USED Vauxhall Zafira MPV (05 - )

Vauxhall was the first to offer seating for seven in this class (with the original Zafira), and this second-generation model retains the excellent Flex 7 system, but provides more space than its predecessor.

The two rear seats - which can accommodate tall teenagers - fold flat into the boot floor when they're not needed, while the middle row can be folded and pushed up against the front seats. It all works very well - it's just a shame Vauxhall didn't include a little more cabin stowage in the package.

Up front, the driving position and visibility are good, and in terms of design and quality, the dashboard is clear and easy to use. The Zafira won a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, although lower-trimmed models lack standard curtain airbags.

Happily, good handling and a decent ride come as standard. The steering is direct and accurate, while the chassis, even on sports models, soaks up the bumps with ease.

While all Zafiras handle well, there is a hot hatch version - the 237bhp VXR. We don't recommend it, nor are we fans of the 197bhp 2.2 16v T SRi - like the VXR, it just doesn't need to be that sporting.

At the other end of the scale, the 104bhp 1.6-litre petrol can struggle with a full load on board. However, there are so many on the used market, and prices are so reasonable, you'd be foolish not to consider one.

More powerful engines engines are found in the middle of the Zafira range. The 138bhp 1.8-litre and the 146bhp 2.2-litre petrols do a good job, and there are two 1.9-litre turbodiesels, a 118bhp version and a more powerful 148bhp unit.

Of these, we recommend the 118bhp engine in Club trim.

Entry-level Expression cars are best avoided, as they are poorly kitted-out. Life models provide more equipment, but curtain airbags are only fitted to Club, Design and SRi models. Options to look out for include sat-nav, an MP3-player socket, Bluetooth connectivity and a panoramic sunroof.

The first instruction is to avoid the sporty models. The VXR will take a big bite out of your monthly budget with Group 15 insurance and a low 29.4mpg. Admittedly the 2.0i 16v T SRi is cheaper to insure with a Group 13 rating, but its 29.7mpg is little better than the VXR, and both will get through a set of front tyres quicker than you might like.

Elsewhere in the range, things are much better. The 1.6-litre Zafira's insurance costs are low, with just Group 6 rating, while economy is reasonable with an official 38.7mpg.

The diesels provide the best fuel economy of all: the 118bhp engine returns 46.3mpg and, in our recommended Club trim, requires Group 9 insurance. The more powerful 148bhp engine falls into the same insurance group and returns 45.6mpg.

As it doesn't hold on to its value as well as rivals like the Toyota Corolla Verso or Volkswagen Touran, the Zafira is a reasonably cheap used buy and lengthy service intervals mean it's not so expensive to run.

By late 2006, only two recall notices had appeared on the Vehicle and Safety Operator Agency website at www.vosa.gov.uk. Both of these dealt with the fact that the towbar fitting bolts may not have been tightened correctly. Also, if you intend to do a lot of towing or to use the car fully laden on a regular basis, it's important to have the suspension checked on high mileage cars.

Although Vauxhall has rarely shone in surveys like the JD Power reliability study, the Astra, upon which the Zafira is based, has steadily improved. Although the car is still very new, it has a more hard-wearing feeling than its predecessor.

All the normal checks of electrical components, engine, suspension, steering, gearbox and brakes apply. Remember to check that the spare wheel mounted underneath the boot floor is still there, as these are easily stolen.