This is the second part of a two-part advertorial on the Opel Zafira.
Honestly, I wasn't expecting much when I took the Zaffy out. Really, you don't associate the word fun with MPVs. Practicality, yes but fun, no. And so far, the Zaffy has done very well on the practical bit.
Inside, there's an expanse of legroom and headroom. You probably can make your front passenger carry loads more if you've filled up all the space behind. Like toilet rolls and milk powder from our northern neighbour. That is, provided if your wife doesn't boot you out of the driver's seat first.
Then when you're all alone, the wife's at home and the kids are at home, you get fun.
Automatic car drivers may need a bit of time getting use to the MTA gearbox because it allows drivers to switch between manual and automatic mode with a simple push of the lever.
But with the MTA, the drive becomes ten times more engaging, not brain-numbing like other autoboxes. At the same time, it also promotes fuel efficiency. The Zaffy can do 100km with about 7.4 litres of manna.
To make a well-characterised ride even more spirited, Opel has given it a sport mode button. Press that and you'll get oodles of torque as the shift points change. The throttle responses with an urgency and the steering weighs up. With a firmer suspension and damping, you also get more confidence to push the Zaffy around.
Of course, there are more acronyms in place to ensure you put the nose exactly where you want to go as well.
Steering is alive and precise due to Opel's Interactive Driving System (IDS), made up of interconnected safety systems such as ABS, ESP Plus and electronic Continuous Damping Control.
In fact, Opel's ESP Plus applies the brakes on up to three brakes at a time. I'm no physics whiz to translate this but this simply means corrections during braking are allowed. And you can swerve more precisely.
Even at high speeds - which in all likelihood is what you'll be doing along the N-S highway - you'll feel safe as it keeps close to the ground with nary a care in the world about where the wind is blowing.
Want to win $200 worth of petrol vouchers and Opel premiums? Join the contest HERE.
And find out more about the Opel Zafira. Book your test drive HERE!
