ZAFIRA, Vauxhall's innovative seven-seater, has been given the seal of approval by Britain's biggest fleet, Motability. Already voted Best MPV in this year's Fleet News Awards, the compact people-carrier's Flex-7 system helped the Luton-based manufacturer carry off the charity's Motor Manufacturer Award.

Announced at the Fleet Show 2000 Motability Gala Dinner, the Zafira's unique seating system was singled out for the way in which it enables scores of different seating and cargo combinations without having to remove any of the seats. Last year the honours went to the Renault Scenic, a runner-up this year with Renault Kangoo.

Cars entered for the award have to be standard production vehicles which provide accessibility for a range of disabilities, accommodate the essential load-carrying and driving position specification for disabled people, and are cost-effective.

Now in their second year in association with the Fleet Show - the awards recognise commitment, service, standards and innovation from a wide spectrum of individuals and organisations which have aided or improved mobility for more than 365,000 customers in the Motability scheme and who represent almost 7% of all new car sales in the UK.