Would the 2012 Opel Zafira make a good Buick?
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I think so.
It looks a million times better than the Ford Grand C-max we are getting here next year.
It looks modern and upscale and it could really be a nice addition to Buick showrooms. Giving GM something they don’t really offer here.
What do you think?
I think it's too small for America. I don't think Americans that are in the market for a 7-seater would consider a car in that size.
Would be a great alternative to a dorky minivan.
Great looking minivan. Axe Buick and bring opal over here! Boomerang headlights are hot
It's actually not that small, larger than a Mazda 5, sizewise between the first Dodge Caravan and the second, egg shaped generation…
What stellar said. When my sister was in the market for a 7 seater, she had a hard time finding one designed to seat 7 full-sized Americans. This one looks the same. Could a teenager actually fit in that third row? It has 1/3 the leg room of the second row.
this would look great as saturn…i mean chevy
So far it would have no competition as the Grand C-Max (just the 5 seater in hybrid and electric forms) isn't coming over….but I bet this would change Ford's mind.
– FusioptimaSX
It looks almost as good as a Cmax, which set a very high bar for attractive mpv's. That interior is a bit of a mess, but the different shades of brown make it look classy… that dash and door could use a little less clutter though. Very nice looking mpv, and Chevy could use this as well. It looks the best from rear 3/4 view.
I like it. I don't know if it would sell in the states but I like it. Is this based on the Ampera platform? Because it has a similar front end. If so, I think this would make this vehicle very interesting…. and probably more expensive too.
It might sell here, but not as a Buick. Buick is supposed to be understated luxury. This doesn't fit that.
I say give it some front end cosmetic surgery (sorry, the boomerangs have got to go) and bring it over here as the new gen Rendezvous. I think it would look sharp with a front end inspired by the Buick Business Concept. GM could leave the rest of the exterior as is.
My wife hates her current minivan. A 1998 Toyota Sienna. I bet she would not mind this one though. Almost looks … dare I say it? Sporty.
Its kind of hard seeing a brand identity between Chevy and Buick, they seem like the same cars from inside. They need to differentiate design and materials used for the interiors. You could easily tell that they are from the same corporation and not a different brand when you see Cruze and the new compact Buick Verano!
If Buick is becoming thr Opel distribution brand here in the states, they should have kept Saturn. Saturn should have been the GM inport division and Buick could remeain the entry level Luxury brand. GM, cant get their head out of their asses.
Give it a front end makeover that would make the front end look similar to the Buick Business Concept, replace the funky patterned upholstery, replace the red interior lighting with blue, and Quiet Tune the heck out of this sucker and Buick would have one sharp looking new gen Rendezvous. The 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder would be the base engine so this thing would have enough power to get out of its own way.
Buick could really use something to slot below the Enclave that would offer optional 3rd row seating.
I think bringing this over as a small Buick is a great idea. I can think of 2 great target markets already: First, they need to sell these to older folks that are all driving minivans and small SUV's that get horrible mileage due to the good step in height for the 70+ crowd (not sure that Buick brass will like that, but it stems the tide from losses to other manufacturers. Second, this car would be a great vehicle for those with small families (one or 2 kids), as well as the young empty nesters that was space and luxury. Quiet tune the hell out of it, and make it a viable alternative to the Acura RDX and the Infiniti EX, Audi Q3/5, and BMW X1/3.
I think resurrecting the Rendevous name would help as well.
I have to ask…
What exactly is a "Full sized American" ?
It's obviously nothing to do with height, considering this cars market (Northern Europe) has taller people on average than the US.
Full Sized American?….FAT. There guess it had to be said.
I don't think it would be a huge seller because of its size, but it would be a decent niche vehicle. I think I read somewhere that GM was considering selling the Zafira here, but went with the Chevy HHR instead, which was based on the same platform. Poor decision in my opinion. The first generation Zafira (which still looks modern) was the subject of one of my favorite commercials of all time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON206eW