First look: Holden's next-gen Zafira surfaces

WITH the all-new Astra still a fresh face on Australian streets, it was inevitable that the second-generation, Astra-based Zafira seven-seat people-mover would soon materialise on a motor show stand.

And so it will in Geneva next month, when Holden’s European arm Opel shows the all-new vehicle and its roomier interior, optional panorama glass roof (with integrated storage compartments) and the various exterior design and mechanical features it shares with others in the Astra range.

Perched on a 2703mm wheelbase, the Zafira stands longer (at 4467mm), wider (at 1776mm) and a fraction taller (at 1637mm) than the current model, and the extra centimetres created inside are said to be realised in more room in each of the three rows.

The Flex7 seating remains with movements to a six-seater, five-seater and so on (down to two seats) able to be achieved – Opel claims – without much hassle andwithout removing the seats.

Luggage area volume is 620 litres in five-seat configuration, 20 litres more than the current model.

For the driver, the gearshift is mounted higher for easier use and the room this created in the centre console was filled with a U-shaped handbrake lever and a new storage area.

At last count, practical storage compartments – a subjective term if ever weheard one – was at 30, no doubt including the five slots in the centre roofconsole installed whenever the panorama roof is called for.

The car should be in Australia in the final quarter.