!NEW! Opel Zafira Tourer wins “Golden Steering Wheel 2012” award

The “Lounge on wheels” is the no. 1 reader’s choice in popular van segment

Six models entered the “van” competition category but only the Opel Zafira Tourer emerged as the winner of its class in the “Golden Steering Wheel 2012” award. This important European car prize is just the latest in a long string of successes for the Rüsselsheim car maker: both of its predecessors won this accolade in 1999 and then again in 2005. This year marks the 37^th time that the “Golden Steering Wheel” award was handed out. So far Opel has won the award 15 times. At the same time, the Zafira Tourer rounds off the long list of Opel awards in the year 2012, including the “Car of the Year Award” for the electric Ampera.

The German publications “Auto Bild”, “Bild am Sonntag” and 26 European partner magazines host the annual competition. Forty four different vehicle models competed in six different categories. The readers, not expert judges determine, which vans and convertibles/coupes win. In that sense, the “Golden Steering Wheel” award reflects the high regard in which customers hold the Opel monocab.

“We are extremely pleased with an award in this category. It’s proof that the Zafira Tourer has met the taste of the readers, many of whom are our customers,” said Steve Girsky, Chairman of the Opel Supervisory Board and GM Vice Chairman. Girsky was speaking on Wednesday at the “Golden Steering Wheel” prize-giving ceremony in Berlin. “Our concept simply works as it consists of a mix of a lounge on wheels and an all-round master of flexibility suitable for everyday use. At the same time, this year’s award is renewed confirmation that we can score points with our family friendly offer. Already in 2010 the Meriva was awarded the Golden Steering Wheel.”

The Opel Zafira Tourer offers a perfect blend of functionality, comfort and premium quality With an extensively redesigned Flex7 seating system, the Zafira Tourer sets new standards in interior flexibility and atmosphere. Cutting edge assistance systems like the second generation Opel Eye front camera, the Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Imminent Braking (CIB), Following Distance Indication (FDI) and Forward Collision Alert (FCA) support the driver and increase safety. The Zafira Tourer is available with engines that use gasoline, diesel, CNG and LPG. Prices start at 23,350 euro (Germany rrp. including VAT).