Thread: Vauxhall Zafira Tourer BiTurbo 2.0 CDTi Elite first drive

Seven-seat MPV gets a boost thanks to 192bhp twin turbo dieselEver since the original Zafira shook up the market with its ingenious seven-seat compact MPV design, car companies have been striving to provide us with different niche models to fulfil the role of family transport. Today, those niches seem to be fighting for every little corner of the market, ensuring that all bases are covered with the right engines and the right trims. Of course the Zafira is no different, and as such Vauxhall has introduced a new engine into the Tourer in order to provide a fast but frugal flagship model. Now in its third generation, the car has evolved into an upmarket MPV with a smart interior almost contrary to the cars practical, family transport-orientated nature. However, when we previously road tested it, one of the Zafira's weak points was its range-topping 2. 0-litre, 163bhp diesel powerplant, which we deemed rather old-school compared to the rest of the package. Vauxhall hopes its answered such criticism with this more sophisticated and faster 192bhp BiTurbo powerplant. In fact, its the most powerful diesel engine ever installed in a compact seven-seat MPV. Even our class favourite, the Ford Grand C-Max, cant match the new BiTurbo, with the Ford offering just 168bhp in its most potent form. Vauxhall also aims to be just as competitive with its least-powerful diesel Zafira, as come the Geneva motor show its launching a 134bhp engine capable of 68mpg while only emitting 109g/km of CO2. Both cars look like promising prospects to top and tail the range.