hobbes79

I currently have a Vauxhall Zafira, which I really like. It's not that much bigger than an ordinary car, but has just so much flexibility and use. I've moved many a sofa with it!

But I'm more than likely going to be moving to the US in Jan. I clearly have no intention of taking the car with me, but does anyone know of the US version?

I know Vauxhall are owned by GM... so... ???

I've done a little research, but can't see to quite find what I'm looking for.

Hiro11

The Zafira isn't sold here. Small MPVs in general aren't popular here, I can only think of two, (both of which are actually pretty damned good):
Mazda 5
Kia Rondo

Most people, if they need something similar, buy a small CUV/softroader/whatever, such as:
Honda CR-V
Toyota Rav4
Subaru Forrester
Scion xB, xD

hobbes79

Thanks for the info. During my search, I've seen the Honda CR-V and was quite interested in that as an alternative. I've briefly had a RAV4, but didn't like the way the trunk door opened.

I'll check out those other 2 you suggested. Thanks

Duncan Roberts

The Mazda5 is a cracking car for the money.

dinosaur

This is interesting - so it may end up being made but not sold here!

In general, agree with earlier posts - depends if you need 7 seats or not - if so, think the Mazda5, Rondo and RAV4 are the only options without going to a bigger beast.

Big D

I think the CR-V door opens the same way as the RAV 4, at least the old one did.

There isnt really anything to compare directly with the Zafira - they all seem to be a bit bigger or more SUV like. Most of the ones with the versitility tend to be full size MPVs or Mini Vans as they call them over here. From a cost point of view they probably arent much more than the CRVs and RAV 4s, depending on make of course!

Patrick Hasler

Mazda 5 .... is infact the same thing as a Ford Focus C MAX


Sadie ...... ( my little girl just wanted to type that bit )

BritGuyTN

GMC arcadia is supposed to be a good motor...

Dan725

I wouldn't put that in the same boat as a Zafira though!!

Patrick Hasler

Why don't you bring it with you ? .......... It would cost about $2,000 to ship it.

hobbes79

I like your thinking, but the steering wheel would be on the wrong side, parts would be expensive/impossible to get, etc. I just don't think it's quite worth the effort. It's quite old too (2002) so is vaguely nearing replacement time anyway.

The Mazda 5 certainly looks the best bet at this point. I like the sporty look and it's reasonably priced. The rear seats appear to fold flat in the back, which is the most important thing for me. I want to basically be able to turn it into a 'white van man' vehicle when I want to.

I think I've found my answer... thanks everyone!

lapin_windstar

I thought it was incredibly difficult to privately import cars that aren't sold in the US for protectionist reasons? I vaguely remember reading lots of stuff about how they have to be inspected at one of a very small number of shops, need special certification from the manufacturer, all sorts of stuff - maybe I am completely wrong or it's not as difficult as it was described to me.

Hiro11

I think it has more to do with US emissions and safety regs. I guess that could be considered protectionist...

Also, I recently saw that GM is considering starting to build the Zafira in the US but not sell it here. It would be the first time a car has been made in the US expressly for the European market:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/06/c...o-europe-soon/

dinosaur

So you didn't like my link to the same article then?

I reread it, and it does state "Chevrolet is planning on building a similar model for the U.S. market in mid-2009"....so if the OP wants to wait a year they may be able to get an equivalent (probably with horrible handling, more cupholders and an ugly grille)

Titchski

Dodge RAM 3500 Duallie. Can just about (as you can see from the picture) carry a sofa.