Next generation Opel Zafira

The next generation Zafira draws strong design cues from the Insignia and Ampera

GM, and by association, Opel/Vauxhall are in the toilet at the moment. Along with Chrysler, GM is probably beyond redemption (but that has more to do with how Congress and the American tax-payers feel than any solid business sense). But the real shame is that Opel and Vauxhall are in probably the strongest position for some considerable time. They have a range of good-looking, appealing and well designed cars, but it could all be for nought if GM sinks.

Still, despite all the woes of their parent, things are still moving on, and we’ve got a sketch here that previews how the next generation Vauxhall Zafira is likely to look when it surfaces in 2011.

Strong design cues in here from both the Insignia and the ‘Lets-hope-we-can-pull-it-off’ Ampera. Sexy swooping headlights and a strong front grill spell this out as a next generation Zafira. This is a car Vauxhall/Opel need to keep on the up. The Zafira was in almost at the birth of this small people-carrying / high-seating niche, just a year or so behind Renault with the Scenic. And this sketch looks like they will be on to a winner. But will Vauxhall/Opel still be around in any sort of recognisable form in a couple of years?

Well, for what it’s worth, we think so. Any break-up of GM will find buyers for the strong parts of the company, and the Euro-GM companies are strong. Yes, there’s a big reliance on development from GM, on the Ampera in particular, but as cars like the Ampera are flavour of the month, funding/buyers will be found to keep that project on track. And GM could do a whole lot worse than dump the majority of its US range and re-badge the Euro cars for the American market. You never know, it might just be their salvation.