Finding a suitable wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) is not as easy as many think. This acquisition may well be a compromise that started with knowing you have to say goodbye to a car you want to travel in for a vehicle you need to travel in. Whether you need a new or a Nearly New WAV on the Motability Scheme, WAV rental, a financed or outright purchase of a new or used WAV, we are here to help you with independent advice on your first or your next WAV.
Vauxhall Zafira wheelchair user mid-position rear ramp WAV from Southern Mobility Vehicles
Wheelchair user experience
The beauty of the Vauxhall Zafira is its low centre of gravity, and that is excellent news for wheelchair users as they will feel more inclusive in their settled position. The Zafira has a single piece low incline ramp, and you will feel like you are in this WAV at the bottom of the ramp. Feeling secure entering a WAV should give an immediate feeling of relief for most as there is nothing worse than being faced with what looks like a difficult ascent into a vehicle. The best news of all is it doesn’t look like a wheelchair accessible vehicle because it’s a car, not a van.
Driver experience
There are so few car-based WAVs in the marketplace that we are keen buyers when a Zafira comes to market, although they are getting rare now, especially ones in good condition with low mileage. First, the good news; it’s a car. Second, more good news; it has a petrol engine. Being a car, it handles better on the road, and the driver experience is more comfortable. The Specification is also higher, and it has a quality feel, plus the cockpit layout feels easier to use and can only give confidence. In short, getting into the Zafira doesn’t feel alien as it does in more van derived WAVs.
Passenger experience
Cars are, of course, designed for people, and van-based WAVs were initially intended for cargo, so you know you are onto a winner as a passenger in a car converted to a WAV. As the Zafira is a car, the ride is more comfortable, especially for longer journeys. There is more legroom in the front and the rear. The rear seat is a coach-built seat to enable good access for a wheelchair user to feel included in the Zafira, but you will find the rear seat ergonomically comfortable.
SMV loves
It’s compact, a car, and it has a petrol engine, and this is all excellent news for drivers, passengers, and most especially a wheelchair user. There is no need to feel self-conscious because there are plenty of Zafiras on the road. Unlike any other WAV on the road, it is always a much more approachable purchase, and they represent excellent value for money. The Zafira is a great allrounder, but please check the height of entry first; car roof lines at the rear tend to swoop down at the back, making access lower than the majority of WAVs which have van-based origins,
SMV says
Why not give Southern Mobility Vehicles a call if this WAV isn’t quite right for you. Whether you are looking for a new Motability WAV, a Nearly New Motability WAV, short term hire, or an outright purchase, we are the WAV dealer to call first. We are here to help; we know how hard it is to be confident you are buying the right mobility vehicle for your needs. We are independent WAV advisors so that you will get the best of all worlds; whatever your wheelchair access needs are, it is only one call to 0800 008 7800
Accessibility Experience
- More car-like and less van-like than many wheelchair accessible vehicles
- A low incline single-piece rear ramp system makes for a safer and easier wheelchair user entry and exit
- A low centre of gravity means a more stable ride for most wheelchair users
- Good quality suspension makes for a smoother ride for wheelchair users
- Superior second-row passenger legroom for better wheelchair user inclusion
- Tinted rear windows increase privacy for wheelchair users and passengers
Driver and passenger experience
- Cloth seat upholstery
- Air conditioning
- Driver and passenger seat: individual type
- Front electric windows with one-touch on two windows
- Leather covered multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment and telescopic adjustment
- Front and rear wheels: 16 inch steel rims ; width: 6.5 inches
- Four disc brakes including two ventilated discs
- Independent strut front suspension with anti-roll bar and coil springs, semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs
- Manual five-speed transmission with shift lever on floor, 3.730:1 first gear ratio, 2.140:1 second gear ratio, 1.410:1 third gear ratio, 1.120:1 fourth gear ratio, 0.890:1 fifth gear ratio and 3.310:1 reverse gear ratio F17-5CR and manual
- Passenger vanity mirror
- Piano black trim on dashboard, chrome trim on doors and piano black trim on centre console
- Floor console
- Black roof rails
- Tyre kit
Entertainment
- Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
- Six speakers
- Audio system with CD player that reads MP3 CDs ; radio receives AM/FM and RDS
- 12v power outlet located in cargo section and front section
- Front and rear reading lights
- Cup holders for front seats and rear seats
- Connections for auxiliary audio devices
- Analogue dashboard
Safety
- Halogen headlights
- Headlight controlsystems: height adjustment
- Body colour power door mirrors ; heated
- Windscreen wipers
- Electronic traction control
- Drivers and passengers airbag
- Stability controlsystem
- Electronic brake distribution
- Brake assist system
- Ventilation system with air filter and active carbon filter
- Tinted glass
- Cornering brake control
Please note that some vehicles specification may not match the manufacturer supplied information due to the nature of vehicles being converted for wheelchair accessibility. Please ask us to check anything that is important to you.
Our exclusive and comprehensive Autoguard Nationwide All Mechanical and All Electrical Premium Warranty and Breakdown Assist cover always runs for 3 years and includes:
Full Breakdown Assist to include Roadside Recovery, Onward Travel, Home Start and Accident recovery
Unlimited Number of Warranty Claims on unlimited mileage
Maximum individual claim limit of £2400 including VAT
Breakdown & Recovery 24 Hours a Day/365 Days a Year
Key WAV component cover Included
Parts and Labour are included
Continental warranty repair cover
A Free Downloadable Autoguard Contract Holder App
Transferable to a New Owner if sold Privately
Our warranty also covers you for - In Car Entertainment Systems, Air Conditioning, Driver Interface Systems, EGR Valves, Catalytic Converter and Fuel Injectors, Misfuelling Cover and Broken or Lost Key Cover
For new WAVs you will get our exclusive and comprehensive WAV only warranty to run alongside your manufacturer’s warranty
Your Warranty & Rescue booklet
We have partnered with disability insurance specialists, Fish Insurance, who can offer Disability Car Insurance policies specifically to cover disabled drivers, adapted cars, and WAVs.
Options for any driver cover, as well as policies for non-drivers, so you can insure the vehicle in your name and it be driven by yourself, family, friends, or carers
Cover for the repair and replacement of adaptations to your car that you’ve told Fish about
Free courtesy car while your car is being repaired at one of Fish’s approved garages (or up to £700 mobility allowance if a suitable car isn’t available)
If your car is stolen, any settlement will take into account any modifications that you’ve told Fish about
Cover for accidental damage to other people’s property or injury to others up to £20m (and up to £5m per claim)
Lifetime guarantee on repairs. If you maintain the vehicle to the manufacturer’s schedule, any repairs carried out by approved repairers are guaranteed while you own the car
Protection up to £2,500 for wheelchairs or other mobility aids being transported in your car
To get a tailored quote, call 0333 331 3869 and quote code 2487.
As with any policy, limits and exclusions apply. For full details of the cover provided by Fish Insurance, click here.
Southern Mobility Vehicles ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Fish Administration Limited. Fish Insurance is a trading style of Fish Administration Ltd. Fish Administration Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 310172. Fish Administration Ltd is registered in England & Wales. Company Registration Number 4214119. Registered Office: Rossington’s Business Park, West Carr Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7SW. Fish Administration Ltd is part of the PIB Group.
Dimensions
| Height |
1645mm |
| Width |
1781mm |
| Length |
4467mm |
Fuel Consumption
| Combined MPG |
39.2 |
| Extra Urban MPG |
49.6 |
| Urban Cold MPG |
29.4 |
Performance
| Power (BHP) |
138 |
| Maximum Speed (mph) |
122 |
| Torque (Nm) |
175 |
Engine and Drivetrain
| Cylinders |
4 |
| Driven Axle |
FRONT |
| Engine Capacity (cc) |
1796 |
| Forward Gears |
5 |
Emissions
| Emissions (CO2) |
168 |
| Engine Euro Status |
5 |
More information
- Power: (from primary fuel) 103 kW , 140 HP DIN @ 6,300 rpm; , 175 Nm @ 3,800 rpm
- External dimensions: 4,467mm long, 1,781mm wide, 1,645mm high, 2,703mm wheelbase, 1,488mm front track, 1,510mm rear track, 11,100mm turning circle (kerb to kerb), 11,500mm turning circle (wall to wall), 175.9 inches long, 70.1 inches wide, 64.8 inches high, 106.4 inch wheelbase, 58.6 inch front track, 59.4 inch rear track and 36.4 foot turning circle (kerb to kerb)
Please note that some vehicles specification may not match the manufacturer supplied information due to the nature of vehicles being converted for wheelchair accessibility. Please ask us to check anything that is important to you.
