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Vauxhall/Opel in the UK has confirmed that the Zafira Tourer concept shown at the 2011 Geneva auto show will become a production reality and reach UK showrooms by early 2012.
The Zafira Tourer will receive its world debut at the 2011 Frankfurt auto show in September.
Called the Zafira Tourer, the new model will sit above the current Zafira model in the range and, the automaker says, “is set to raise the bar for design, luxury, flexibility and innovation in the MPV sector”.
FLEX7 SYSTEM EVOLVES
The production car’s design, shown in these first official images, has deviated very little from the Geneva concept, illustrating design-chief Mark Adams’ continued influence on the look of all new products and reinforcing his “sculptural artistry meets technical precision” mantra.
While the Zafira Tourer will continue to use Flex7 seating, which Opel says set new standards for seven-seat integration in the original 1999 Zafira, the system has evolved radically in the new car to offer even greater levels of flexibility, innovation and comfort.
“Improved material quality, more cabin space and an overwhelmingly airy cabin further define the Zafira Tourer from the compact Zafira MPV,” Opel adds. “The Zafira Tourer will also hold great driver appeal. A new chassis, using key components from the Insignia, with a longer wheelbase (complementing its 190mm increase in overall length) and wider track will provide outstanding dynamics.
STRETCHED ZAFIRA: The Zafira Tourer (GM's name for Estate or Wagon) looks pretty good from the rear, too. In UK showrooms early 2012.
“It will also give occupants more cabin space and ride comfort and Opel’s FlexRide adaptive damping system – a rarity in this class – will be an option.”
Two new engines – a 1.4 turbo petrol and a two-litre CDTi diesel (with three power levels) – will join a 1.8-litre petrol unit (at least in the UK) to offer a spread of power options.
Mark Adams, Opel’s design vice-president, call the car “a lounge on wheels” when it was shown at Geneva.
A number of driver assistance systems have been built into the Tourer (or are optional on some models. Among them are radar-based adaptive cruise control with auto emergency braking, a front camera system to warn of inadvertent lane departure and to recognise traffic signs and constant headlight adjustment to avoid blinding the driver ahead.
GM SA says there are not plans - at present - to bring the car to South Africa.
