Test drive Opel Zafira Tourer, VW Touran and Ford Grand C-Max: where will you sit?

The new Opel Zafira Tourer revitalizes and shuffles the deck of cards in the compact van class. Moreover, its superiority over well-known players such as the VW Touran and the Ford Grand C-Max is not limited to the length of the body and the high level of interior equipment. His main asset is the desire to completely break with the prejudice that vans are bought only by people who have already turned the woman he loves into a wife ...

Opel's product strategists seem to be enjoying enviable freedom, judging by their recent artistic approach to their responsibilities. As the generations passed, the classic compact Astra station wagon, for example, suddenly became known as the Sports Tourer and was more suitable than its larger Insignia counterpart. The dynamic Astra GTC, on the other hand, has enjoyed the most technologically advanced sports front suspension for years, but it also has to bear the burden of the unpleasant extra weight that attracted attention at the hatchback's premiere. Now it's the turn of the uncrowned queen of folding seats, Zafira, who instead of a well-deserved vacation gets company in the form of a Tourer version, designed to bring a touch of luxury and prestige to the everyday life of family vans.

Quick comparison

To do this, the body length has been increased to almost 4,70 meters, which we do not like as much as the price of the new model - the participating model with a two-liter turbodiesel with 130 hp, Edition trim, suspension with adaptive dampers and an approved AGR driver's seat costs quite decent 49 660 leva. At the same time, however, Opel introduced a new seating tactic – the Tourer version is only available as standard with seven seats in the Sport and Innovation versions – in all other variants, the latter line requires additional investment from the owner.

This is new OpelIt is similar to the VW Touran, which participates in this comparison with the 2.0 TDI version with 140 hp, Highline-Paket, adaptive suspension and 17-inch wheels at the price of 57 BGN. Model successfully introduced to the market VW there are two update phases, but the slightly slow navigation system and the rather short list of electronic systems for safety and driver assistance give him nine years of experience in the range Volkswagen... Also, only the parking system and lane keeping system are available, but they are not in the test car.

The smiling expression on the face of the Ford Grand C-Max is no coincidence – at a price of BGN 46, it provides not only a very good level of Titanium equipment and 750-inch wheels, but also two sliding doors, which are not in the arsenal of its competitors. You. But for now FordOffering only a blind spot camera in the Grand C-Max accessory list, the Zafira Tourer can be optionally equipped with a traffic sign recognition device, a distance control system with collision warning with a vehicle in front (ideal for urban conditions) and offers the best xenon headlights in its class. You can even add a built-in bike rack in the back. On the other hand, the range of the blind spot monitoring system (at an additional cost) on the new Tourer is limited to 140 km / h.

How does the driver feel

This brings us to the main discipline of vans - the efficient use of interior space. The advantage of the Opel model in length is reflected (it surpasses its rivals by 14 and 26 centimeters, respectively) - especially in the front seats it feels much more spacious than in the Touran. Thanks to him, the shape of the dashboard does not bother the driver, the operation of functions is simple and easy, and the seat is decent. In Zafira, the wide and high center console takes up a lot of space, but after a short getting used to it, it begins to feel comfortable here. The on-board display graphics could be significantly upgraded, but that's not as important as the increased comfort and adjustable front seats certified by the independent German orthopedic organization AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken). In this regard, advice to the ladies - carefully check the order form, because healthy rear seats can also be ordered separately ...

Ford travelers don't have to worry about back problems either - the standard Grand C-Max seats are almost as comfortable as the comfortable upholstery in the Touran. However, the dashboard here is too big and looks a bit like a crowded office desk. The many (partially unwritten) buttons on the center console create some confusion, and the center display is rather small. On the other hand, the number of convenient compartments and shelving could increase. The Opel model offers the most numerous possibilities in this direction, but the Touran has the largest in size - only in the front door trim of the Opel model. VW 1,5 liter bottles will do.

For passengers and luggage

What happens in the second row? In general, Ford model sliding doors should have many advantages, but in practice this is not the case. In addition, the Grand C-Max's rear seats are more uncomfortable over long distances than the three slightly narrow individual seats in the Touran. The most comfortable in the Zafira are undoubtedly the two outermost seats in the second row, and for an additional fee for the Lounge package, they can achieve comfort comparable to that of a luxury stretch limousine by converting the middle seat to a large armrest and moving the seats five inches inward. coupe. Also, in this comparison, the long Opel provides the most legroom.

When it comes to the flexibility to change the volume in the interior, the age of the Touran is starting to feel. Its individual seats allow for quick folding and straightening, but the locking mechanism is rather dated and takes up valuable space. If required, the Grand C-Max's center rear seat can be folded down under the right-hand seat, leaving a wide aisle for extended items to delight home builders and winter sports enthusiasts.

We're finally on our way

Ultimately, flat-floor cargo space can only be achieved in the Zafira Tourer, which has a payload of 586 kilograms, almost the weight of a VW model. However, the title of "heavy truck" in this comparison belongs to the Grand C-Max, whose payload of 632 kilograms surprisingly combines with the greatest pleasure on the road among competitors. Its XNUMX-litre, four-cylinder unit is the epitome of a modern diesel engine - quiet, smooth running, powerful and low fuel consumption. Combined with well-chosen gear ratios from a six-speed manual transmission with precise and easy shifting, the van Ford accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h, takes the first place in elasticity and consumes only 5 l / 100 km with a restrained driving style on the test site military cartographic service. 140 HP The 2.0 TDI Touran allows itself 0,3 l / 100 km more on the same track, and its voice lacks the harmonious sound of the Grand C-Max. The loudest is the growl of the diesel 2.0 CDTi tasked with driving the heavy Zafira. Its long-drive transmission certainly delivers low consumption and CO2 emissions on the lab bench, but has no real road advantage and negatively impacts elasticity.

On the other hand, the Opel model wins in the field of driving comfort. Its adaptive suspension handles long, undulating road bumps best, while hard bumps like going through manhole covers are best handled by the Touran's chassis, which also has adaptive dampers. Compared to its competitors, the Ford model does not handle as elegantly and absorbs less shock from impacts. Those who turn to him will like the most dynamic member of this class - a real athlete in the clothes of a family van with a good working, temperamental diesel engine, ample luggage space and a decent base price. Its weaknesses are the inefficient use of internal space and simple materials in the interior.

In this respect, the Touran beats the Grand C-Max, as well as in terms of interior volume and comfort. Model VW it is no longer relevant in the field of electronic security systems and in some individual details. Which does not prevent him from being quite expensive.

The extremely spacious, flexible and comfortable interior of the Zafira Tourer wins decisive points for victory precisely thanks to its extremely modern safety equipment and favorable price, which ultimately helps the model Opel Lead slightly ahead of veteran Wolfsburg. A more serious advantage would only be possible with a more convincing diesel engine.

Text: Dani Heine

Are sliding doors generally more practical?

The great advantages of side sliding doors are well known - if they are large enough, they provide a wide opening for access to the cab, are easy to move and do not require additional space to open. In the case of the Ford Grand C-Max, their advantages over the traditional solution are not so impressive.

On the one hand, when opening the doors, they go far beyond the body (25 centimeters), and on the other hand, a bright opening cannot be called spectacular. Not to mention the fact that to close them by passengers in the second row of seats, rather strong muscles are required, which, in the first place, children rarely boast. With ordinary doors, this is much easier to do.

Evaluation

1. Opel Zafira Tourer 2.0 CDTi Ecoflex Edition - 485 points

Impressive flexibility of interior volumes, a very good level of comfort and rich safety equipment (partly offered at an additional cost), the Zafira Tourer managed to take first place for the new Opel model. The slight advantage over the second in this comparison is mainly due to the roaring diesel engine and the very long transmission gears.

2. VW Touran 2.0 TDI Highline - 482 points.

The relatively expensive Touran almost misses out on a victory in comparison, although technologically it is no longer in its prime. However, the interior space utilization and performance are still very impressive, and the VW model is ahead of its younger competitors in terms of suspension, drivetrain and road behavior.

3. Ford Grand C-Max 2.0 TDCi Titanium Edition - 474 pegs.

There is none that is lighter and more agile on the road than the Grand C-Max. If these are the qualities you're looking for in your future van, you might want to focus on Ford's offering before lowering your demands on cabin space and workmanship. On the other hand, in this comparison, you will love the best diesel engine.

technical details

1. Opel Zafira Tourer 2.0 CDTi Ecoflex Edition - 485 points	2. VW Touran 2.0 TDI Highline - 482 points.	3. Ford Grand C-Max 2.0 TDCi Titanium Edition - 474 pegs.
Working volume	-	-	-
Power	130 k.s. at 4000 rpm	140 k.s. at 4200 rpm	140 k.s. at 4200 rpm
Maximum torque	-	-	-
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	11,1 with	10,3 with	10,2 with
Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h	36 m	37 m	36 m
full speed	193 km / h	201 km / h	200 km / h
Average consumption fuel in the test	7,6 l	7,4 l	7,5 l
Base Price	46 940 levov	55 252 levov	46 750 levov

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