RE: Vauxhall Zafira VXR | Spotted
Discussion
Jon_S_Rally said:
PistonHeads said:
Like all VXRs of this vintage, most of Vauxhall’s budget was spent on making the thing go like the clappers, leaving only a few quid left in the kitty for jazzing up the interior. Much of the cabin was left untouched from the standard car, albeit with a smattering of VXR badges here and there, though you did get a set of body-hugging Recaro seats up front. The seat design is mimicked for the second row, only without the massive bolsters and Recaro branding.
I see this kind of thing wheeled out a lot in PH articles, particularly with hot hatches, but it always leaves me confused. Which performance car that's based on a regular production model has ever had a "jazzed up" interior? Be it an XR2 or an M3, the recipe has always been the same; a slightly nicer set of front seats, a different steering wheel, maybe some sportier dials, and a couple of different coloured pieces of plastic if you're lucky.
Where has this expectation come from that a performance derivative should have an entirely different interior?
911Spanker said:
Strugs said:
GreatScott2016 said:
1974foggy said:
Davie said:
I'm going to buck the trend as I don't in the fairly universal hate Vauxhalls get on here, more so performance ones and whilst I was a Vauxhall man back in the day, though my interest started to faded away after the Mk3 Cavalier / Mk3 Astra era (90's child and all that) as a car enthusiast in general, I can't see the need to automatically jump on the stereotype band wagon.
I see this as I now see a lot of cars of that era... cars that went through a bit of an image issue, cars that dropped in value and were subsequently bought cheap, modified badly, thrashed and then usually ended up in a ditch, being seized by the Police or scrapped. However, that was then and to an extent, those days are fading into the history books and so now I have a fondness for stuff like this, respect and admiration.
It could almost be deemed a survivor... it's standard, it looks very tidy and it's not ridiculous money in the grand scale of things. If that drove past me, as a car guy, I'd turn and look because for those exact reasons. Same way I turned and look when I saw a standard Mk2 Focus ST last week and the same way in nodded in appreciation at a guy driving a standard looking Saxo VTR at my local Tesco lately.
I didn't go off snorting about VXR full boost understeer or how they like to go on fire and I didn't shout Asbo at the Focus and didn't turn to my wife and start whining about French build quality etc etc. Granted, I wouldn't personally buy the Zafira but there are endless things I wouldn't buy by choice - but equally, I wouldn't cast it aside in a hail of negativity.
Well said, its great seeing cars like this now on the road, even if not your cuppa. I see this as I now see a lot of cars of that era... cars that went through a bit of an image issue, cars that dropped in value and were subsequently bought cheap, modified badly, thrashed and then usually ended up in a ditch, being seized by the Police or scrapped. However, that was then and to an extent, those days are fading into the history books and so now I have a fondness for stuff like this, respect and admiration.
It could almost be deemed a survivor... it's standard, it looks very tidy and it's not ridiculous money in the grand scale of things. If that drove past me, as a car guy, I'd turn and look because for those exact reasons. Same way I turned and look when I saw a standard Mk2 Focus ST last week and the same way in nodded in appreciation at a guy driving a standard looking Saxo VTR at my local Tesco lately.
I didn't go off snorting about VXR full boost understeer or how they like to go on fire and I didn't shout Asbo at the Focus and didn't turn to my wife and start whining about French build quality etc etc. Granted, I wouldn't personally buy the Zafira but there are endless things I wouldn't buy by choice - but equally, I wouldn't cast it aside in a hail of negativity.
I think they are pretty good for what they are. An old Zafira is a decent family bus.
The usual PH Vauxhall BS out today...
ts and need to be treated with particular caution. It's exactly the same with some ropey pick up with Warrior or Terminator written on the back. It won't be being driven by a lady pensioner with a poodle on the front seat. I cant say I notice Zafiras and much less go into a complex narrative about the owners kids names and weekend activities.
Its getting a bit freaky when its being worked into the bones of a TV Drama series, sort of Shameless without the humour, warmth and pathos, and a bit more sneering.
I am sure there are "Angry dads" that drive Zafiras but equally there are a lot of them still on the road, and never seem to get run off the road by one, they just tend to blend in. The only person I knew with one was a very religious, mild mannered chap who main passion was toy soldiers.
Its getting a bit freaky when its being worked into the bones of a TV Drama series, sort of Shameless without the humour, warmth and pathos, and a bit more sneering.
I am sure there are "Angry dads" that drive Zafiras but equally there are a lot of them still on the road, and never seem to get run off the road by one, they just tend to blend in. The only person I knew with one was a very religious, mild mannered chap who main passion was toy soldiers.
J4CKO said:
I cant say I notice Zafiras and much less go into a complex narrative about the owners kids names and weekend activities.
Its getting a bit freaky when its being worked into the bones of a TV Drama series, sort of Shameless without the humour, warmth and pathos, and a bit more sneering.
I am sure there are "Angry dads" that drive Zafiras but equally there are a lot of them still on the road, and never seem to get run off the road by one, they just tend to blend in. The only person I knew with one was a very religious, mild mannered chap who main passion was toy soldiers.
I can't remember the last time I saw a Zafira on the road so it's a historical thing. Its getting a bit freaky when its being worked into the bones of a TV Drama series, sort of Shameless without the humour, warmth and pathos, and a bit more sneering.
I am sure there are "Angry dads" that drive Zafiras but equally there are a lot of them still on the road, and never seem to get run off the road by one, they just tend to blend in. The only person I knew with one was a very religious, mild mannered chap who main passion was toy soldiers.
Not so with the drivers of ropey pick ups such as I have described. I don't think it's that controversial. No expects to be cut up or verbally abused or threatened by people in Toyota Aygos or Fiat Doblos.
J4CKO said:
I cant say I notice Zafiras and much less go into a complex narrative about the owners kids names and weekend activities.
Its getting a bit freaky when its being worked into the bones of a TV Drama series, sort of Shameless without the humour, warmth and pathos, and a bit more sneering.
I am sure there are "Angry dads" that drive Zafiras but equally there are a lot of them still on the road, and never seem to get run off the road by one, they just tend to blend in. The only person I knew with one was a very religious, mild mannered chap who main passion was toy soldiers.
It's hardly new, the thread is basically a rehash of this one from 2013 where people were saying pretty much the same 11yrs ago:Its getting a bit freaky when its being worked into the bones of a TV Drama series, sort of Shameless without the humour, warmth and pathos, and a bit more sneering.
I am sure there are "Angry dads" that drive Zafiras but equally there are a lot of them still on the road, and never seem to get run off the road by one, they just tend to blend in. The only person I knew with one was a very religious, mild mannered chap who main passion was toy soldiers.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
There are two Zafira VXRs in my suburban area, a black and a red one. Both of them have illegal tints, bazooka style exhaust boxes and are driven by nobs. One of them _is_ the angry dad at football because I see him on the opposing touchline most Saturdays.
Cars generally come with an image of the type of people who drive them. That's unfortunately what it is for the Zafira VXR.
Back when these were the current model, Vauxhall used to do VXR trackdays where for a hundred odd quid you could turn up to a proper track and drive as many of VXR range that you could fit in, in 3 lap sessions for a morning or afternoon. It was tremendous value, and I was one of the lucky instructors 'living the dream'. As instructors were an egotistical bunch, no-one wanted to be seen dead in the Zafira but if I did end up in one what it actually meant was a pretty cruisy day because A) most punters didn't want to be seen dead in one either, and B) the punter was more likely to be Angela the yummy mummy, than angry Billy from the Millwall supporters club.
In terms of the car itself, they were actually pretty good-they had a decent turn of speed, brakes were good, handling was fine-if it was driven like an absolute bell piece then of course it would understeer, as would nearly any FWD car. Generally the reaction was positive, and people were surprised that actually they were good fun.
The main problem then, and now it seems is one of perception (of the car, and their owners), although tbf I wouldn't pay 7k for one either
In terms of the car itself, they were actually pretty good-they had a decent turn of speed, brakes were good, handling was fine-if it was driven like an absolute bell piece then of course it would understeer, as would nearly any FWD car. Generally the reaction was positive, and people were surprised that actually they were good fun.
The main problem then, and now it seems is one of perception (of the car, and their owners), although tbf I wouldn't pay 7k for one either
Shooter McGavin said:
J4CKO said:
I cant say I notice Zafiras and much less go into a complex narrative about the owners kids names and weekend activities.
Its getting a bit freaky when its being worked into the bones of a TV Drama series, sort of Shameless without the humour, warmth and pathos, and a bit more sneering.
I am sure there are "Angry dads" that drive Zafiras but equally there are a lot of them still on the road, and never seem to get run off the road by one, they just tend to blend in. The only person I knew with one was a very religious, mild mannered chap who main passion was toy soldiers.
It's hardly new, the thread is basically a rehash of this one from 2013 where people were saying pretty much the same 11yrs ago:Its getting a bit freaky when its being worked into the bones of a TV Drama series, sort of Shameless without the humour, warmth and pathos, and a bit more sneering.
I am sure there are "Angry dads" that drive Zafiras but equally there are a lot of them still on the road, and never seem to get run off the road by one, they just tend to blend in. The only person I knew with one was a very religious, mild mannered chap who main passion was toy soldiers.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
There are two Zafira VXRs in my suburban area, a black and a red one. Both of them have illegal tints, bazooka style exhaust boxes and are driven by nobs. One of them _is_ the angry dad at football because I see him on the opposing touchline most Saturdays.
Cars generally come with an image of the type of people who drive them. That's unfortunately what it is for the Zafira VXR.
The same can be said of BMW M drivers, Audi RSs and a load of others.
I buy cars and don't much care for the drivers. I know I don't suddenly become a different person based on the car I am driving.
Shooter McGavin said:
There are two Zafira VXRs in my suburban area, a black and a red one. Both of them have illegal tints, bazooka style exhaust boxes and are driven by nobs. One of them _is_ the angry dad at football because I see him on the opposing touchline most Saturdays.
Cars generally come with an image of the type of people who drive them. That's unfortunately what it is for the Zafira VXR.
Whilst that may be true and that choice of modifications is usually the domain of a certain demographic, I think the issue is quite a few people seem to be incapable of seeing or thinking beyond these stereotypes and just reel off the usual bore stuff and in this case, I think that's the issue. This example doesn't have tints, doesn't have a big exhaust, isn't slammed on Poundland coil overs and doesn't have "Mad Bus Club" or "Powered by Fairy dust" stickers all over it and I don't think it ever has - it still has the OEM crossover pipe for the turbo, that's rare! Cars generally come with an image of the type of people who drive them. That's unfortunately what it is for the Zafira VXR.
I also don't think your average angry dad will buy this one... it's too nice... and to be fair, I think the demographic who would buy these cheap, modify them even cheaper and then abuse them have moved on. Just the same as the demographic who used to stick fibre glass body kits to Saxos have moved on. Or the demographic who used to borrow Sapphire Cosworths to visit Dixons at 2am then turn them into bonfires have moved on. Granted, like any "expensive" survivor this won't be bought by somebody looking for a cheap tip run car (why would you?) or bought to stick tear around the Bradford back streets... it'll be bought by somebody who maybe had one back in the day or wanted one back in the day and if that's you, then a nice, clean, unmolested example for £7k might be the bargain of the year.
These sort of topics always go the same way and I always end up sat wondering why car enthusiasts are so derisory of certain cars, unable to see beyond outdated stereotyping and who can't seem to appreciate them for what they are and the fact they existed... and more to the point, that a nice example still exists. Friend of mine's dad, proper car guy... not that you'd know it to look at but he's a savage behind the wheel, ex rally driver etc and yet looks like your stereotypical historian, woolen jumpers and all. His UK car sits in my friends garage - its a 2007 5dr Focus ST in blue, completely standard, very very tidy car. I was never a Ford man, I watched Clarkson shout "ASBO" a lot but that's irrelevant... it s wonderful thing to see and indeed drive, because it's a survivor and a reminder to the days when things were arguably, just a bit more fun.
Edited by Davie on Monday 25th November 15:52
Shooter McGavin said:
Driven by angry football dads to urban parks on a Saturday morning so they can shout abuse at a teenage referee whilst Jayden/Kayden/Kai or Finley does his best impression of not being the next David Beckham.
Well, they were. They all drive pseudo-SUVs now.I don't respect this any less than performance SUVs. I would definitely say that these driven no more stupidly than the majority of mid-size SUVs now clogging our roads. I don't even recall them being driven arrogantly, back in the day. Not something I'd say nowadays about some SUVs.
I'd go further than a few people in this thread: I like Vauxhalls. There's something pleasingly unpretentious about them. While I try to care more about what cars can do than about the image associated with them, if my choice was the exact same internals for the same money but my pick of Vauxhall or, say, BMW badge and styling, I would go gryphon over roundel every time.
Looks a tidy example tbh. Not for me but as said at least GM tried to zest an otherwise snore inducing car. Old colleague had one back in the day and tbh it was:
a) Not that fast
b) The interior, (like all Vauxhalls at this time) was horrific
c) MPG was poor
d) Front wheel traction and torque steer was comedy
Price of this seems optimistic too.
a) Not that fast
b) The interior, (like all Vauxhalls at this time) was horrific
c) MPG was poor
d) Front wheel traction and torque steer was comedy
Price of this seems optimistic too.
The usual hate for anything with a Vauxhall badge. I had a base version for a few years as a company car. The amount of interior space for the size was impressive. I've always liked the look if the VXR especially in blue. The dash/plastics are what you'd expect from this class of car and on par with an S-Max (I had a rental for a few days).The price seems steep (but I say that about most cars!).
^ commented Gavin from accounts with his poverty spec BMW 320d or merc c class 220d, misplaced air of superiority... methinks
PH should be somewhere car enthusiasts of all backgrounds come together and appreciate motors not a forum for elitist a55h0le5 or snobbery, wherever you live or do for a living or whatever you drive it should be inclusive.
PH should be somewhere car enthusiasts of all backgrounds come together and appreciate motors not a forum for elitist a55h0le5 or snobbery, wherever you live or do for a living or whatever you drive it should be inclusive.
Edited by Demonix on Monday 25th November 17:45
It's a pity Vauxhall didn't fettle the chassis a bit more for this, but still have to give them kudos for trying. Turning-up to FoTU in 2034 in one of these would be a head-turner.
I'd sooner have a Zafira on my bumper than a hyper-aggressive RS3 or Golf R baying to roar past on a corner with farting autobox gearchanges.
I'd sooner have a Zafira on my bumper than a hyper-aggressive RS3 or Golf R baying to roar past on a corner with farting autobox gearchanges.
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