching over 240,000 annual sales in Europe. It stood out with exceptional interior space utilisation and one of the most flexible cabins in its class.
Today we’re looking at the third generation, specifically the facelift introduced at the end of 2016, which brought Opel’s newer design language into the model, along with the OnStar system.
Design
Let’s be honest – a minivan can never truly be beautiful or exciting. The concept simply doesn’t allow it. You’re chasing volume and practicality, and the result usually ends up somewhere between a cube and a barrel.
Still, even a box can be interpreted differently. Opel has done a solid job here. The Zafira looks more appealing than the rather dull Volkswagen Touran, but less dramatic than the spaceship-like Renault Grand Scenic or the “sporty” Ford S-Max. In fact, Opel seems to have hit a sweet spot – form follows function, but there’s still a clear brand identity.
The front end is probably the most attractive part. Yes, the pre-facelift model had more character with its boomerang-shaped headlights, but the newer corporate design adds maturity and elegance – something that suits the Zafira well.
From the side, it’s classic minivan territory: split A-pillars and generous glazing. Wide doors improve access, while the rear may look compact but hides a seriously large boot.
At the back, things are tidy and modern – LED taillights and a large tailgate with a low loading lip make everyday use easy.
Interior
Step inside and you immediately understand why minivans were once so popular – space. Proper, usable space.
Up front, visibility is outstanding. The windscreen is enormous, and the split A-pillars improve your field of view significantly. Combined with the low window line and high seating position, this creates an airy, almost panoramic driving experience that makes long journeys genuinely enjoyable.
Storage is also well thought out. The highlight is the sliding multifunction console – a clever rail-based system that allows access to deep storage, cupholders, or a movable armrest. Could it have been simpler? Probably. But it’s smart, different, and it works.
The second row is where the Zafira really shines. There’s more space here than in full-size SUVs like the Volvo XC90, Mercedes-Benz GLE or Range Rover Sport. Three proper seats, good height, and clever armrest integration that transforms the middle seat into a comfortable dual-armrest setup. In this configuration, you effectively get two individual rear seats – perfect for families.
The third row consists of two foldable seats. They’re small and best suited for children, and you’ll need to slide the second row forward slightly to make space.
I have to admit, I was genuinely impressed by the second row. You won’t find this much space even in full-size SUVs like the Volvo XC90, Mercedes-Benz GLE or Range Rover Sport, let alone in compact models at a similar price point to the Zafira. The seats are positioned high, their bases are long enough, and you effectively get three fully usable seats.
What I particularly liked is the integration of the armrests. In fact, there are two armrests available for the outer passengers – when the middle seat is folded, parts of its backrest flip to become large armrests. It sounds complicated, but it works well. In this configuration, you essentially get two fully independent rear seats with plenty of space between them – the perfect setup for a family with two constantly arguing kids in the back.
Finally, the third row. It consists of two seats that fold easily and are, of course, small – suitable mainly for children. Even then, the second row needs to slide slightly forward (yes, it’s adjustable) to free up more space.
Now, the boot – thanks to the lack of rear-wheel drive, it is very deep and correspondingly very large in volume. And as every family person knows, that matters. It prevents arguments when you’re heading on holiday and everyone has brought more luggage than seems physically possible. Here, you have over 700 litres of space.
As for materials, build quality, and design, I’d say the level is average. Visually, the cabin isn’t particularly exciting and differs quite a lot from Opel’s newer interior design (which is actually quite successful). Materials range from hard plastics to soft-touch surfaces, but overall there’s nothing that annoys or feels cheap – you get what you pay for.
On the Road
The Zafira that greeted me in front of the Opel dealership was finished in dark brown (which I like), in the high-spec Innovation trim, and powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 170 hp, paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox.
This setup delivers fuel consumption between 4.5 and 8.2 l/100 km, allows 0–100 km/h acceleration in 10.1 seconds, and a top speed of 205 km/h. Yes, I know – over 10 seconds is quite a lot. But it seems that performance isn’t really a priority for Opel here, and realistically, if you want performance, you won’t be buying a minivan anyway.
Once seated behind the wheel, I immediately noticed the unusual driving position – the seats are higher, and you sit with more bent knees, almost like in a bus. This is normal for this type of vehicle, as it improves interior space utilisation. It’s unusual at first, but once you get used to it, it’s not uncomfortable. The seats themselves aren’t bad and offer multiple adjustments, although I personally didn’t feel perfectly comfortable. The seats in the new Opel Astra, for example, are significantly better (though this is subjective).
My proper journey began the next morning – not particularly early and not on a particularly suitable day for a seaside trip, as it was cold. Fortunately, the Zafira has a heated steering wheel, which definitely makes cold starts more pleasant.
By the time I left Sofia, I had already adapted to the car and was enjoying the excellent visibility in all directions. Interestingly, the feeling of being in a minivan comes mainly from the seating position and large glass surfaces. In terms of driving behaviour, despite the tall body, the Zafira feels like a typical sedan or estate when driven normally. This is due to its relatively low centre of gravity and firm suspension – typically German: on the firm side, but not uncomfortable.
In city conditions, the car is pleasant to drive. Road noise is lower than expected, and the engine is well insulated, especially at low revs. The gearbox is an older six-speed unit, but it shifts smoothly and is perfectly adequate for daily use.
Once I reached the Trakia Motorway, I began the journey in the traditional way – full throttle after the traffic police checkpoint. The result is steady acceleration and quite a bit of engine noise at higher revs. Once you engage adaptive cruise control, everything settles down, and the car becomes a relaxed long-distance cruiser.
At higher speeds, the Zafira remains relatively quiet, with aerodynamic noise well managed – most of it coming from the side mirrors. The motorway journey is particularly pleasant thanks to the visibility, the large windscreen, and the high seating position. Ergonomics are, as expected from Opel, well sorted.
Power is sufficient for overtaking and maintaining higher speeds (let’s say… relatively legal ones). I reached the southern Black Sea coast quickly and with an average consumption of 8.5 l/100 km – a good result considering the speed and the car’s size. More importantly, it’s close to the official figures.
On the way back, I took a more interesting route via Karnobat, Kotel, Elena, Tvarditsa and Nova Zagora. It turned out to be a fantastic driving road – good surface, plenty of corners, and very little traffic.
How did the Zafira perform there? One of the first things I noticed was the excellent visibility in tight corners thanks to the split A-pillars. In fact, this probably saved the car at one point, when I encountered a truck cutting across the road at speed – I managed to react in time, even though I had to briefly leave the asphalt while the ESP system intervened.
On these roads, fuel consumption drops below 6 l/100 km, and around 5.5 l/100 km is achievable on main roads. The steering also provides more feedback than expected.
One small issue – due to the large windows, Opel should have designed more effective sun visors, ideally double ones covering both the windscreen and side windows.
Conclusion
The Zafira is a well-executed interpretation of a type of car I personally don’t like – simply because I prefer more engaging vehicles. However, it has clear advantages for a certain type of buyer.
Its two strongest qualities are the vast interior space and exceptional visibility – both superior to conventional sedans, estates, and even many crossovers.
With a starting price of around €19,500 and well-equipped versions reaching approximately €30,500 (including VAT and seven seats), the Zafira offers a lot for the money.
Yes, its age shows – the third generation has been on the market since 2011. The interior, while practical and well built, feels dated compared to newer Opel models, and the gearbox isn’t particularly modern. Still, it works well enough that you don’t really miss anything.
What’s truly interesting is the wide range of engines and configurations – petrol engines from 120 to 200 hp, diesels from 130 to 170 hp, and factory options for CNG or LPG. There’s something for everyone.
Combined with Opel’s 5-year warranty (2 years unlimited mileage or 5 years up to 150,000 km), the Zafira becomes a very sensible choice for rational buyers who need comfort, space, and care about the well-being of their passengers – especially those in the back seats.
Eng. Tsvetan Iliev
Ами карам този автомобил от няколко години и разхода НИКОГА не е бил такъв,какъвто го дава производителя, а именно 4,5. Изминавал съм 1000 километра със скорост 90 км в час и разхода ми не е падал под 5.2. Иначе автомобила в класа си е най-добрият спрямо качество и цена
Да, извънградския е труднопостижим. При мен минималният също беше около 5.2, което обаче си е съвсем добър резултат.