Vauxhall Zafira GSi Turbo: For The Fast Family Man
Published: 29th October 2002
- Vauxhall creates new market segment – the ‘hot MPV’
- 192PS ECOTEC turbocharged engine
- Top speed of 137 mph, 0-60 in under eight seconds
- New champion of RAC/Fleet World mileage marathon
At the same time, owners can enjoy fuel efficient motoring, as the results of this year’s RAC/Fleet World Mileage Marathon confirmed. Judicious use of the right foot resulted in the Zafira GSi winning overall honours by achieving a combined fuel consumption figure of 59.14 mpg.
Zafira GSi Turbo: Two Concepts In One
Who said a ‘sports car’ must be a certain body style? The Zafira GSi Turbo proves otherwise, and performs two functions without compromises.
It is firstly outstanding family transport and secondly its powerful turbocharged engine mated to Vauxhall’s DSA suspension provides agility and handling precision for a performance car experience.
A GSi badge on the tailgate and Turbo lettering on the A- and B-pillars make the car's origins clear. External visual differences include a deep front spoiler with large air intake, individual styling of the bumpers and side sills, rear tailgate spoiler and 17-inch alloys fitted with 225/45 R 17 tyres.
The sporty look continues inside. Recaro seats keep driver and passenger firmly in place. The door sill kick plates incorporate Turbo lettering - Astra Coupe style - while the two-tone leather covered steering wheel and white instrument dials add to the Zafira’s sporting character.
Engine: Plentiful Power From Latest Turbo Technology
At the heart of Zafira GSi Turbo is the advanced turbocharged engine fitted to the Astra Coupe Turbo. Engine power has a maximum output of 192 PS at 5400 rpm, as well as an abundant flow of torque.
Zafira GSi Turbo’s integral turbocharger concept is notable for its excellent response to pedal movements and its strong pulling power, even at low engine speeds.
Europe’s fastest MPV reaches 60 mph from a standing start in only 7.6 seconds and continues up to a top speed of 137 mph. Under full load, the engine management electronics make additional reserves of power available by allowing engine speed to reach 6800 instead of 6400 rpm.
DSA Sport Suspension
Vauxhall’s GSi specialists have worked on the chassis to extend the Zafira’s agility and active safety still further and to match it to the turbocharged engine’s performance.
Despite changes to the chassis, all the traditional advantages with Zafira as a versatile family car have been retained. Neither the suspension travel nor the payload have been reduced, and although its settings are firmer, the sport suspension has been tuned to provide a high level of ride comfort.
Ventilated 308 mm front brake discs and 264 mm discs at the rear combine with four-channel anti-lock braking, Electronic Braking pressure Distribution (EBD) and the ESP Electronic Stability Programme with integral TC Plus traction control.
Equipment: Safety First!
Zafira GSi Turbo’s safety arsenal incorporates front and side airbags, seat belt tensioner for the driver and front passenger, full-size curtain airbags for the front two rows of seats, adjustable head restraints (active at the front) for all seats, three-point lap and shoulder seat belts at all outer seats and Vauxhall’s patented pedal release system.
Standard items on the equipment list include electric windows all round, ‘Vauxhall-Fix’ child seat mounts, electric heated mirrors, automatic electro-chromatic anti-glare interior mirror, multi-info display computer, and a top-class audio system with CD player.
Air conditioning with clean-air and pollen filters is standard, aided by a solar reflect windscreen and solarprotect dark tinted heat-insulating glass.
Zafira’s Famous Versatility Maintained
Zafira’s Flex7 seat system allows for the two third-row seats to be easily lowered into the floor. It can be used as a two-seater with a load area of up to 1700 litres (by the VDA standard measuring method). The second row bench-seat can be split 40:60 and it also slides lengthways to provide between 490 and 640 litres of load space if the rear seats are folded.
If this is not sufficient, the second-row bench can be fully folded, pushed forward and secured behind the front seats.
Price on the road for the Zafira GSi Turbo is £19,995.
It comes with a group 14 insurance rating
