[kenman923]

Very interesting. An answer to the Mazda 5. Now we will see if they can actually sell

 

[osv_alero]

The Zafira makes much more sense for Saturn than the Relay CSV clone, which I hope dies an early death.

I couldn't agree more. It would make the perfect "minivan" for Saturn, especially if they brought over the diesel model for their Green Line.

 

[saturnsteve]

The only way I like this idea is if GM really limits the amount of vehicle-sharing as the new crossovers come out. I can't keep up with all the plans... I'm confused about the upcoming Saturn crossovers, and what's happening at Pontiac and GMC. While many options are nice, too much overlap isn't. I assume if the Zafira comes over the S3X won't.

Okay, can anyone outline it a bit? What do we know?

The Equinox, Torrent, and Vue are theta. Will they all be around next generation?
What platform is the Outlook on? Lambda?
What lambdas are planned?
Isn't Saturn getting another large crossover (other than Vue and Outlook)?
Will GMC or Pontiac get a lambda? If not, what?
Will the Rendezvous return next-gen?

Yikes! Too crazy! Someone straighten me out!

The Outlook is on the Lambda. And no, there is not another large SUV/Crossover planned for Saturn. There is talk of a smaller SUV that will compete against the Sportage/Tuscon, the S3X platform. This would be a perfect crossover for Saturn. Let's all cross our fingers that they let us have this!

 

[saturnsteve]

Kill the RELAY NOW!! No one likes it and we don't sell very many of them! This would be a much better fit for Saturn.

 

[MBHockey13]

You put the Saturn grill at that Zafira and you could park it next to the Sky and the Aura and think they were all designed by the same person. That is a MUCH better choice than that Relay. I say "Do it!"

 

[Ultra Magnus]

IF they are going to bring it they should do it soon. Stop debating and just do it.

 

[Saturn69]

HMmm..... I guess it won't be soooo bad.
But then... why the heck would you have Outlook then??

Because the Outlook is the same size as the Chrysler Pacifica, the Zafira is a direct competitor to the Mazda 5 which is actually shorter than the Mazda 6 but seats 6, just as the Zafira will do. It's about choice. Some people might not want the Pacifica-sized Outlook yet still want 6 passenger seating with cargo flexibility and better fuel economy. Count me as one of those people.

 

[AH-HA]

HMmm..... I guess it won't be soooo bad.
But then... why the heck would you have Outlook then??

Outlook is huge by comparison, the Zafira would fit in very nicely and would replace the Relay, even though it is smaller. Relay has no future, it's a dog as is.

 

[princecharmless]

I agree...maybe the Saturn CSV was a stop gap and the Zafira would be the smaller Mazda 5/Matrix/HHR Competitor while the Outlook would go up against the Oddessy, Sienna, etc....

Hopfully this makes it to the states as I can see this MPV class growing with time and higher gas prices....

Saturn competes with Acura now,so the Zafira is way of the question.what would it compete with?I guess the RDX is close but that what the Vue is for.Mazda 5/Matrix/? No because that Vibe/HHR territory.Theres no room for such a vehicle.

BTW the Outlook wont compete against the Sienna and Oddessy because its a X-over,not a minivan.If it did it;ll be stepping all over Chevy's toes.Its more appropriate to say the Outloook is a MDX fighter.

 

[Snafu_SS]

if your not already convinced enough that Opel has awesome vehicles...or you just dont know about this Zafira...look at this. at the bottom you'll see "new zafira"..thats the place to look.


the flex 7 system looks like a great way to try to go agains stow n go..may not be totally flat, but very close to what it can do.

the looks are amazing

it has a stick shift..i dunno how many ppl are into the whole sporty mini van type of thing, i know mazda tried it and car and driver seemed to like what was goin on there.

the panorama sun roof looks incredible...and still leaves room for all the dvd stuff in the middle

the interior looks very interesting

the rims look like nothing i have ever seen on a mini van!!

why not bring it?? i am very confident this could out do the relay!!

 

[Snafu_SS]

pontiac vibe

problem i see with that is..toyotoa and gm are sharing the platform and the same factory for the current vibe n matrix..i would imagine any changes would have to ba agreed with by toyo and gm..also, this is much larger than the vibe so i dunno if it could still really compete in the same class or not

 

[jckjds]

Saturn and/or Pontiac should carry a Zafira-size minivan instead of the current, larger minivans. These would be nice alternatives to the traditionally larger American minivan, ala Mazda 5. They would, presumably, be slightly cheaper and get better MPG for those who need the space and flexibility of a van, but don't need the size of a larger one. These would also better fit the sportier image(s) of Saturn and/or Pontiac.

Anyone know what platform the "new" Zafira is on? Presumably, it would need to be built in the US to be price competitive. If it was on a platform that already exists in America, it should be relatively easy to build here.

 

[Toto]

The Flex7 seat system is one great thing of the Zafira and was introduced by the first generation of the Zafira.

The panorama roof is new for the second generation.

 

[Toto]

The Zafira shared the platform with the Astra.

...
Anyone know what platform the "new" Zafira is on? Presumably, it would need to be built in the US to be price competitive. If it was on a platform that already exists in America, it should be relatively easy to build here.

 

[someguy]

How about the Vauxhall Zafira VXR?

2.0 16V DOHC 4-Cylinder Turbo 240 Bhp and 236 ib/ft of Torque.

6-Speed Manual gearbox.

0 to 60 Mph: 7.2s - Top Speed: 144 Mph.

Further details, click here: Vauxhall Zafira VXR.

 

[Saturn69]

Saturn competes with Acura now,so the Zafira is way of the question.what would it compete with?I guess the RDX is close but that what the Vue is for.Mazda 5/Matrix/? No because that Vibe/HHR territory.Theres no room for such a vehicle.

BTW the Outlook wont compete against the Sienna and Oddessy because its a X-over,not a minivan.If it did it;ll be stepping all over Chevy's toes.Its more appropriate to say the Outloook is a MDX fighter.

Saturn will be competing with Volkswagen, not Acura. The Vibe and HHR can't compete with the Mazda 5, and why would the Vibe compete with the Matrix? It's the same car made in the same plant. The Zafira is a little bigger than the HHR and has a flexible seating system for 7 passengers, which is 2 more than the HHR and one more than the Mazda 5. Sorry, I think the Mazda 5 is what Saturn will be going after with the Zafira (or could it be the Saturn Signal?).

BTW, went to the Opel site. That Flex-7 systems is wicked cool! C'mon Saturn, bring it over! I'll buy one. Put the 2.2 Ecotec and 5 or 6 spd (out of the SAAB 9-3) in it, or the 2.4, and offer a 1.8 Eco-diesel in it with a 5 or 6 spd for extra economy. It fits with Saturn's new Euro image and it's 'different' ideas.

 

[Saturn69]

The Zafira shared the platform with the Astra.

Which, if everyone remembers, is NOT the same platform as the Ion/Cobalt/HHR. But, it wouldn't take much to put that body on the Delta platform......C'mon Saturn. Take a chance.

 

[Toto]

The following engines and transmission are available for the Zafira:

1.6 Twinport Ecotec/105 hp/33 mpg*
1.8 Ecotec/140 hp/31 mpg
2.2 Direct Ecotec/150 hp/28 mpg
2.0 Turbo Ecotec/200 hp/25 mpg
2.0 Turbo Ecotec/240 hp/24 mpg
1.6 CNG Ecotec/97 hp/44 mpg (CNG is a natural gas engine)
1.9 CDTI Ecotec/100, 120 or 150 hp/38 to 32 mpg (CDTI is a diesel direct injection)

5 or 6 speed manual transmission and
4 or 6 speed automatic transmission available.

* third-mix from city, country and motorway

...
Put the 2.2 Ecotec and 5 or 6 spd (out of the SAAB 9-3) in it, or the 2.4, and offer a 1.8 Eco-diesel in it with a 5 or 6 spd for extra economy. It fits with Saturn's new Euro image and it's 'different' ideas.

 

[Quickening]

Wait. Are they saying bring Opel over to America..or specifically this car only rebadged as a Saturn. I'm ok with the second, but when I first read it, I got the impression of Opel coming. This is a pretty sweet car, would fit nicely with Saturn. I personally think Chevy should have the only minivan out of everyone, just offer nice packages if you want it really dressed up. Give Saturn & Pontiac one of these. Buick doesn't need a minivan or this, just the cross over and cars.

 

[jckjds]

Wait. Are they saying bring Opel over to America..or specifically this car only rebadged as a Saturn. I'm ok with the second, but when I first read it, I got the impression of Opel coming. This is a pretty sweet car, would fit nicely with Saturn. I personally think Chevy should have the only minivan out of everyone, just offer nice packages if you want it really dressed up. Give Saturn & Pontiac one of these. Buick doesn't need a minivan or this, just the cross over and cars.

I don't really mind Buick having a minivan. IMO, to save money, it should be a Chevy rebadge with quiet tuning and possibly a HF 3.6 in place of the 3.5.

Then, Saturn and/or Pontiac could offer versions of the Zafira.

If GM is going to have 4 vans, at least offer two substantially different types of minivan. Four rebadges is really unnecessary.