SCOOP: New Opel Zafira Grows up but Doesn't get FlexDoors

Opel and its sister company Vauxhall are pushing ahead with the development of the next generation Zafira minivan, which was caught here testing by our scoop photographers. The new seven-seat model is expected to grow in dimensions offering improved passenger and luggage space. Unlike the latest Meriva that boasts a pair of suicide doors, the new Zafira will continue to use conventional rear doors.

The sleeker shape of Opel's newcomer can easily be seen beneath the harlequin camouflage, while the pictures suggest that the minivan takes styling cues from both the Insignia and new Astra, including the wing-shaped head lamps.

The interior design will also be more or less inspired by the Astra, while the car's flexibility is reported to have been improved by a revamped three-row flexible seating system providing independent seating for all seven passengers.

The new Zafira will use hardware from the Astra range, so expect a suite of turbocharged diesel and petrol engines, including more eco-friendly and frugal EcoFlex versions and possibly even a sporty OPC / VRX variant.

Look for the next generation of Opel's people mover to make its world premiere at a major international motor show this year with European sales to start in late 2011 or early 2012.

There's no official word about a North American variant, but given that the Zafira is essentially the minivan version of the Astra (which itself forms the base for the new Buick Verano), as well as the fact that Ford is preparing the U.S. launch of the Focus-based C-Max, we wouldn't completely rule out the possibility.

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Vauxhall's Corsa VXR gets the Blues: New Special Edition of 192HP Hot Hatch

To mark the launch of the subtly refreshed Corsa VXR, Vauxhall is introducing a new limited edition version of its hot hatch with an additional kit and a special blue paintjob as standard.

In detail, the new Corsa VXR Blue Edition is finished in an Arden Blue metallic paint and comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, dark-tinted glass, bespoke interior air vents and Recaro seats, which equate to a £445 saving compared with the cost of speccing a ‘standard’ VXR with this kit.

Other standard features include a lowered sports suspension, uprated brakes and switchable Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).

Powering the VXR Blue Edition is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four producing 192PS, which allows for a 0-60mph [96 km/h] sprint time of just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 140mph [225 km/h]. An overboost feature increases maximum torque to 260+Nm when the driver needs more power.

The price for the limited edition Corsa VXR is set at £19,425 (including 20% VAT), with Vauxhall claiming that it undercuts key rivals such as the Citroen DS3 R and the Mini Cooper Works by up to £3,600.

The sport hatch is available for order now with the first examples to arrive in dealerships in late February.

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Opel Astra ecoFLEX Gets Start/Stop Technology, Returns 60.3 mpg

With an average fuel consumption of 4.1 lt/100 km (57.4 US mpg) and CO2 emissions of 109 g/km, the diesel-powered Opel Astra 1.3 CDTI ecoFLEX hatchback was already a frugal and eco-friendly proposal. However, GM's European division decided to do further improve the Astra's green-credentials by adding a rather effective Start and Stop system.

The new start and stop technology helps the hatchback version of the Astra ecoFLEX reduce its CO2 emissions from 109 to just 104 g/km and its combined fuel consumption from 4.1 liters to 3.9 liters per 100 km, which is equal to 60.3 mpg. The Sport Tourer estate version of the Astra ecoFLEX consumes on average 4.1 lt/100 km and emits 109 g/km of CO2.

All ecoFLEX models come equipped with an active aero shutter incorporated in the front grille that channels more air towards the engine at slow speeds for improved cooling and closes at higher speeds to smoothen the airflow around the fascia. The aero shutter is complemented by refined underbody aerodynamics.

Under the bonnet there's a 95HP 1.3-liter diesel engine, mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) is offered as standard.

In Germany, the base price of the Astra ecoFLEX is €19,780 while customers can also benefit from additional tax breaks.

By Csaba Daradics

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Tips for a Buying a Used Vauxhall Corsa

When the Vauxhall Corsa hit the British market in 1993 replacing the popular Nova, people who were looking for style, class and power bought it. However, the subsequent years that followed saw heightened competition from other car models and they had to improve on the previous model in 2000. Sales of the car are still high and up to date, the Vauxhall Corsa has the ability to hold attraction and deliver power on the wheel. If you are looking forward to buying a used Vauxhall Corsa , then there are certain things that you have to take into consideration to make an informed choice.

The first thing that you'll have to look for is the petrol engine mainly because they come in different versions and while there are those that run effectively, some are prone to producing unnecessary noise. Engine capacity of 1.4 would be suitable for any level of speed while those with 1.0 to 1.2 are weak and when driving at high speed susceptible to emitting noise. Some of the best used Vauxhall Corsa models include the SRi and the VXR which have a high capacity petrol engine.

The second thing that you have to check when buying a used Vauxhall Corsa is the petrol costs you are going to incur in the long run. While the 1.4 and above petrol engines are the best at ensuring that the car is powerful and not noisy, it’s the 1.3 petrol engines which use less diesel averaging to 63 mpg and fall in VED band B, on the other hand, others like the 1.0 to 1.2 use 50.4 and 45.6mpg and fall in the VED band C category. This is why you have to weigh your options carefully before buying a Vauxhall Corsa to establish if a specific model’s cons outweigh the pros or not.

You'll also have to consider the source you intend to buy the used Vauxhall Corsa from. While most people tend to settle for individual sellers, the truth is that if you are able to get franchised sellers, then the price will be cheaper. To ensure that you are not paying too much for your Corsa, check the model of the car. For instance, it is important to note that 5 door models are more expensive than 3 doors and this roughly amounts to £350.

2009 Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst Best Car Wallpaper

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2009 Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst Interior

2009 Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst Rear View

New Vauxhall Insignia

Have been seeing ads about the new Vauxhall Insignia everywhere on the net. In continental Europe, it is sold as the Opel Insignia. It was unveiled at the British motor show in 2008.



Recently voted as Car of the Year 2009, it has also achieved a five-star adult occupant rating and four stars for child protection and two stars for pedestrian protection (the highest so far in it's category) from Euro NCAP.

The Insignia is available in Hatch and Saloon variants and come in a choice of 5 engines - Two 2 litre diesel engines and three petrol engines (1.8, 2.0 and 2.8 V6 engines).

Prices start from £15600.74 (OTR) for the base model - Insignia Exclusiv 1.8i 16v VVT (140PS) Manual.