New Zafira spotted in the snow

A convoy of compact MPVs working its way through the snow shows that Opel is busy preparing to replace its now-ageing Zafira range.

The seven-seater needs freshening up to meet the challenge of the latest compact MPVs - the new Scenic, Volkswagen Touran, Focus C-MAX and soon-to-arrive SEAT Altea - and it will, in fact, be an all-new model built on the same underpinnings as the brand new Astra, due here at the end of next month.

In terms of appearance there will not be radical changes. The new Zafira will retain many of the distinctive features of the current model, though also sharing new Astra-styling traits, though a conventional new Astra estate will also be offered.

The Zafira will gain a sharper, more sculpted exterior with bolder headlamp and tail-lamp designs and a more dynamic roof profile. Expect a similar engine line-up to the mainstream Astra, an overhauled and up-specced cabin, and an official unveiling late this year or in early 2005.

Opel has long held the lead in the mainstream people carrier market with the Zafira - even last year it topped the segment. It was well-regarded for the simplicity of its seating which meant that the two rows of back seats could be folded into the floor.

Most of its seven-seater opponents required owners to lift seats in and out if they wanted extra space - which also meant they had to be stored in the house or garage.

However, this year Zafira sales have been topped by the new Renault Megane Scenic and is coming under pressure from the Ford Focus C-Max in the first two months of the year.

Meanwhile, the news is not so good for Irish performance car fans who have been learning from the British press of the imminent arrival there of the Holden Monaro.

The powerful 5.7-litre Australian will go on sale in Britain under the Vauxhall brand but will not make it to Ireland, unless, of course, fans decide to buy it from a dealer across the water and import it.

The Monaro is capable of 160mph and with a 0-62 mph of just over 5 seconds from its 330bhp V8 engine.

There's a belief within Vauxhall that there's room in the market for such a potent performer given that the similarly powered Corvette from Chevrolet, another sister firm in the GM family, was imported in recent years and was met with favourable market reaction.

However, there seems to be no such confidence that an Opel Monaro would be a hit here.