HAVING lived with the Zafira for several weeks now I am pleased to report two things. Firstly, the huge oil consumption problem seems to have been solved – after a visit to the local dealership and being advised to keep checking the levels (not very confidence inspiring), and secondly, I am learning to appreciate rather than love the Zafira for what it is rather than what it lacks.

The Zafira is good at what it does. When you look at the overall picture Vauxhall has the Zafira exactly right, as a no frills, fleet vehicle.

However, it lacks a 'loveable' or attractive quality, and in a fickle market, faced with the huge numbers of these MPV/estate crosses, you need that love or desirability factor to distinguish from the competition and boost residual values.

But when you consider that the Fleet News team uses the Zafira for weekend removals, wrinkly transportation (sorry to grannies and aunties concerned), and bulk collections from DIY stores, it really works well as both a light commercial and people-carrier.

The coarse fabrics of the interior stand up well to this heavy wear and tear. In fact, by now with most cars I would have had it valeted to restore its showroom looks, but the Zafira really doesn't need it yet.

I have also noticed that the fuel consumption is creeping up and the current figure on the (miniature) digital display is 42.3mpg, which is quite respectable by any standards.

After compensating for my lack of gorilla length arms, I am settling in to a comfortable driving position and have found, as I get more used to it, and had more use of it on motorways, the Zafira is really quite responsive and cruises along nicely at speed.

It's really a shame that more effort has not been put into the Zafira to add desirability to practicality for fleet drivers.

This extra effort would probably help to instil the much needed 'love factor' and drivers would say with pride they are in a Zafira – not something I've yet heard said about ours.