Opel has unveiled an all-new version of its popular multi-purpose vehicle. Let's check out the 2016 Opel Zafira.

Since 1999, 2.7 million Opel Zafiras have been sold and it's easy to understand why. It's a spaciousMPVcapable of transporting its occupants in comforton long distancetrips and the best part? It's good value for money. The new Opel Zafira will go on sale in Europe in September 2016 andfeatures new technology along with its Flex7 seating configuration, as well as supportivefront seats, a bicycle carrier and adaptive damping.

What's new?

Some of the new technology incorporated in the new Opel Zafira includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Opel OnStar (4G/LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity) and full LED adaptive forward lights. The big change is the obvious one:the looks. This newcomer is quite handsomeand there are purposefullysporty design details all aroundthe vehicle.

"The front design of the new Zafira takes over the major characteristics of the one of the award winning new Astra, and anchors it in Opel's new portfolio. 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," said Mark Adams, Vice-President, GM Europe Design.

Redesignedcabin

The elegant-but-simpler layoutis dominated by an integrated infotainment touchscreen thathas eliminated the need for the myriadbuttons that cluttered the dashboards ofprevious-generation Zafiras. Apart from the latest version of the brand's Intellilink system (a version withnavigation will also be offered), Opel OnStar allows up to 7devices to be connected to the in-car wifi. The ergonomically-certified seats and FlexRail console system have been retained.

The interior space has increased too… Customers can tick the box for optional Lounge Seating, which allows the back of the middle seat in the second row to fold down and be rotated to offer armrests for the two outer seats. All the seats can slide foreand aftto adjustthelegroom afforded to passengers in the second row. Luggage capacity is a claimed 710 litres with all the seats up and with the second row folded down:1 860 litres.

Safety

The new Opel Zafira boasts a number of all-new safety features. The automatic adaptive LED headlights can adjust their lighting patterns so that drivers in oncoming trafficare not dazzled. There are nine lighting patterns which can be selected, such as town light, country light, curve/cornering, reverse lights, eco lights and tourist mode. The Zafira also features high beam assist, traffic sign recognition, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, to name but a few.

Opel's Strategy

Opel will be launching the Zafira to the European market in September of 2016 and the current array of petrol, diesel, compressed natural gas and liquifiedpetroleum gas engines will be applied to this new model.

Interested in buying a used Opel Zafira? Find one on Cars.co.za