Vauxhall Omega GLS 2.6i estate > Reviews > Better than the Zafira

Author's product rating:   

Safety	Excellent
Comfort	Excellent
Road Handling	Good
Security	Excellent
Looks	Good

Advantages:	comfort, size, power
Disadvantages:	fuel consumption on short trips

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I have an Omega 2.5 V6 Tourer special edition on a 1997 plate. This was basicaly the GLS with 16" alloys and a roof spoiler.

The car is fantastic for moving people around especially children in total comfort and safety. Make no mistake this is one of the longest standard built cars on the road today, which can be a real pain when it comes to parking. However, the large rear glass area allows for plenty of visibilty when it comes to reversing.

The main reason I chose to buy the Omega rather than a Zafira is I can seat 5 with great ease and still have the boot, which will swallow my kids bikes, pram and still leave space. With the Zafira this is not possible due to its short wheelbase. I will admit I cannot fit 7 people into the Omega (legally), but when you have 7 seated in a Zafira you do not have any space left for a fold away buggie. This I know from experience as my father -in-law owns a Zafira 2.2 Elegance.

It has all the toys you would expect on an excutive estate car, electric windows all round, electric sun roof, electric height adjustable front seats, dual cabin temperature controls, Thatcham CAT 1 alarm system with imobiliser, traction control, ABS, A/C, driver / passenger air bags, electric and heated door mirrors and 8 speaker stereo. The only extra missing is the CD multi changer, which can be fitted as an option, around £400.

If I have any gripes it would be the cars huge thirst for fuel when driving in towns / cities, but in reality I should expect this from an engine of this size. I usually return 20 - 30 mpg, thats a mix of town and motorway driving. I haven't had any problems with the car (so far), but I will be booking it in for an oil, filter and spark plug change within the next 6 - 8 weeks. Will post costs after this has been done. Just a note though, the spark plugs need changing every 40,000 miles.

I previously owned a Cavalier on a N plate, the last of a great car before it was replaced with the Vectra, before that various Astra's. I will continue to stick with Vauxhall, I really like the look of the new Signum.

I would recomend anyone who wants a large estate to haul family and prams around, but doesn't want to buy a van with windows. Be different don't buy a silver Zafira.