Opel Releases First 2012 Zafira Video

There used to be a time when General Motor’s German subsidiary made cars like the dreadful Vectra and the bland Astra, but the Zafira was still regarded as being interesting and ergonomic, even though that back row of seats put you in harm’s way if rear-ended.

Now the Zafira is upping the MPV game with its third incarnation, which will go on sale this autumn. There will also be a version wearing Vauxhall badges, with the first unit to reach UK showrooms by early 2012.

We’ll get to see the vehicle at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show later this year, but until that happens we are more than happy with the first video released by the manufacturer, highlighting its versatility and car-like performance on the road.

We are extremely pleased with the look of the production car, as it follows closely the lines and proportions of the concept. The front sports that double boomerang graphic, which sweeps from the headlights to the fog lamps.

The interior features bit and pieces from the Astra, but we don’t expect to hear much complaining there. To improve the interior ambiance, the Germans have added new color and trim options while also offering an available panorama windscreen that flows into a glass sunroof, which extends all the way to the back of the vehicle.

The most important feature of an MPV is seating, so Opel’s trademark Flex7 seating system has been improved on the new Zafira as it gains three independent seats in the middle row that can be folded flat and moved separately of each other.