It’s interesting to compare these two MPVs. The Touran is VW’s new replacement model. The Zafira is due for replacement. The story goes the Zafira will not be replaced. It will receive a major face-lift. Why not? Vauxhall Zafiras have class leading versatility, efficient engines, they handle well and are safe. Vauxhall’s plan is to add a slightly longer more up-market Zafira Tourer to compete with the Ford S-Max.
The Touran benefits from the VW Sharan’s reputation as one of the original 7 seater people carriers following the Espace. Although the compact 1996/7 5 seater Scenic and Picasso rocketed the MPV concept into volume popularity the 7 seater MPVs like the Zafira emerged to be the best sellers.
Why? Families are no longer mum dad and 2.5 kids. It’s more like mum and dad have the one, mum has two previous as does dad. That’s 5 kids. So to keep the greater family together and a sense of relationship they go out together on weekends, when they can. That’s occasionally – there’s always one of the ex’s who can’t do it – so a large Espace/Galaxy people carrier is a bit over the top. A medium size Zafira or Touran does the job. Their story will be they’ve an MPV to take along friends and socialize the kids.
Back to business. The Zafira enters the market at £15410, the Touran at £18175. Both have a wide range of engine and trim options so calculate the value as you walk up the model ranges.
There’s a tiny difference in overall length and not a significant difference in load capacity as 5-seaters. You might get an extra suitcase in the new Touran with all seats folded to a 2-seater. The insignificant differences in dimensions make it difficult to decide.
If you evaluate engine fuel consumption, emissions, maximum speed and acceleration there are differences on paper. However they could mean next to nothing on the road, if anything.
When you have cars ranking closely for fuel consumption the DVLA remind you their figures are lab’ tests and any difference may not be present on the road where many other factors come into play.
In the same way a difference of 5 mph maximum speed around 120 mph is meaningless. As is half a second or one second difference in acceleration. It’s only when there’s a two second difference you can feel it. And nobody ever in their lives drives a car – especially an MPV – in the same way these figures are achieved.
So despite the Touran being the newer model it offers no real advantage over the Zafira for versatility, engines efficiency or safety.
When it comes down to taste in style and comfort even here the approach is the same. Both have clean lines with firm supportive seats and stable rides. It’s personal but some MPVs – to me – like the Grand Scenic, Grand Picasso and Peugeot 5008 are more likeable.
When two cars compare so closely you might like to find the best deal. This summer most manufacturers have great deals on offer. Vauxhall with their many trim and engine options normally have many matching manufacturers marketing programmes.
When cars are so similar you can play one make off the other as the next best negotiable alternative. When you’ve got the best deal ask the dealer what they are going to do for you on top of the makers offer. Remember there are four deals – discount, finance, part-exchange, options – get the best deal on all four.
That’s probably the difference between a Touran and Zafira. Vauxhall salespeople very much focus on their deals on offer so they’ve put themselves up for negotiation. It’s a game Ford, Renault and Citroen can also play. You gotta shop around.
Regards
Ralph
carbuyersinfo.co.uk car comparison site revealing similarities and differences to help find the right car for you
