Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer MPV (2012-2018) - Practicality & boot space

Seats that fold completely flat in seconds are the main selling point of the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer

Carbuyer Rating

3.9 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.5 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Practicality & boot space Rating

4.0 out of 5

When the original Vauxhall Zafira was launched in 1999, its individually flat-folding seats were a real game-changer. Today, such flexibility is expected from any good MPV, but the Zafira Tourer seats are among the few that can be collapsed genuinely flat in a matter of seconds.

Vauxhall Zafira Tourer interior space & storage

The Zafira Tourer is a large car, so it’s a good job front and rear parking sensors are fitted on all Zafira Tourer models. However, as in its rivals, the two extra seats that pop up from under the boot floor are a bit cramped, so they’re best reserved for children or smaller adults.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The first and second-row seats offer plenty of space for everyone except the occupant of the central seat in the second row, who has to straddle a lump in the floor. That seat is narrow, too, but thanks to the flexible seatbelt buckles here, it’s still possible to fit some models of child seat three-abreast. Unlike most rivals, ISOFIX points are on the two outer second-row seats only.

Each second-row seat can slide forwards and backwards independently to increase rear legroom or boot space depending on your needs, and tilting them forward for access to the very back is fairly straightforward.

Placing little ones in the car is made easier by the large rear doors, and tots benefit from an unusual, clever touch: a drinks holder located above the door pocket that puts bottles within reach of small toddlers who are restricted by tight harnesses.

On the whole, however, standard cabin storage falls behind many MPVs, with few clever features other than FlexRail system on SE and Elite models, which allows you to interchange different types of storage unit.

Boot space

Many families will only use the third-row seats occasionally and, when these are folded, the boot is very generous at 710 litres. Even with the third-row seats in use, there’s enough space behind for a slim-folding buggy and a few bags of supermarket shopping.

Towing

When paired to a manual gearbox, the 1.4-litre petrol engine allows the Zafira Tourer to tow up to 1,250kg, while the 1.6-litre diesel is rated to 1,600kg and the 2.0-litre diesel can manage up to 1,400kg.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV
Renault 5 front quarter
In-depth reviews
7 Oct 2024

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
11 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Ford Explorer review – good-to-drive EV with a long range
Ford Explorer Carbuyer UK drive
In-depth reviews
9 Oct 2024

Ford Explorer review – good-to-drive EV with a long range

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024