Used Ford S-Max vs Vauxhall Zafira Tourer
If you're in the market for a good-value seven-seater, you can't do better than the Ford S-Max or Vauxhall Zafira Tourer. But which one makes the most sense as a used buy?...
Our verdict
Both cars will seat five children easily enough, but the S-Max will keep them more comfortable as they grow taller. The S-Max is also better to drive, more refined and has the more upmarket interior. However, the Zafira Tourer is more economical in our real-world tests and more generously equipped in the form we're testing here.
Back when we first tested these cars, we handed victory to the S-Max on the grounds that it was the slightly more polished car and the nicest to drive. Now, taking into account the forecourt prices after the sting of that three-year depreciation and the Zafira Tourer’s low used price, we would have to stop to consider whether it’s actually the Zafira Tourer’s turn to take the top spot – it’s certainly a bargain seven-seater.
After all, if you went for the Zafira Tourer, what you’d be getting is a car that’s decent to drive, comfortable to ride in and cheap to run. It’s spacious and practical, too, and that huge saving in price is one that we think gives it the nod over the S-Max in this test.
Read our review of the all-new Vauxhall Zafira Tourer
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1st – Vauxhall Zafira Tourer
For Excellent value for money; well equipped; frugal
Against So-so interior quality; average to drive
Verdict The Zafira Tourer trumps the S-Max on purchase price and running costs
Rated 4 out of 5
Read the full used Vauxhall Zafira Tourer review
Find a used Vauxhall Zafira Tourer in the What Car? Classifieds
2nd – Ford S-Max
For Good to drive; comfortable ride; plenty of space
Against More expensive than the Zafira Tourer to buy and run; not as well equipped
Verdict An excellent choice still but it can’t match the Zafira Tourer financially
Rated 4 out of 5
Read the full used Ford S-Max review
Find a used Ford S-Max in the What Car? Classifieds
Specifications: Ford S-Max 2.0 TDCi 150 Zetec
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
List price when new £25,995
Price today £16,000
Power 148bhp
Torque 258lb ft
0-60mph 10.6sec
Top speed 123mph
Fuel economy 56.5mpg (official average)
CO2 emissions 129g/km
Specifications: Vauxhall Zafira Tourer 1.6 CDTi 136 Tech Line
Engine size 1.6-litre diesel
List price when new £23,690
Price today £11,000
Power 134bhp
Torque 236lb ft
0-60mph 10.7sec
Top speed 120mph
Fuel economy 68.9mpg (official average)
CO2 emissions 109g/km
Price today is based on a 2015 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing
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