RE: Vauxhall Zafira VXR | Spotted
Discussion
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 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.
Unreal said:
It matters because the drivers are invariably t
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.
You get tts 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. ts in every type of car though. You just remember the ones in the modified trucks because they stand out more than the 320d's and other mundane stuff.Shooter McGavin said:
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:
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.
So you spend time at the same football pitch and, while he vents his rage there, you get yours off your chest by spouting angry stuff on the internet. Sounds like you two might have more in common than you think... 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.
Demonix said:
^ 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.
Careful, I got abused in the Manthey GT3 RS thread for suggesting such things 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
Price aside, I like it. Had a base model as our first modern car after we got married (MK2 fiesta as the wife's first car when she passed her test around 2008). We didn't even have kids at the time, so I had to pretend to be an angry dad. Drove and handled fine for what it was - then the water pump seized and slipped the cambelt...
Good to see the comments filling the PH stereotype frothing bingo card as usual.
Good to see the comments filling the PH stereotype frothing bingo card as usual.
I know this isn’t a great car but I do miss it when car makers used to add something quirky or a bit left field to their lineup.
At least it showed that they had a sense of creativity and went a bit wild with over styling and design. (Recaro racing seats in a Zafira, wouldn’t happen today).
At least it showed that they had a sense of creativity and went a bit wild with over styling and design. (Recaro racing seats in a Zafira, wouldn’t happen today).
Somewhat amusing to see everyone tying themselves in knots about the perceived image, snobbery, and so on.
Kinda ignores the fundamental issue with cars like this now (and partially why we have so many SUVs about) - with the roads as they are today, and suspension tech being what it was then, itll be like riding a cardboard box down a fire escape.
Be my guest if you really fancy doing the merchant convoy spec zig-zagging your way through town whilst your 17 year old GM plastics creak and clatter like they were made out of recycled Buckaroo games.
Personally, I'll have something with sidewalls please
Kinda ignores the fundamental issue with cars like this now (and partially why we have so many SUVs about) - with the roads as they are today, and suspension tech being what it was then, itll be like riding a cardboard box down a fire escape.
Be my guest if you really fancy doing the merchant convoy spec zig-zagging your way through town whilst your 17 year old GM plastics creak and clatter like they were made out of recycled Buckaroo games.
Personally, I'll have something with sidewalls please
Dunk328 said:
Somewhat amusing to see everyone tying themselves in knots about the perceived image, snobbery, and so on.
Kinda ignores the fundamental issue with cars like this now (and partially why we have so many SUVs about) - with the roads as they are today, and suspension tech being what it was then, itll be like riding a cardboard box down a fire escape.
Be my guest if you really fancy doing the merchant convoy spec zig-zagging your way through town whilst your 17 year old GM plastics creak and clatter like they were made out of recycled Buckaroo games.
Personally, I'll have something with sidewalls please
Same could be said for any number of cars. Many flavours of Audi for instance...Kinda ignores the fundamental issue with cars like this now (and partially why we have so many SUVs about) - with the roads as they are today, and suspension tech being what it was then, itll be like riding a cardboard box down a fire escape.
Be my guest if you really fancy doing the merchant convoy spec zig-zagging your way through town whilst your 17 year old GM plastics creak and clatter like they were made out of recycled Buckaroo games.
Personally, I'll have something with sidewalls please
And I know which I would rather own.
Unreal said:
Angry dad nirvana.
Seven grand.
lol, on our then tedious commute together me and my wife would look out for 'Angry Zafiras'. Had a colleague who traded a mk1 elise in for one when his wife had twins and hated driving it. 'Drive it like you stole it' became 'drive it like you resent having it'!Seven grand.
Yes! I like it alot! Great tip/MTB/van/Work Equipment Hauler (fast van) mobile.
Not for £7k mind!! Couldn't care less what badge is on the front, replace the Vauxhall badge for an Opel badge for added 'mystery'
Most angry dads drive leased CashCows these days, so that baton has truly been passed across I think.
Not for £7k mind!! Couldn't care less what badge is on the front, replace the Vauxhall badge for an Opel badge for added 'mystery'
Most angry dads drive leased CashCows these days, so that baton has truly been passed across I think.
I think this is too expensive, but I have no issues with it, I don't see the angry dad thing, most aggressive drivers I see are women in SUVs, usually driving at break neck speeds in built up areas, and because I drive city cars and go slowly over those lane centered speed bumps, narrow car, these SUVs are right up my chuff because they don't want to and don't need to slow for them.
That this is a seven seater with added performance should surely make it an interesting choice on pistonheads, I am quite surprised at the vitriol, I'd get it if you were in Australia and ford not Holden supporter for the supercar racing, but beyond that, baffles me.
Parts availability might be my biggest concern for these as they were so rare compared to normal zafiras.
That this is a seven seater with added performance should surely make it an interesting choice on pistonheads, I am quite surprised at the vitriol, I'd get it if you were in Australia and ford not Holden supporter for the supercar racing, but beyond that, baffles me.
Parts availability might be my biggest concern for these as they were so rare compared to normal zafiras.
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.
Zafira VXRs (and the older GSIs) are a weird guilty pleasure of mine. No idea why - I've owned a few Vauxhalls and they were all dire, hateful things looking back. And yet despite that, the fact they tend to be driven my morons and there are far better options for a load lugging car at those prices, I'd still kind of be drawn to one (especially the older GSI as a bit of a usable modern "classic").
Jon_S_Rally said:
Careful, I got abused in the Manthey GT3 RS thread for suggesting such things
Banter is fine, heated discussion on the pros and cons of a car is informative and interesting but small minded sweeping statements from bigoted posters just makes for an unpleasant PH experience and that's not cool or acceptable. DaveyBoyWonder said:
Zafira VXRs (and the older GSIs) are a weird guilty pleasure of mine. No idea why - I've owned a few Vauxhalls and they were all dire, hateful things looking back. And yet despite that, the fact they tend to be driven my morons and there are far better options for a load lugging car at those prices, I'd still kind of be drawn to one (especially the older GSI as a bit of a usable modern "classic").
I think I developed a fondness for them way back in 2002. I was working in a Vauxhall dealer when they were launched, the whole "Daddy cool" ethos was something all together new and exciting at the time. The dealership had a tie up with Enterprise to provide hire cars as our courtesy cars and instead of the usual 1.2 Corsas and the like, they had a load of Mk4 Astra GSi and Zafira GSi that they would use instead... and I had free reign to use them. My little sister learned clutch control and three point turns in an 02 plate Arden Blue Zafira GSi. Good times!
For many of us of a certain age Vauxhall provided accessible motoring, freedom and fun, a redtop motor and enough performance to make you smile. They weren't premium but they were enjoyable and that's what matters. VXR badged motors offer the same formula whether that's in a spiced up Zafira or a Monaro. The fact they exist is a good thing whether you'd buy one or not.
only thing I remember about these is how crazy the drivers used to be, I remember one doing an insane overtake on me in a 30mph zone around a blind corner with what was presumably his young daughter and her friends in the back - no doubt showing off whilst potentially killing everyone in the car
WCZ said:
only thing I remember about these is how crazy the drivers used to be, I remember one doing an insane overtake on me in a 30mph zone around a blind corner with what was presumably his young daughter and her friends in the back - no doubt showing off whilst potentially killing everyone in the car
I can recollect that as part of the buying process for a Zafira VXR, Vauxhall dealers had trained staff who would first ensure you were actually mentally unstable / had no neck / like to pick fights before progressing you to the next step. If however you were of sound mind, looked normal and were a pleasant human then Vauxhall refused to sell you one. However in all seriousness, my takeaway from reading the forums and generally observing life is that most Zafira drivers were either school run Mums back in the day or were mostly middle aged ladies. Thinking back a few years and to the Zafiras locally (of which there are two, both last generation Tourer things) and indeed thinking back to my days in a Vauxhall dealer...
I haven't ever come across an angry meathead mental dad driving one... ever. Maybe it's more a reflection on the area as Zafira drivers around here seems rather well mannered / middle aged / placid types who want a rather unassuming, cheap, practical car. I honestly can't remember the last time I saw a Zafira ZXR... probably at a Vauxhall show in 2016 or something like that, which is why I like this one.
WCZ said:
only thing I remember about these is how crazy the drivers used to be, I remember one doing an insane overtake on me in a 30mph zone around a blind corner with what was presumably his young daughter and her friends in the back - no doubt showing off whilst potentially killing everyone in the car
My neighbour had one. It was OK, brisk for a people carrier thing.I don't think there was many around which was the appeal. Never saw a bad driver in one, that seemed to be every S-Max at the time
Byker28i said:
My neighbour had one. It was OK, brisk for a people carrier thing.
I don't think there was many around which was the appeal. Never saw a bad driver in one, that seemed to be every S-Max at the time
Agree - seen more of the 2.5 S-Max being driven by whoppers, usually with ebay "ST" badges on the back and a silly exhaust...I don't think there was many around which was the appeal. Never saw a bad driver in one, that seemed to be every S-Max at the time
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.
Youforreal. said:
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.
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