Vauxhall Zafira Tourer: old vs new compared

If you’re after a spacious, well-made and attractive MPV, you might want to take a good look at the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer. The current model has been on sale since 2011 so Vauxhall has decided to give it a thorough facelift. We compare new with old to help you understand what’s changed.

If you’re keen on the current car, use our Vauxhall Zafira Tourer deals page to find the best offers available. Alternatively, check out our list of best MPVs for more great options.

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer old vs new – styling

The current Zafira Tourer is a massive step forward in terms of styling and desirability over the regular Zafira – it takes inspiration from the recently replaced Vauxhall Astra and features plenty of upmarket detailing and a distinctive headlight design. The rear is a little more generic but, considering its advancing years, the Vauxhall still looks sharp.

The new car takes even more inspiration from the new Astra, so features a noticeably changed front end complete with attractive adaptive LED headlights. The overall effect looks even more premium than before and it’s arguably more attractive than more expensive rivals including BMW’s 2 Series Gran Tourer. The rest of the car has been given a refresh too, but you’d have to look closely to notice.

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer old vs new – interior

Vauxhall’s interior quality has taken a noticeable step up in terms of quality and design over the last few years, but the outgoing Zafira Tourer is starting to show its age a little, with a button-heavy layout and clunky infotainment system. It’s still modern enough for most buyers, but rivals are better in this department.

Thankfully, the facelifted model impresses with its simplified controls and soft-touch materials. An eight-inch touchscreen takes centre stage, with Vauxhall’s OnStar system coming as standard, and featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as desirable options. OnStar also brings in-car 4G WiFi, giving passengers an extra distraction on long journeys.

In terms of practicality, no changes have been made, but that’s a good thing because the current car is one of the most flexible vehicles around. Vauxhall’s Flex7 seating system means good room for five passengers, and those up to teenage age should just about fit in the rearmost chairs. Boot space is 152 litres with all three rows in place, but this increases to 710 and 1,860 litres when the third and second rows are folded respectively.

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer old vs new – driving and engines

The Zafira Tourer is based on the same platform as the Astra, meaning it’s a capable and refined car to drive. The current Astra has had some pretty serious tweaking to improve the way it drives and, while the facelifted Zafira Tourer hasn’t had the same input, it gains some extra toys to help make journeys a little more enjoyable and safer.

Most noticeable are the optional adaptive dampeners that Vauxhall has called ‘FlexRide’. This system constantly adjusts the chassis to the driving situation, style and driver preferences, helping make the Zafira Tourer one of the better handling cars in the class. There’s also optional adaptive cruise control and an updated front camera system to help monitor road signs and blind spots.

The car’s engine range remains the same and offers a mix of diesel and petrol four-cylinder engines. Most buyers will choose the 1.6-litre ‘Whisper’ diesel, producing a reasonable 134hp and getting from 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds. Those after more performance or an automatic gearbox will have to choose one of the more powerful variants – a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol producing 138hp and a 2.0-litre diesel with 167hp. They reach 0-62mph in 9.9 and 9.1 seconds respectively.

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer old vs new – value for money

The identical engine line-up means that both versions of the Zafira Tourer come out the same in terms of running costs – up to 68.9mpg with the 1.6-litre diesel engine, a figure that’s competitive with rivals like the Ford S-Max and Citroen Grand C4 Picasso. However the more powerful diesel only achieves 57.7mpg, down to 46.3mpg with the six-speed automatic – that’s less than come larger and more powerful SUVs. The sole petrol engine achieves 42.2 or 39.2mpg with an manual or an automatic, but its refinement means it’s worth considering if you don’t do many miles.

The cheapest Zafira Tourer you can currently buy will cost you just less than £18,000. Another £1,500 will get you an automatic gearbox, while both diesel cars cost around £20,500, with a further £1,500 needed for an automatic gearbox in the more powerful version. Trim levels are generous, with all cars getting air conditioning and cruise control, but top-spec Elite cars can cost more than £28,000.

Prices for the facelift version are expected to rise slightly, but that reflects the higher equipment levels and improved interior quality. Of course, there’s plenty of scope for great deals though, especially if you buy through carwow.

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer old vs new – verdict

The existing Zafira Tourer stood the test of time well and remains a good option for family buyers. If you’re after the best value for money then this will almost certainly be the best choice for you, and you can grab one now and make the most of the huge savings before it’s replaced in October.

However, the new car has been improved considerably, and it’s now able to compete with the raft of new rivals that have recently been launched. If you think you’ll value the updated tech and snazzy new appearance, we can’t blame you for wanting to wait for the better model…just make sure you come back and find the best deals with carwow once it’s time for you to buy.

Save money on your new Vauxhall Zafira Tourer

Check out our Vauxhall Zafira Tourer deals page to see how much carwow could help you save on the current car. For more options, head over to our car chooser to narrow down your search or see our car deals page for our latest discounts.