Vauxhall Zafira

As well as the innovative Flex7 seating arrangement with which the Zafira broke the mould in the MPV market, the Elite comes with full leather trim, electronic climate control, cruise control, CD30 stereo with MP3 socket, alloy wheels, a multifunction trip computer and a sight and light pack, which incorporates automatic lighting control, rain-sensitive windscreen wipers and an electro-chromatic self-dipping interior mirror.

Engine choices include 1.8i 16v, 2.2 16v Direct and 2.0i 16v Turbo petrol engines, or a choice of 120PS or 150PS 1.9-litre CDTi diesels. Vauxhall’s clutchless Easytronic gearbox is available on 1.8-litre models, with a conventional automatic offered on all other variants except the 2.0 Turbo.

As well as introducing the new flagship, Vauxhall has reduced the price of the entry-level Zafira Expression, making it the least expensive seven-seat monocab on the market, even undercutting rivals from the Far East.

Available with Vauxhall’s sophisticated 1.6-litre Twinport engine, the award-winning MPV costs just £12,995 on-the-road yet includes such equipment as a stereo-radio CD player, electric windows and mirrors, multiple airbags, a 12v auxiliary power socket, a height adjustable driver’s seat and remote control central deadlocking.