What Car? Used Car of the Year 2006 - Best MPV 2006

Vauxhall Zafira
Model: 1.6 Design
Year: '04/04
Cost: £8200

The Zafira has been our favourite used MPV for a few years. It boasts an enviable blend of affordability, practicality and reliability to make it the perfect MPV for many buyers.

This is the model that started the craze for compact-MPVs with seven seats, and the rearmost pair fold away when not needed. It means you can carry seven when you need, or five and lots of luggage the rest of the time.

It's a durable car, too. Our judges kept using the word 'sturdy', which neatly sums up the Zafira's mechanicals. There are few problem areas to look out for, so long as you get a car with a full service history.

You'll enjoy driving the Zafira. It is one of the best compact-MPVs to drive, which is no surprise because it's based on the Astra hatch. The ride is comfy, yet it doesn't feel soft and roly-poly when you tackle a corner, unlike some tall-bodied MPVs.

Our budget of £8000 will buy one of the last of the old-shape Zafiras – incredibly cheap for a two-year-old people-carrier.

Runner-up
Kia Sedona
Model<: 2.9 CRD LX
Year: '04/53
Cost: £8850

Also consider
Citroen Xsara Picasso 1.6 SX, '02/52, £4650
Ford Galaxy 1.9 TDI (130) Ghia, '04/04, £13,695
Renault Scenic 1.4 Alize
Toyota Verso 1.8 T3, '05/05, £11,450

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