Opel does not make it easy for potential customers at the moment. With the change under the roof of the French PSA group also changes one or the other familiar model. The Zafira mutated recently with the additional designation "Life" from compact to Großraumvan and now plays with the VW T6 and the Ford Tourneo Custom in a league. In parallel, the well-known Zafira is currently still in the program.
With the change to the PSA platform, the Zafira, pardon, Zafira Life, is now available in three body lengths. Similar to the Peugeot Traveler, Citroen Space Tourer and Toyota Proace Verso, the MPV is also offered as a short version with a compact 4,60 meter length. This is passenger car format and facilitates the handling of the family bus in city traffic immensely, whereby even the Zafira Life S rolls on request with a third row of seats. Our test car left it with five seats, which are leathered in the case of the highest level of innovation and even have a massage function at the front.
The Zafira Life is also technically spoiled. The 2,0-liter diesel delivers decent 177 PS (130 kW), which are coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Thus, the compact MPV is more than sufficient motorized. In addition the diffuse as well as rather long translated steering, especially in the middle range on the Landsraße, unfortunately does not quite fit. It only becomes more stable at higher speeds. In addition, the vehicle height in combination with the relatively short wheelbase in faster curves take its toll: the short van tilts noticeably - promoted by the otherwise surprisingly comfortable sprung suspension.
The gearbox changes the steps gently. The selector lever with the four settings P, R, N and D in the form of a normal rotary knob is just as simple as it is sufficient. In manual paddle-type operation, it is possible to drive a bit more speed-saving, especially in the last gear, if the automaton would like to stay in the seventh position in the range from 100 to 110 km / h. When accelerating quickly the diesel engine likes to turn over 4000 tours. At motorway speed limit, however, 2000 revolutions are pleasantly quiet per minute. According to on-board computer, our test car consumed on average between 7,6 and 8,5 liters on 100 kilometers. At the end, we were right in the middle, only half a liter above the WLTP rating.
The tailgate invites you to a picnic
Despite the brevity, the width of the Zafira Life does not change that, and that requires a little more mindfulness when parking than with a normal station wagon. The two rear electric sliding doors prove to be as blessing as the park beeper and the camera when shopping. Why, however, the mighty tailgate - under which one can comfortably hold a picnic in the open state - has a window that can be opened separately, does not open up to us. This may be convenient for quick shopping with an SUV or mid-range station wagon, but in the Greater Van the hatch is high and drops the grocery bag accordingly.
At the front there are foldable armrests on both sides and free access to the rear. The driver and front passenger can also look forward to the many and large storage options. At the back, it does not only look worse because of the remote-controlled electric sliding doors. After all, there is an 12-volt power outlet, luggage nets in the backrests of the front seats and folding tables. However, it is hard to conclude that the luxurious innovation itself dispenses with separate ventilation openings in the rear - these are standard only from the middle length. Riders in row two have to be content with two half-opening sliding windows, but get a centrally divided panoramic roof.
The rear seats are slidable by an impressive 25 centimeters. Although their anchorage is easy to solve, the stalls themselves are quite heavy. Without help, the two-seater bench on the driver's side can not get out of the car. But there are then 4,61 meter long loading area for compact 2,05 meters vehicle length. The tailgate section measures 1,22 meters in width and 1,16 meters in height.
The origin of the transporter can not be denied by Zafira Life not only because of the large door compartments, but also because of the cockpit. It consists of - admittedly well laminated - hard plastic. And the idiosyncratically almost pentagonal designed "round instruments" betray the French descent of the Zafira of modern times. The seven-inch touchscreen looks a bit too small for the big car, but it's a pleasure to simply turn on and off the assistance systems. Especially on narrow country roads, the constantly beeping Lane Departure Warning can annoy ever. Left rocker switch, turn signal lever and cruise control may be a bit further apart. By contrast, the assembly of the steering wheel with six buttons and two rotary switches is pleasantly clear.
The control unit for the speed control system located behind the steering wheel spoke initially requires a bit of getting used to newcomers, but soon proves to be very practical. However, caution is advised: car drivers have to change their seat because the control range of the adaptive spacer is limited. The automatic emergency braking takes place up to a maximum of 85 km / h, so that at higher speeds, the cruise control (up to 160 km / h) still works, but the automatic braking is not strong enough with too strong decelerating front man. The ACC then switches to pause mode and asks the driver to temporarily take the helm back into his own hands.
Conclusion: With the change to the transporter platform of PSA, the Zafira has not only gained in size and flexibility, but also in choices (three different lengths and up to nine seats). But it does not offer as much comfort as the much more compact predecessor on a car basis. (Ampnet / jri)
Opel Zafira Life 
Data Opel Zafira Life S Innovation
Length x Width x Height (m): 4,61 x 2,20 (m.sp.) X 1,91
Wheelbase (m): 2,93
Engine: 4 Cyl. Diesel, 1997 ccm, turbo
Power: 130 kW / 177 PS at 3750 RPM
Max. Torque: 400 Nm at 2000 rpm
Top speed: 185 km / h
0 acceleration to 100 km / h: 10,4 sec.
Average WLTP consumption: 7,3 liters
CO2 emissions: 191 g / km (Euro 6d-Temp)
Empty weight / load: min. 1709 kg / max. 1015 kg
Trunk volume: max. 3600 liter
Max. Trailer load: 2300 kg
Turning circle: approx. 11,5 m
Tires: 175 / 65 R 14
Drag coefficient: 0,27
Maintenance interval: 20 000 km
Base price: 51 220 Euro
Test car price: 55 040 Euro