Almost from the moment it was launched in 1999, the original Vauxhall Zafira became the market leader in the mid-sized MPV sector, being praised for both its handling and packaging.

With the competition getting stronger by the month, Vauxhall needed an update to keep its advantage and it didn't have far to look for inspiration.

Underneath the Zafira's new, crisper, slightly larger skin lives the platform from the latest Astra, which has been winning plaudits and trophies in equal measure.

New Zafira goes on sale tomorrow, with prices ranging from £12,995 for the 1.6I Expression to £20,445 for the Design specification versions of the 1.9 CDTi and 2.0I Turbo.

Vauxhall's designers, having hit a winning formula in the past, didn't need to make any dramatic changes to the Zafira's profile so in overall effect it is very similar, but now with the latest family V-shaped face and bolder aerodynamically efficient styling such as larger air inlets.

The three-dimensional projector headlights make the biggest statement being higher and more prominent with clear lenses and chrome covers and this is repeated at the rear with wraparound chrome edged corner tail-lights.

In side view, new Zafira could almost be mistaken for old Zafira except for the thicker door pillars and more rake on the rear windscreen, which leads down into a lower loading lip set into the deeper bumper.

One of the tasks set for the designers was to increase the interior space and this has been achieved giving more shoulder room (up 25mm) and more headroom (increased by 26mm up front).

The contemporary furnished, soft touch, cabin highlight is the more stylish and interesting metallic centre console - yet another inherited Vauxhall family feature which is accompanied by chunky damped controls and big clear instrumentation.

The forward-mounted gear lever creates more space, while the multi-function steering wheel that appears on all models from Club upwards is a welcome addition.

One of the things that Vauxhall has sensible retained from the first generation Zafira is the Flex7 seating configuration.

Despite the statistics suggesting otherwise (ie most MPVs only carry up to five occupants) Vauxhall is sticking with the seven-seat option as it thinks it is a useful marketing and sales tool and because of its simplicity it doesn't detract from luggage space.

Vauxhall has managed to increase the load carrying capacity swallowing 1,820 litres with the rear seats folded and the middle bench folded which is 120 litre more than its predecessor while with five seats in place it takes 620 litres which is 20 litres extra dropping to 140 litres with seven occupants - but still better than many of its rivals. This is then supplemented by up to 30 additional compartments scattered around the cabin.

The seating works as before with a sliding (two position reclining) three-seat bench in the middle row that splits 40 / 40 / 20 with the smaller section in the middle folding down to create an arm-rest or a table.

The two rear seats pull out of the floor under the middle seats (which have to be slid all the way forward) in one easy action and when locked into position are comfortable enough for an adult frame - this isn't a kids only zone.

This year, Vauxhall expects to sell 16,000 second generation Zafiras increasing to 45,000 in 2006, which would eclipse the 42,000 its unloaded in the UK last year which was the best yet as Zafira sales have increased every year.

They hope to achieve this by attracting younger buyers lured by the promise of a more involving drive and the sportier looks - the 144mph VXR version should hit the spot.

In the main, Vauxhall has achieved its aim with the second generation Zafira being a distinctly better looking vehicle and a superior driving experience.