Vauxhall Zafira Tourer Focuses on User Experience

LUTON, U.K. – General Motors’ U.K. brand Vauxhall releases the first pictures of its fourth-generation Zafira Tourer, using a sophisticated infotainment system as the fullsize MPV’s headline marketing tool.

The MPV, which has been laboring under a mass recall of the Zafira B model produced between 2005-2011 with fire risks related to right-hand-drive vehicle heating and ventilation systems, also boasts a redesigned interior and leading-edge lighting.

Inside, the Zafira Tourer comes with a new interior and instrument panel claiming greater forward visibility with its 1-piece design. Its 7-in. (18-cm) “tablet-inspired” infotainment screen, which previously sat on top of the center console, is replaced with an integrated screen eliminating many control buttons.

Vauxhall will offer two latest-generation IntelliLink infotainment systems, including the R4.0 IntelliLink offering both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The brand also will offer Navi 950 IntelliLink for customers looking for an infotainment system with onboard navigation.

Vauxhall OnStar is standard with Automatic Crash Response and other features, including Destination Download (with Navi 950) and 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, allowing up to seven devices to be connected.

Externally, headlamps have been reworked, together with new upper and lower grilles and “Vauxhall double wing” daytime running lights join the new light cluster. Adaptive Forward Lighting LED headlamps automatically alter lighting patterns to suit the driving situation, claiming optimal light performance without dazzling other drivers. It features nine different functions and lighting patterns, including town or country lighting, tourist mode, a curve and cornering function, maneuvering light and a stop mode light to save energy.

“The front design of the new Zafira Tourer takes the major characteristics of the award-winning new Astra and anchors it in Vauxhall’s new portfolio,” says Mark Adams, vice president-Design Europe. “Its sharp, precise double-winged daytime running lights convey a new level of sophistication, which is also reflected in the interior by a completely redesigned instrument panel. It is purer, clearer and easier to use.”

In a 5-seat configuration, the MPV has 25 cu.-ft. (710 L) of cargo space increasing to 65 cu.-ft. (1,860 L) with the second-row seats folded down.

The latest generation features more than 30 storage configurations, including the FlexRail center console.

Reflecting the surge of interest in cycling in the U.K., the Zafira Tourer’s Flex-Fix rear-end carrier system slides out of the rear bumper and can accommodate up to four bicycles. As the loaded bicycle carrier can be tilted, the tailgate still can be opened even when Flex-Fix is fully loaded.