1999 Vauxhall Zafira A Dimensions, Size & Specs

With all rear seats in place, the Vauxhall Zafira A offers a modest luggage capacity of 312 liters (approximately 11 cubic feet), enough for everyday shopping or small outings. When the rear seats are folded down, this capacity dramatically increases to 1700 liters (around 60 cubic feet), allowing for the transport of larger items such as furniture or multiple suitcases. This flexibility is a hallmark of the Zafira's design, catering both to passengers and cargo needs efficiently, enhancing its practicality as a family minivan.

The curb weight of the Vauxhall Zafira A ranges between 1294 kg and 1424 kg (approximately 2854 to 3140 pounds), depending on the specific trim and equipment installed. A moderate curb weight like this strikes a balance between structural solidity and efficiency, contributing to stable handling and relatively reasonable fuel consumption in the minivan class. The vehicle maintains agility on the road while offering stability, which is important for passenger safety and driving comfort, especially in urban and suburban settings.

The Zafira A is equipped with 6J x 15 rims, paired with tires sized 195/65 R16. This tire size is fairly common for compact family vehicles, offering a good compromise between comfort, grip, and durability. The relatively moderate sidewall height (aspect ratio of 65) helps absorb road irregularities, improving ride comfort without compromising responsive handling. This setup supports stable, predictable driving dynamics which are essential for a family minivan, ensuring safety and comfort on both short urban trips and longer journeys.

A standard home garage generally measures about 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) wide and 4.8 to 6 meters (15.7 to 19.7 feet) long. The Vauxhall Zafira A’s width of 1742 mm (68.5 inches) without mirrors and 1999 mm (78.7 inches) with mirrors opened means that with mirrors folded, the vehicle fits comfortably within standard garage width. Its length at 4317 mm (169.9 inches) also fits well within typical garage lengths. Therefore, the Zafira A can generally be parked inside a standard garage without issue, although careful mirror folding and door clearance are important for added ease.

With a height of 1684 mm (66.3 inches), the Vauxhall Zafira A offers generous headroom for passengers across all three rows, which is critical in a family-focused minivan. The elevated roofline improves the feeling of spaciousness inside, reduces claustrophobia on longer journeys, and makes entry and exit easier for adults and children alike. Furthermore, the ample interior height aids in installing child seats and carrying tall cargo, reinforcing the Zafira’s reputation as a practical and comfortable multi-purpose vehicle.

The Vauxhall Zafira A has a maximum permissible weight ranging from 1915 to 2045 kg (4222 to 4508 pounds), depending on specific variants, compared to a curb weight between 1294 and 1424 kg (2854 to 3140 pounds). This means the vehicle can safely carry an additional 600-700 kg (1323-1543 pounds) of passengers, cargo, and equipment. The significant difference allows for full-load capacity with family, luggage, or even moderate towing without compromising safety or vehicle integrity, underscoring the minivan’s utility in day-to-day and leisure activities.

The Vauxhall Zafira A, introduced in 1999, was the first generation of this model and thus had no direct predecessor under the same name. However, compared to older compact MPVs or minivans in Vauxhall’s lineup, the Zafira introduced innovative flexible seating with its patented 'Flex 7' system that allowed the addition of a third row and versatile cargo configurations. Dimensionally, it balanced compact urban usability with practical interior space, distinguishing itself by combining efficiency with family-oriented features unseen in earlier Vauxhall models.

In comparison to contemporary compact minivans of the late 1990s and early 2000s, such as the Renault Scenic or Ford Focus C-Max, the Vauxhall Zafira A holds its own through its unique 7-seater configuration and flexible interior layout. While its exterior dimensions—4317 mm length and 1742 mm width—are typical for the segment, the Zafira’s standout feature is the adaptable seating system that optimizes passenger and cargo space without enlarging the vehicle footprint. This balance of compact size and interior flexibility made it a competitive option in its category for families needing versatility.

The Vauxhall Zafira A is characterized by its pioneering Flex 7 seating system, allowing seven seats in a compact minivan footprint without sacrificing versatility and comfort. Produced from 1999 to 2005, it combined practicality with efficient urban usability. The model offered a range of petrol and diesel engines, providing options for different power and fuel economy preferences. Its moderate weight, good interior space, and user-friendly dimensions made it popular with small families. Additionally, the Zafira A included features like power steering, safety options, and a comfortable suspension setup geared toward family transport and everyday usability.