Why This 222,000 Mile Vauxhall Zafira GSI Is A Member Of The Family

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ต.ค. 2024
  • Today I'm driving a bit of a performance car legend - the Vauxhall Zafira GSI. Launched with a marketing campaign in the UK featuring Boney M's "Daddy Cool" - the aim was to make the super practical Zafira appeal to the petrolhead with a growing family. It wasn't a hit, but it was a legend. 15 years later though, how does it fare?
    #Vauxhall #Zafira #GSI
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ความคิดเห็น • 430

  • @pka8514
    @pka8514 3 ปีที่แล้ว +227

    More content like this! No more boring supercars.

    • @samthoma2719
      @samthoma2719 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

      I think you’re going to be in the minority here haha, but I do agree that cars for a couple grand should be on this channel more often

    • @sparky4878
      @sparky4878 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      These are a bit fun for a change as everyone does supercars. A few oddities makes good viewing.

    • @chrisogrady28
      @chrisogrady28 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I just want more NA Manual cars

    • @redyellowpink01
      @redyellowpink01 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

      @@samthoma2719 i think you'd be surprised. Everyone does supercars and there's really only so many ways you can say "it looks nice, costs a lot and goes very fast". Weird stuff like this is so much more interesting

    • @samthoma2719
      @samthoma2719 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @hyper I did say cars around a couple grand, just not a zafira that’s all 🤣

  • @lunchtimewatches1854
    @lunchtimewatches1854 3 ปีที่แล้ว +209

    Honestly, hats off to Opel/vauxhall for having the balls to build a performance minivan. Twice.

    • @andymiller8877
      @andymiller8877 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

      Not forgetting the meriva vxr

    • @chrisogrady28
      @chrisogrady28 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Ford S Max 2.5 had the 5 cylinder turbo from the Focus ST of the time (the best one)

    • @asifnoaman8978
      @asifnoaman8978 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I have both the GSI and VXR

    • @idimidodjimi6760
      @idimidodjimi6760 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@asifnoaman8978 I think he meant Zafira A and Zafira B / MK1 and MK2 , VXR or OPC for Opel GSI was not at that level, it was below that

    • @thedetailingdoctor5746
      @thedetailingdoctor5746 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@idimidodjimi6760 gsi was a 4 pot 2.2 nasp if I’m not mistaken a pretty dead engine

  • @supatubz74
    @supatubz74 3 ปีที่แล้ว +208

    My grandfather owned one of these. I remember sitting in the very back as he swept through the Italian alps with all 7 seats occupied with my mother begging him to slow down. I however had a massive grin on my face & I was egging him on.
    He now has the VXR that succeeded it. He’s 82.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  3 ปีที่แล้ว +74

      Your Grandad sounds like a legend

    • @Holdeenio
      @Holdeenio 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      Legendary. Please get him and his VXR on the channel 🤣

    • @beny9461
      @beny9461 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Lovely story! Is a good idea to get him in the channel with the VXR 😁

    • @Buck3366
      @Buck3366 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Awesome!! I actually watched the RS3 video with Jays Grandad again yesterday. Probably one of my favourite videos on the channel so yeah be great to see the VXR on here as a successor to the Gsi AND have your Grandad along for the ride.

    • @joshbacon8241
      @joshbacon8241 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      That must have been a great moment of your childhood…

  • @SquidgyPickle
    @SquidgyPickle 3 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    Late '90s early '00s cars were just technologically advanced enough to be refined etc but just mechanical enough for people like myself to work on them easily.

    • @Kacpa2
      @Kacpa2 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      And for same reasons they also felt more fun to drive :)

  • @DjDolHaus86
    @DjDolHaus86 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    There's a Zafira VXR around my way and it always brings a smile to my face, it's obnoxiously loud, makes all the turbo noises, often seen/heard chirping the wheels away from the lights and is seemingly always rammed to the gunnels with kids and shopping. I salute the juxtaposition

  • @superbracey
    @superbracey ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Just picked a 2003 Zafira 2.0 dti up an hour ago. One owner, 70k miles, FSH for a grand. I'm really rather pleased with it. There are cheaper ones, but it looks a good one and I believe the later Fiat 1.9 engined ones with the M32 gearboxes can give a lot of trouble.
    I knew you and HubNut would have some Zafira-based entertainment for me to watch this evening.
    My reason for buying this old car is, a few weeks ago I bought my dream car - another one you have reviewed - a 2012 Jaguar XFR. I've enjoyed every minute of ownership and it really has lived up to my expectations so far. But I don't want to pile too many miles on it. The 100bhp / 45mpg Zafira is the perfect daily driver to counter the 500bhp / 20mpg Jag, which will feel all the more special when used ocasssionally.
    Also, I can let the kids eat, drop crumbs, kick the seats, put the dog in the boot, take the grandparents out and generally treat the Zafira like the family car that it is without me getting annoyed about it getting messed up, or worrying about how close people park next to it.

  • @iantownsend500
    @iantownsend500 3 ปีที่แล้ว +64

    You got to find a 5 cylinder S Max for a review now

    • @chrisogrady28
      @chrisogrady28 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      YES

    • @simonbailey2151
      @simonbailey2151 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Definitely. A fast people carrier that actually wants to go round corners!

    • @onelyone6976
      @onelyone6976 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      Yup, or a 3.5 V6 Renault Espace

    • @chappy2121
      @chappy2121 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      A e51 nissan Elgrand perhaps, especially with the 3.5v6 nissan vq motor in it. My mates just got one insane for what he paid for it. Especially compared to a Transporter or Vito he was looking at

    • @simonbailey2151
      @simonbailey2151 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@onelyone6976 I think those have literally all broken.

  • @nikolaslarson6891
    @nikolaslarson6891 3 ปีที่แล้ว +77

    Those were the days when the practicality was still important and you didn‘t have to search for the obnoxious electronic handbrake button for half an hour...

    • @stevenmoran4060
      @stevenmoran4060 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You never need to as they auto deploy and release!

    • @asifnoaman8978
      @asifnoaman8978 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@stevenmoran4060 not on all cars they dont

  • @paulallwood6033
    @paulallwood6033 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    When I was about 20 years old I thought these were basically Supercars. They absolutely blew my mind. Zafira GSI, Even sounds exotic and dangerous

  • @pedroborda7227
    @pedroborda7227 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I *love* this epoch of GM. I grew up in 90's and 00's Brasil, when GMB (Brasilian Chevy) was in it's golden years. These GMs were the best option for low and middle class brasilian petrolheads. We did not get these proper hot versions, though, we only got sticker tunning.
    Thanks for the video Jay! Nobody covers these, and you've convinced me to have a headach... I mean, buy one for no good reason. : D

  • @MrMartyv6
    @MrMartyv6 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Credit to its owner, man after my own heart. Currently have one of these as my daily driver too and my previous car was also a Zafira GSI(which racked up 232k) absolutely cracking all rounder and as you said in your review they last well with simple servicing. Like the mods he’s done, decent suspension and a light remap👍🏻 love the fact he has an M2 comp yet still cherishes his beloved Zaf GSI. Hope Paul enjoys many more miles in the future🙂

  • @a_gsi_nut8894
    @a_gsi_nut8894 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Future classic I hope,absolutely love mine, my drive train is slowly changing to a vxr but I can live with that and the extra power it brings with it

    • @antfox7394
      @antfox7394 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I've always thought the Zafira A should become a classic (very clever car), the performance version adds even more to it.

  • @Holdeenio
    @Holdeenio 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I had a 2001 Astra Bertone at 18 years old and absolutely loved it. This being from the same era makes me reminisce. At the end of my time with it had accumulated 156,000 miles of experience, still on the original clutch with literally zero mechanical issues. Most people in my circle had much newer 1.2L Corsas 😑

  • @hsvcommodore4111
    @hsvcommodore4111 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Thanks for the Review! This is one of those cars That will be completely gone and forgotten in a few years. I still remember when this car was new, my neighbour had one and it was considered really cool By dad's, wow, what a time That was!

  • @JonCannings
    @JonCannings 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I had one of these for about 7 or 8 years. Fantastic car. Fast when needed, good on fuel and importantly roomy!
    I cared for it so much. the bloke I sold it too, once he paid me, sped off like a lunatic and I dread to think what happened to it.
    The Imrscher body kit was still great looking and it shocked lots of people when the turbo kicked in.
    I went from the Zafira GSI to an R53 Cooper S. One extreme to the other in terms of size

    • @worthlessdollar1
      @worthlessdollar1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      If you remember the reg you can always google the MOT. You never know, it might still be on the road!

    • @JonCannings
      @JonCannings 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@worthlessdollar1 it's still on the road, just had a quick look

    • @worthlessdollar1
      @worthlessdollar1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@JonCannings I'm not surprised. There are plenty of ancient Vauxhalls still kicking around - long after "superior" brands have gone to the scrap yard.

    • @JonCannings
      @JonCannings 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@worthlessdollar1 just hope it's with someone who will care for it

    • @worthlessdollar1
      @worthlessdollar1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@JonCannings I know the feeling. They can become practically part of the family lol.

  • @ianfrost3529
    @ianfrost3529 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Years ago I use to collect cars all around the UK me and 2 other young lads had to pick up 2 BMW e36 318i coupe and one of these by the time I had gone in and sorted the paperwork they were settled in to the BMW’s and I was stuck with the Zafira but I really enjoyed it was great fun. You should also try the S max with the 2.5 five pot that’s quite a surprising car as well love your channel as always.

  • @phil8437
    @phil8437 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    You mention SUV's. I have just purchased a two wheel drive Suzuki Vitara. The main reason I purchased an SUV was that my wife because of her disability, finds it very difficult getting in and out of lower vehicles and I find that the Vitara because of the thicker tyre walls and raised ride height copes far better on the UKs dreadful road surfaces than most "normal cars". Four wheel drive SUVs are a bit silly unless you use the vehicle off road or live in a climate that has icy roads most of the year. I like this Zafira - good review.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      See Phil, you've got a genuine need to buy that car. and I don't want the segment to stop existing, I would just rather people admit they "probably should have bought a Golf" in most cases instead of an X2 or something silly

    • @francoisworld9924
      @francoisworld9924 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      A good genuine reason , i get frustrated when i see one child coming out of massive Q7 on then school run , crazy , but it’s the sign of then times and many with private plates ! i’d rather have a bright orange 🍊 2cv x

  • @iandavidson99
    @iandavidson99 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Wow! I've not heard Courtenay mentioned since the Max Power 90's. Blast from the past!

  • @morgman43
    @morgman43 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Hats off to you, I'd never have guessed you'd be reviewing a Zafira, but I love that you have.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      We are an inclusive channel here - cars of all ages and budgets are welcome, so long as they're interesting in some way :)

    • @morgman43
      @morgman43 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@JayEmmOnCars the Ford S-Max with the 2.5T out of the Focus ST was always my "oh shit, I've had too many children" backup car. Fortunately haven't had to find one yet 😆

  • @81Alfetta
    @81Alfetta 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    There is a school of thought (which I increasingly agree with) that says the sort of mid-90's to mid-late 2000's was the peak of car desirability. Not perhaps the most fun (go older), or most comfortable/fastest (go newer), but it was a period where the technology had come far enough that everything worked reliably and easily, but it had also not started getting in the way like it does now. Based on that, it doesn't surprise me greatly most of what you end up with comes from that era.
    Also, love these sorts of reviews, actually just love the variety of this channel in general. Keep it up.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yep, we had computers to help us make things better but without obscene amounts of legislation and tech to make them worse

    • @81Alfetta
      @81Alfetta 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Pretty much the feeling yeah. Engine management, TC for when you want it, infotainment that will talk to my phone reliably? Yes please. “No you can’t go through that gap, or near that white line, and let me bing at you because I read the speed limit on the off ramp” all presented on a touch screen... not so much. Add in that of late it kind of feels like the marketing people and accountants are getting the upper hand over the engineers and designers, and it feels like we’re getting cars meant to look flash in a showroom and sell on the merits of a phone rather than the merits of a car. Tools for the job etc. God I sound old and bitter.

  • @TheShinyShow
    @TheShinyShow 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    You can actually tune the Z20LET engines quite well and slap a nice turbo on to get good power from these. I'm not the biggest modern Vauxhall fan, but I do like this gen of Zafira and Astra.

    • @lexburen5932
      @lexburen5932 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      yes the z20let is a good engine. build correct it can make 500hp reliable everyday wherever whenever. that would be quitte epic in a non assuming car otherwise

    • @chiefrocka8604
      @chiefrocka8604 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yeah thanks for stating the completely obvious

    • @rosco3223
      @rosco3223 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I had a mk3 gsi with the c20let in the day. Don’t make cars with character like that now.

  • @jasonk7072
    @jasonk7072 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    The most Lonsdale of cars

    • @samthoma2719
      @samthoma2719 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Best comment yet 🤣😂

    • @PeteCourtier
      @PeteCourtier 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      With a Sports Direct umbrella in the boot.

    • @Salubrious101
      @Salubrious101 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Excellent comment, it's accuracy can't be faulted😂😂

    • @francoisworld9924
      @francoisworld9924 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      hahahaha oh yes 2003 onwards ... sports direct :)

  • @iantaylor620
    @iantaylor620 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    That's uncanny. Daddy cool was on the radio this very morning. The song they used for the tv advert. I actually nearly bought one of these years ago when the kids were young.

  • @simonfreeman2808
    @simonfreeman2808 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Credit to its owner. Always liked these.

  • @andisadler2897
    @andisadler2897 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a Black one and owned it since 2017. Was a bargain and worth more now than what i paid for it. these cars hold their value well. People love them and their engine. Ours is a member of our family also. It gets gifts once a year (For MOT) like children do for christmas. It gets plenty of drinks throughout the year (oil changes etc) likle children do. It gets new trainers (Tyres) like children do.

  • @6770connor
    @6770connor 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I think it’s a really smart looking MPV, much better than the generic crossover/SUV’s that are littered on the roads today.

  • @Bombastic_Spastic
    @Bombastic_Spastic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Zafira GSI/VXR for when you can fit a pod filter but not a condom

    • @markdiesel6432
      @markdiesel6432 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      😂😂😂

    • @andisadler2897
      @andisadler2897 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      i HAVE A bLACK ONE AND 10 KIDS, SO YOUR BANG ON. I BLAME THE GOOD EXTACY IN LATE 80S EARLY 90S.

  • @zaamuro8408
    @zaamuro8408 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Another cool review. More of the UK specific fun cars please!

  • @R-Tap
    @R-Tap 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Back then I thought this was a bit crazy, but cool. Fast forward 15 years, not so crazy, but still cool.
    Correct colour.

  • @thomasdawe1837
    @thomasdawe1837 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I spent a lot of my childhood in one of these (probably a slightly earlier and slower one)! Very period correct: the seats in the boot didn't have charge ports, they had ash trays

  • @AllWheelsGood
    @AllWheelsGood 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My favourite thing about this car is that a lot of the work on it was done by Courtney. She's a great mechanic!

  • @AStick3Pedals
    @AStick3Pedals 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I'd love to see a Vectra VXR review or a normal Signum

  • @dannyconway2612
    @dannyconway2612 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Loved this video, old school vauxhall, had one of these back in the day, any chance of a review on a Cavalier or Calibra Turbo, if you can find one.

  • @idimidodjimi6760
    @idimidodjimi6760 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I had Opel Zafira OPC Irmcher MK1 for years and it was a blast of a car.
    Fully specced out - It was really one of the rare cars I regret selling.
    200 HP in a minivan at that time trough front wheels - and it was planted in the road like something You really wouldnt believe.
    It was a great car and far better choice than having some sensible VAG variant.
    Altought the price of one fully specced with entertainmant in the roof with flip out screen was double than starting price of regular Zafira.

    • @idimidodjimi6760
      @idimidodjimi6760 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Just to add , mine was in pearlescent black, there were 2 color options as far as I recall Blue or Black for MK1

  • @SuperYutoober
    @SuperYutoober 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Still have my 2005 ZaffyGSi to this day and LOVE it still. Was asked to swap for a Zafira VXR but turned it down.

  • @jo05dk
    @jo05dk 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My first choice would be a Opel Zafira A, OPC version if i'm being silly. This british/Vauxhall version of that car is stunning.. My jaw had to be picked up from the floor when you mentioned the miles it has covered. I have a lot of respect for anyone who runs a car for that long, covers so many miles, and has a car that looks this good to show for it. ..and a lot of love for his taste in MPVs. Still to this day i would try hard to find a revelant version of a Zafira A if i needed the room, or people carrying ability, it offers. Have good experiences with these, from a family member who is on his second Zafira A, and covers silly miles in them (diesels of course). Great cars for what they are, imho.

  • @adrianflower3230
    @adrianflower3230 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    They did build em better in the noughties 👍 Great underrated car, I had a 2.2 petrol 145 BHP, 12 years of family use, still going well at 19 years and 193k on original engine, clutch and gearbox.

  • @pittmotoring
    @pittmotoring 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have an arden blue zafira gsi just around the corner from my house. I love them and perfect for me and the family (we can't have anything less than 7 seats). Proper nostalgia moment, love to see more like this on the Channel.

  • @karsnoordhuis4351
    @karsnoordhuis4351 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I got taught driving in a 2017 zafira (i believe) and good god that car was fun. The instructor ticked ALL the boxes and let me tell you, a heated steering wheel is nice in the winter. It had a 170ish hp diesel engine so was excellent at scaring the instructor by pulling in front at somebody at the last moment. It also looked quite good! More fancy than most instruction cars.

  • @5ebra1
    @5ebra1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is the type of review I love. Forgotten gems. Please do more like this. The Ford Galaxy was amazingly spacious and would be a good comparison.

  • @carlmanders5414
    @carlmanders5414 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Finally a return to form .. no more silly Ferraris Lamborghinis etc . MORE LIKE THIS PLEASE 👍🏻

  • @mishalchotai4721
    @mishalchotai4721 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hats off to the owner ! Ticking over and cooling down on turn off... see it makes the difference!

  • @JustTrumpeeh
    @JustTrumpeeh 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Would rather sit and watch you talking and going through something like this any day. TH-cam is full of supercars and they're just lacking the realism (for me, anyway) to ever own one. It's refreshing to be able to see regular people showcasing their regularly driven cars with real stories to them. Great.

    • @JayEmmOnCars
      @JayEmmOnCars  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I'll never stop featuring cars like this!

  • @Hargan
    @Hargan 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    To this day that blue always makes me turn my head when I see it

  • @Jack-wu3ie
    @Jack-wu3ie 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My dad had one of these for ages, was our family car growing up. Ended up being fettled by Courtney Sport, was just shy of 300bhp. Have fond memories of racing M3s off of traffic lights with 6 of us in, and 100m long burnouts down Southend on the Sunday night and back to the school run Monday morning. Very under rated car

  • @jamesstaggs4160
    @jamesstaggs4160 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I think the early 2000s is the sweet spot for cars. Go back ten years and you've got underpowered cars due to emissions restrictions and automakers not yet figuring out how to make power and meet guidelines, go ten years ahead and you get too much tech that loves to break and the cars are getting too heavy for one reason or another. If 2001 to about 2004/5 was porridge Goldilocks would be all over that shit.

    • @antfox7394
      @antfox7394 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ha! I said exactly the same thing to someone recently. Also, cars like the Astra G/ Zafira A had galvanised shells so last well, definately a sweet spot era for buying used.

  • @tim1polman
    @tim1polman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Its always cool to see cars like these still drive around. Looks to be in really good nick still too.

  • @neildavies9351
    @neildavies9351 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was a wolf in sheeps clothing and the original exhaust sounded so sporty. Had one from new 2003 in Arden blue and wish i still had it. 0-60 in 7.4 (even less if you fast shift). Acceleration was up there with most hot hatches. Cornering and fast turning with the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) was phenomenal for such a tall vehicle. Those snowflake alloys are still the best looking on any vehicle today IMO. Only gripe was Vauxhalls useless service centres.

  • @dylanh1978
    @dylanh1978 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    These are so cool, the 2006 VXR was epic too. And Porsche was brought in to engineer the mechanisms and system for folding the third row into the floor.

  • @themanipulator1
    @themanipulator1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Content like this is why I subscribe, Ferrari or McLaren are boring in comparison.

  • @stevemason4753
    @stevemason4753 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I had a 2.2l petrol Zafira... so much useful space and 7-seats when you needed them. The amount you could fit in the back with all the seats down was astonishing!
    Fond memories of that car but was expensive to run with 30 mpg and expensive to tax!

  • @MetalHead1904
    @MetalHead1904 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    It's great to see a variety of cars on this channel!

  • @fatturbo7680
    @fatturbo7680 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Please talk more about all the GSI cars please please 👍

  • @asifnoaman8978
    @asifnoaman8978 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    I have both the Zafira GSI and VXR. I happily walked away from a BMW 535d with 6 kids in the car and shopping. Absolutely underrated cars It's no wonder why Auto Express magazine praised it for being in a class of its own out of all the MPV's that were for sale at the time

    • @pgr3290
      @pgr3290 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Uh huh, the 535D being parked one presumes....

    • @asifnoaman8978
      @asifnoaman8978 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@pgr3290 oh please kid, its past your bed time. 😂🤦‍♂️ What a rubbish response, seems as though you have not driven either cars before

    • @pgr3290
      @pgr3290 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      ​@@asifnoaman8978 What you mean apart from the fact even a first generation 535d being a full second quicker to 60mph than a Zafira VXR? That the slowest oldest 535d model has at least 30 more horsepower, 240nm more torque and any later models are even faster and more powerful? You mean how you chat complete shite about how a fully laden Zafira VXR 'walks away' from a saloon car that would annihilate it even if it was empty, ESPECIALLY on a roll with the preposterous torque they have? Yes, it really is your bedtime. The only time a Zafira walks away from any 535d is when the BMW is parked. 🤣🤣 Absolute dreamers on here

    • @asifnoaman8978
      @asifnoaman8978 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@pgr3290 Stop reading the brochures mate, mine is mapped to 300 BHP and 440 NM of torque. So silly...

    • @pgr3290
      @pgr3290 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@asifnoaman8978 Is that all? So you would probably be carrying best part of 300kg of additional weight over unladen and you only have an extra 30 horsepower (optimistically) and still over 100 NM less torque than the slowest model of 535d and yet you still walked it? 🤣🤣 Stop chatting shite. After just 3 years of building the E60 535d BMW uprated the M57 engine to make over 280 horsepower, 580NM of torque and were professionally timed 0-60mph in the very low 6 seconds. They would comfortably run with the mk2 Focus RS of that day. Whether it's from a dig a rear drive traction BMW will own a Zafira VXR, and from a roll it'll obliterate it. The absolute utter bollocks chavs with VXRs spout LOL

  • @gerardowen7495
    @gerardowen7495 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Had a 2001 1.8 elegance best car ever sadly due to ulez had to sell last year. So 23 years of great driving and was a member of the family.

  • @Reventon777
    @Reventon777 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That generation was also designed with the aid of Porsche. I need it!!

  • @eze8970
    @eze8970 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great to see a well used, & loved by the family car, showing the world it can still do it's thing! Thanks J, more like this please!

  • @robertreid1378
    @robertreid1378 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Brilliant review and Beautiful car, Definitely up there with one of the best cars Vauxhall ever built and one of the coolest things on the road if you ever see one, Grew up in one my Dad had it was an absolute weapon of a car in its day running Courtney stage 3, Great watch and please do more cars like these, Much more interesting than the average things TH-camrs do these days👍

  • @joshbacon8241
    @joshbacon8241 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Imagine being the kid at school in the 2000s that got dropped off in a GSi…

  • @charlien8148
    @charlien8148 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Brilliant! Think this and the vxr will always be weirdly cool! Dropping the kids off at school in relative comfort but still fun enough to get you into trouble 🤣

  • @markymark-r
    @markymark-r 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I love the Zafira GSi. So much so I’m actively looking for one now!

  • @psircos
    @psircos 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I genuinely think that's a good looking car. The Gsi spec was always quite striking in my view.
    Btw, as far as I'm aware the KW variant 1 coilovers, if that's what's on there and I heard correctly, are height adjustable 👍

  • @mgmarrison
    @mgmarrison 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Excellent watch, as always. As a Astra ‘K’ owner (2017), your explanation of the traction control resonates well 😂.

  • @pwareham61
    @pwareham61 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is brilliant, it's a pity that Top Gear or the Grand Tour doesn't feature vehicles like this, and other cars of this era, rather than bloody supercars all the time. These were within people's reach, unlike Ferraris, and their ilk.

  • @davidhayes4814
    @davidhayes4814 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Vauxhall were known for the longevity of their engines back in the early 2000s.
    Their petrol 1.6 and 1.8s used in the Astras and Zafiras were regarded as pretty much bomb-proof. Sad then that the brand is a bit down on its luck nowadays.

  • @maxxo5534
    @maxxo5534 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    MPVs are a weird thing, now i'm an estate car fan
    but for 3 years i drove a Xsara picasso 2.0 HDi, i put a pair of lowering springs on it and you know what, that thing handled and drove way better than it had any right to, weird catagory of cars is the MPV i don't mind, much better than the SUV
    got an 03 C5 now with it's fantastic suspension also handles way better than expected

  • @Tigermoto
    @Tigermoto 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Always wanted one of these since I was a kid. Think it was the Boney M, Daddy Cool adverts at the time.
    I still think they look cool. But Vauxhall interiors have since put me off. It's still one of the Vauxhall's I'd like to try.

  • @robertmorris1115
    @robertmorris1115 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hello JayEmm. That is a very good review of the GSI, a very nice motor. I have been looking on here for any review about the Zafira A SRI, there is nothing on here. So if you like to review my SRI, please let me know how to contact you. Keep up the good work.

  • @MrSunnyBhoy
    @MrSunnyBhoy 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great car and vice to see it being looked after in the right ways. I follow the same mechanical sympathy schedule

  • @oxstorm644
    @oxstorm644 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    These are definitely becoming a popular choice these days, especially money and practicality. Know a guy round the corner from me with couple of them, one is a blue gsi. Another guy a few streets has a beautiful vxr in black with a turbo and some tasteful mods

  • @colinirvine1869
    @colinirvine1869 ปีที่แล้ว

    Had one of these and it was an awesome car! Mine had quite a few rare touches and I honestly regret selling it. Oh and that colour was awesome when polished up!

  • @donwk1892
    @donwk1892 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love them.. I had one for about 10 year from couple of years old.. Mine had full leather which i loved.. Got a zafira vxr now that ive had for bout 10 year also with full leather

  • @robertanthony8092
    @robertanthony8092 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Back in the day I had both the Zafira GSI and then the VXR models, great cars for my young family.

  • @johngriffiths2881
    @johngriffiths2881 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great trip down memory lane. I remember once seriously considering a used Meriva VXR.

    • @kingofohio5689
      @kingofohio5689 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I used to own a vectra C opc such a good sleeper

  • @johnmyers8493
    @johnmyers8493 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Aye well they were a bit of a secret ,they can motor on and the performance of 1 of these was very good ! I had 2 draw on some real horses 2 flash past 1 that was obviously wanting 2 see my bike in action ! A big power bike will show most family cars the way but the 7seater was impressive and very surprising

  • @SULKNATIONtv
    @SULKNATIONtv 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Loved the farmer comment! Being from Cornwall and living in Devon, this scene of road fed matter is a common sight when trying to take any cars down some excellent roads!

  • @baby_ninja_uk4741
    @baby_ninja_uk4741 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Love my zafira gsi. Its fairly quick. Handles well enoigh. Plenty of space inside. Doubles up as a mid size van. Other than its of road capabilities i genuinely cant knock it. Ps. Its a long was from standard. The smiles and looks it brings thoigh. I'd never ever part ways with it

  • @jimradford9540
    @jimradford9540 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    We have a silver GSI. Don't know how many silver ones there are.. Your's in better condition though ! Had it almost 20yrs.. On it's last legs, we spend too much on it, so presently looking for a smaller SUV. Really fun car though, all the years of the kids in the back, really did it's work. Will be sad to let it go. Nice video btw.

  • @4lfie420
    @4lfie420 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Saw someone in a gray zafira Sri so wasn't a gsi but man it must of had at the very least 400bhp because it was faster than any gsi or later vxr cars I've seen, I heard it rumbling and popping through my headphones, slid one to the side and turned my head to see the beast just come round a corner about 200 metres down a long straight road, so I stopped took my headphones off completely and gave him a thumbs, heard him drop a gear and give it full beans, must have gone from about 40mph to 90/100 in seconds thing looked like it was electric with the force it pulled forward, asides from the lowered stance and the huge silver/chrome exhaust tips coming from the back you'd assume it was standard, proper sleeper I was vwye impressed as I'm sure you would be too, definitely fully forged you could just tell

  • @Buck3366
    @Buck3366 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love the left of field reviews. Maybe an S-Max 2.5 5 cylinder at some point?? I remember the G R-J adverts and friends with the Astra Gsi Turbo that shared the Zafiras engine have got good power from them. The gearbox is one hell of an Achilles heel though.

    • @andisadler2897
      @andisadler2897 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You are mistaken bud. the GSI shared the F23 box whioch is great. The later M32 box in VXR terrible. PLastic bearings that fail at 60k.

    • @Buck3366
      @Buck3366 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@andisadler2897 Perhaps I was a bit harsh.My friends is on it’s third box due to be fitted ( finally got round to an LSD too) as second is shagged BUT it is running stage 3.5 and gets some abuse so I think that’s a fair point. My brothers old Turbo H shat 2 M32’s in a couple of years so I suppose by comparison the 5 speed is far superior.

    • @andisadler2897
      @andisadler2897 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Buck3366 Fair point bud and yes it is far far superior. I have F23 in mine and it gets abused but works mint still. F23 means there good upto a certain power, the numbers do mean something.

    • @Buck3366
      @Buck3366 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@andisadler2897 While I have someone who’s into these ( I see Aaron Unknown in your faves) who would you recommend mapping his car when done? It’s due for a VXR engine swap once it’s had some internals done and a hybrid turbo. He’s set on Courtnay but I don’t know if someone in the know may know anyone who’s decent. Getting big numbers isn’t what he’s after rather more reliable and a good linear power curve. The bloke who did my brothers years back needed shooting talk about boost spike!!

    • @andisadler2897
      @andisadler2897 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Buck3366 Theres a few.bro. Courtney are good firm yeh all depends were he is and what he wants. Budget etc. A few hundred will see good results without rebuilding engine. Z20LETS LEH.LEL etc built for tuning but not the M32 gearbox lol.

  • @vrsmartin2981
    @vrsmartin2981 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Like you James, I have a soft spot for the Astra G!
    Did my B+E on them in Blandford and wanted one.
    Always wanted the GSi but couldn't afford it so an astra club 1.6 8v was my first car.
    Absolutely loved and cherished it.
    Sold on to get a mk1 Octavia vRS in 2005.
    Last check she was still on the road with mot and tax.
    The SXi had the same dials.

  • @dann756
    @dann756 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I don't care how boring mid 00s Vauxhall are, and I'll admit they were. But, the "best" doesn't mean it's your favourite. I've had better cars than my old 2003 vectra 2.2DTI but I loved that thing. Nothing was wrong with it, nothing was great, nothing was terrible. I fell in love just because I could. I had no expectations and it had nothing to prove. Unfortunately it was written off via a Micra hitting the rear arch. Currently I own a BMW F10 5 series and it doesn't have any feeling, the same as the vectra. But, my expectations are on a "BMW" level. I'm always on auto trader just browsing early vectra C models, late VXRs, even insignias to replace my current car. This was a great review on a car a few will love but many will enjoy just for the content. I remember seeing one of these zafiras just with the kit and thought it was beautiful. It was the reason I chose my vectra. Something I will never regret. Great video.

  • @simonk337
    @simonk337 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really enjoyed that review. I remember my overriding memory of them when I was 20 is that they were driven by meathead, shaven head, Stella drinking thug dads who were always angry. The cars have aged well! Those dads are now no doubt granddads and aged less well. The car oddly appeals now. Only yesterday I was looking at a Subaru Exiga, a similar concept. Would like to see a review on one if you can find one, might be the answer to your next car question too.

  • @paulcs2607
    @paulcs2607 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just turned 250,000 miles! 🎉

  • @sugar4522
    @sugar4522 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I’ve had 4 of these and tuned right they can be proper rapid for what they are! Gearstick location is awful though 🤣

  • @CathodeRayNipplez
    @CathodeRayNipplez 3 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    It's an odd sleeper really, goes far better than its looks suggest.

    • @lptomtom
      @lptomtom 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      *its looks

  • @1066gaz
    @1066gaz 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    The best engine vauxhall made.
    My rare 3 door 1999 2.0 16v sri has done 144,000 miles now and hardly uses any oil.
    Engine is still sweet.
    I have regulary changed my oil every 5,000 miles though putting mobil 1 fully synthetic from 45,000 miles.

  • @mikeyyeoman8581
    @mikeyyeoman8581 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Everyone loves a gsi. Z20let is a awesome engine for getting power out of. Love the video.

  • @KenFilmsCars
    @KenFilmsCars 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Got mine in Arden blue and love it, yes the exhaust can mess things up, I went stainless as the standard rear boxes are hard to find with any form of quality to them! It's to loud now and will be further modified with sound mating added to lower the drone! Even with 2 boxes and a cat its daft loud and not in keeping. Bought mine on 99k, hit 100k on the drive home and have fixed many issues, mine wont make it to 200k without a rebuild I'm sure, she is smokey but has been since I bought it 4 years ago and is now on 126k

  • @pvgreaser
    @pvgreaser ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video - I bought brand new black twin sunroof roof rails black ‘52 plate . I battled Vxl as it had a light rattle from ?balancer shaft FROM NEW - no joy but apparently it was a well known fault 🤷‍♂️

  • @Flexnes1
    @Flexnes1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I totally get it. I used to have a Ford S-max with the 2.2 turbodiesel engine, churning out some 200 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. It was fairly fun to drive and I would have loved to keep it, had it not leaked quite so much oil. I nicknamed it the Exxon Valdez for that particular reason.

  • @hughjanus3347
    @hughjanus3347 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Opel Zaf much more popular in Europe, sold lots. A family member had one and I was often in the back - a terrible place to be due very intrusive road noise. It travelled up from tyres/wheels through suspension into shell and resonated around the rear seats. Everyone was reluctant to sit in the back and we all persuaded him to sell it early.

  • @kwakgreen
    @kwakgreen 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That Doo Doo left by the tractor is a nightmare for bikers.

  • @nicolas_h9090
    @nicolas_h9090 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey,I own a 2002 DTH! It's amazing,and parts are dirt cheap

  • @agostinocangelli
    @agostinocangelli 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's a very good car. The fastest mpv in europe in that period. Opel/vauxhall had the balls to make this car.

  • @theblueeyes3889
    @theblueeyes3889 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    We used to have a 1.6 zafira and even that was quite a fun car despite us timing if from 0-60 in 10.5 seconds

  • @rebel099tl
    @rebel099tl 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My parents had one of these when I was a kid and I still remember fighting over the rearmost seats. Felt like the fastest thing in the world back then. As ugly as MPVs were I’d much rather see them all over the place than the shite that they call SUVs.

    • @rebel099tl
      @rebel099tl 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Plus you know it’s sporty when it has indicator stalks from a lotus Elise 😉

  • @Jengalese
    @Jengalese 3 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    Driven by angry dads everywhere round these parts.

    • @bencritchley2005
      @bencritchley2005 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Was looking through the comments for this, how are not more people making this point!

    • @Dockhead
      @Dockhead 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@bencritchley2005 angry mom in my case

    • @anthonybelton-ford3124
      @anthonybelton-ford3124 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The vxr or just zafira

  • @davidwilson7579
    @davidwilson7579 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    As they say power less is more I have 1.6 w reg zafira which I've had for 5 years I get joy out of mine gets me from AtoB turbo's not everything just more trouble when they break down

  • @sparky4878
    @sparky4878 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    With you on the older cars. Most modern car I’ve owned was a 57 plate Brera, about 3 1/2 years old at the time. Cars from the last few years just seem boring, overly fussy styling with interiors stuffed full of awful digital screens.