All aboard!

What could be better than touring with a van full of friends or family members? Here's the bus you need.

- Cyril Klopper

The first Opel Zafira was a type of station wagon with seven seats. It enjoyed modest popularity over here, but that ended even before General Motors left in 2017.

Opel has, meanwhile, become one of 16 brands under the Stellantis banner, and the latest Zafira is the same family van as the Peugeot Traveler (also a Stellantis member) that is sold in Europe and elsewhere.

The new Opel Zafira is significantly larger than its predecessor, with one extra seat. We emptied two tanks of diesel on dirt roads, highways, and mountain passes to test its mettle.

How does it drive?

If you don't have much experience with minibusses, the steering may feel odd going around a traffic circle, because you're constantly aware of the bulk following you through the turn. You also learn quickly not to touch the curbs with a rear wheel.

Parking such a large vehicle is always a nuisance, but even this can be overcome with enough practice - the wing mirrors at least fold flat so that you can squeeze through the gap between your van and the car next to you.

Inside, it's spacious, with ample legroom for every occupant, including the driver. The front two get fold-down armrests, while the door sills are low enough so your other elbow has a perch as well.