Achim Hartmann Peugeot 5008 120 VTi versus Opel Zafira 1.8 Sport
16.03.2010
Practical seating concepts with high variability and simple, self-explanatory handling separate the wheat from the chaff in modern compact vans. It is now considered good form in this class to offer two small seats in row three. P eugeot charges a fee of 700 euros for this extra and allows the seats, when they are not needed, to fold up elegantly into the floor of the luggage compartment.
The seven-seater Opel Zafira has been around since 1999
The trick is not new, the Opel Zafira has been running it in a similar form since the first generation in 1999 in front. With one small difference: its two rearmost seats fold out flat lengthways and thus require less stowage height in the floor of the load compartment. You can tell that his seating concept is getting a bit old in the handling, which requires two hands and greater effort for almost all actions. In addition, the Opel has a bank in row two, in which only the backrest, but not the seat, is divided, and which can therefore only be moved in one piece in the longitudinal direction. To create a level loading surface, the bench is moved forward with the surface on edge.
The seats of the Peugeot are more variable and easy to use
The Peugeot offers higher variability and easier-to-use adjustment mechanisms. This is ensured, for example, by three separately sliding and folding individual seats with multi-stage backrest adjustment in the second row. They can be folded forwards with one movement, and the seat area also lowers automatically. With the help of pull-out and foldable flaps, a flat loading floor is created. But that's not all: the two outer armchairs with the seat snapped up shoot forward like a catapult when the flaps are pulled, making ample space for access to the folding seats in row three.
Even when it comes to seating comfort, the Peugeot is ahead of the Opel
Getting into the rearmost Opel compartment is more difficult because theThe forward bench and the folded backrest create less space. In both cars there is tolerable space at the back, provided the passengers in row two are willing to compromise, but the jump seats are hard padded and force adults into an uncomfortable frog position. The ride on the other five seats is more enjoyable, with the 5008 well-profiled, firm cushions convey a firm hold and comfort. In the Zafira (the Opel Zafira in the long-term test), however, hard seats cause uncomfortability - at the front, side bulges pinch, at the back board-like surfaces press. On the other hand, there is enough freedom of movement in the rear and a very generous feeling of space in the front seats.
In terms of transport capacity, the two compact vans are almost on par
The Opel Zafira has 20 hp more than its competitor
Talented express transporters miss both competitors, as their engines reveal. In the Peugeot 5008 is the basic gasoline engine with 1.6 liter displacement, which is developed in cooperation with BMW and also in the Mini Cooper is on duty. It has an output of 120 hp and provides an appealing performance without, however, impressing with powerful acceleration at low speeds or even sporty temperament. On the other hand, the low-vibration, quiet run and his cultivated manners give pleasure. With a displacement of 1.8 liters and 20 more horsepower, the Zafira nominally pushes itself forward, which it underpins with better values during the test drives. In everyday use, however, it does not take advantage of it, because subjectively it appears neither stronger nor more spirited than the Peugeot.
With a fuel consumption of 10.2 liters per 100 km, the Opel is a little thirstier than the Peugeot
Its pithy pronunciation and the annoyance are striking Drone tendency beyond 5,000 revolutions. Both engines are combined with a five-speed gearbox as standard. An unfortunate solution because the short gear ratio in the 5008 and the noise development in the Zafira more often after arequire sixth level. The gear changes are very smooth and precise in the Peugeot, less precise and more bony in the Opel. A sixth gear would also benefit consumption. The 5008 allowed itself an average of 9.4 liters of premium gasoline. The Zafira turned out to be much thirstier with 10.2 L /100 km - so no trace of frugality with him.
The Zafira does not enjoy driving
The fact that the Opel, which was completely overhauled in spring 2005, is already a few years old is also noticeable with the Drive. It follows its precise steering obediently and never embarrasses the driver, even with a brisk pace, but it nips driving pleasure in the bud - with strong understeer, clumsiness in alternating curves, poor agility, moderate grip on bumps and a soft pedal feel when decelerating.
The Peugeot emerges as the winner in the comparison test
The 5008 acts much more nimble and agile thanks to the lower tendency to understeer and a calmer body. He masters tight bends and bad roads with comparatively calmness, his brakes convince with good controllability. The steering alone, with its synthetic feel, doesn't quite fit into the picture. The 5008 also springs a little more supple and costs less than the better equipped Zafira Sport. Two more reasons to emerge from this comparison as a deserved winner.
