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New Zafira VXR:
240ps, 144mph and seven seats!
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- Daddy gets even cooler with hot
version of new Zafira
- UK’s fastest MPV on sale in
October
Family life doesn’t have to mean
kids get all the toys! Vauxhall has just revealed its hot version of
the new Zafira, and it promises to offer hot-hatch looks,
performance and driving dynamics combined with the family-friendly
flexibility of a seven-seat MPV. Making its debut at the Geneva
Motor Show, the new model will replace the highly-successful GSi
version of the outgoing Zafira which was the first MPV to make the
school run fun.
The new car promises to be even more thrilling, thanks to the 240PS,
320Nm 2.0-litre turbo engine which it shares with the Astra VXR.
Coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox, it’s estimated that the
Zafira VXR will hit 60mph from a standstill in
7.2 seconds, and go on to reach a top speed of 144mph, making it the
fastest production MPV in Britain.
To ensure that the car can be agile
and responsive through the bends - even with the vastly differing
load weights of between one and seven passengers - Vauxhall’s
innovative IDSPlus electronic chassis control is fitted as standard.
Huge brakes (321mm discs at the front) with distinctive blue brake
callipers ensure the VXR can stop safely and effectively, even when
fully laden.
The hottest Zafira’s dramatic look
is underlined by the exterior styling, with the VXR trademark
honeycomb grille, a larger front bumper with a central air intake
and integrated fog lights. Deep side sill extensions lead to a new
rear bumper incorporating twin trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes.
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Zafira VXR
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A
tailgate-topping spoiler and massive18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40
ZR 18 tyres complete the look. If you still don’t think the Zafira
looks like the daddy, then supercar-sized 19-inch alloys are an
option. The interior is equally dramatic to
look at, although it still maintains the practicality Zafira drivers
expect. Front seat occupants enjoy the comfort and support of Recaro
sport seats in two-tone leather/fabric. Trim strips on the
instrument and door panels are colour-coordinated to the seats, and
the sports steering wheel and gearshift lever incorporate the VXR
logo. Like its predecessor, the VXR uses the ingenious and
easy-to-use Flex7 seating system which allows the Zafira to be
turned from a seven to a six, five, four, three or two-seater in a
matter of seconds without having to remove or stow away the seats.
The new Zafira range goes on sale in
July, with the VXR model following three months later in October.
Prices will be announced nearer to launch.
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