We owned this 1.8 Zafira Elegance petrol model from new in 2000 for 14 months. It was a company car and covered 40,000 miles. It was used for commuting into work from a Scottish country town into Edinburgh city centre and business trips along motorways and 60mph 'A' class roads.

The driving experience is mixed. In town it's fine for an MPV. Gearing is set up for nippy performance from a standing start and it's easy to drive. The driving position is satisfactory and you sit up highish with a decent view over other vehicles - but not as commanding as a full-size MPV or SUV. It's OK on country roads but on a motorway it's a dog. That town-biased gearing means that 70mph in top 5th gear is noisy and high-pitched. You keep wanting to change up but realise that you're already in top gear. It's no fun if you cover a lot of motorway miles and explains why Zafira 1.8's are rarely racing down the outside lane!

The cabin is a sombre place with too much black plastic and, on my model, fabric. Everything is solid and easy to use but uninspiring. The on-board computer is comprehensive but don't depend on the reading for amount of range left in the petrol tank - mine ran out early! Space is good for front and middle occupants. The rear seats are fit for kids only but adults can bear it for short journeys. The seating is versatile. The rear two seats fold flat into the floor, the middle bench slides back/forward and folds flatish and the front passenger seat folds flat - great for carrying loads and very practical. But that middle bench does not split fold and I'd prefer removable seats. Equipment on the Elegance model is fine but the single CD player delivers a harsh, digital sound. If you like your music quality sound then you'll be disappointed. Aircon is included and is a must for any MPV. Full electric windows and remote locking also feature.

Build quality was poor on my car. The CD player jammed within two weeks. The safe-mode engine management light also made an appearance within two weeks and the tailgate rattled badly. Generally, the whole build is innovative but weak. The dealer was also hopeless with the car returning three times in the first few months of its life with little interest shown for customer care.

Image is bland for this car. I know it's a mid-sized MPV but it has 'dumpy' styling rather than anything special. It says family car through and through. There is no angle that is pleasing to the eye or unique externally. It's functional and fine for those who just want their car as a simple mode of transport. There's no passion in this car.

The fuel tank delivers a short range and economy is not great because of that short-gearing. Otherwise it won't break the bank as its a Vauxhall and it held together.

Should you buy it? Only if you want a means of transporting the kids on a reasonable budget and don't care much for the driving experience or passion of owning a car. Watch out for that awful short-gearing when on motorways which will really grind the driver down over distance. It's practical but otherwise forgetable. Early models have little stiff competition in this sector as it's better than a Megane Scenic or Toyota Picnic etc. But later models make sense only if you need those extra two rear seats as the newer crop of five / six & seven seater MPV's are better such as VW's Touran (boring but better build), Honda's six-seater FRV and Ford's five seater C-Max.

We wouldn't have bought another first-generation Zafira but I can't comment on the new model.