Opel Zafira
 

We are renting an Opel Zafira Flex 7 model for 10 days. Our group consists of 5 passengers and were wondering whether it will be sufficient to meet our needs . Has anyone rented one in Ireland lately? thanks Maamtoo

Do you mean 5 TOTAL, or 5 PLUS driver?
Are any of those 5 SMALL children?


Think of the Zafira as a taller Toyota Matrix, or a Pontiac Vibe that has two 'Junp Seats' that fold up from the floor of the cargo area behind the second seat. They are difficult to enter and exit and when 'UP' use up almost all the luggage space.

My 'neighbors' at a B&B in Killarney in June of '04 were 3 Itallian couples who were touring Ireland in a Zafira. Each passenger had to travel with a suitcase on their lap! Because it was June, it was too late to upgrade to a larger vehicle, once the realized how SMALL the Zafira really is...
If you are 5 or 6 adult-sized people you'll want/need bigger -- Kia Sedona, VW Carravelle, Mercedes Vito, etc...

Bob

Yes should be OK as long as you don't have a massive amount of luggage. The seating in a Zafira is good (much better than a saloon-type car) and will comfortably seat 5 adults including the driver. The rear luggage space (which contains the 2 additional fold up seats - hence the name "Flex 7") will hold 3 or 4 or medium sized suitcases, provided these two seats are not used. I rented one recently in France and was generally pleased with the car although the diesel engine was a bit sluggish.

For five adults with baggage, Zafira is a good choice. It is driving like a normal passenger car.

For six + baggage you need a minivan like VW Sharan, SEAT Alhambra, Ford Galaxy, Renault Espace etc. These minivans are still like passenger cars, but pretty large.

For seven + baggage you need a 9-seater-minibus like VW Caravelle, Mercedes Vito etc. These cars are more truck-like and lacking comfort.

> how SMALL the Zafira really is <

This makes the Zafira sound like a Mini....... ;-)

The Zafira is larger than the average European-car and certainly large enough for 5 persons and luggage.

I own a Zafira and find it great for hauling around guests and their luggage...
have driven from the Dordogne to my home near St. Rémy, a 6 hour trip, fully loaded (five passengers and their luggage) and everyone said they were extremely comfortable.

PB