Opel has taken the wraps off its Zafira Tourer Concept, which closely previews the next-generation Zafira 7-seat MPV.
The concept, which will make its first entrance at the imminent Geneva Motor Show, has been described as a "lounge on wheels."
You see, although its exterior and interior styling elements are likely very true to the forthcoming production model, the concept car has a limo-like wow factor that we're not likely to see too much of in the real car.
In the Zafira Tourer Concept, Opel engineers further developed the seven-seat Flex7 seating concept pioneered by the Zafira.
As with the current model, the third row can still be completely folded down flush with the floor, but then it really gets interesting. At the push of a button, the remaining five-seat configuration can then be transformed into a roomy, lounge-like set-up with just two back seats.
Thanks to a clever new folding mechanism, the back of the middle seat in the second row folds to offer comfortable armrests for the passengers in the outer seats. These then slide back and towards each other, creating maximum space for passengers' arms and legs.
With extended footrests, perfect seating for relaxation is created. It even has electrically tilting headrests that can swivel 90 degrees to the horizontal position while the outer elements slightly curve forward - although this doesn't apply to the driver's headrest.
Thanks to the flexible and pivot-mounted tablet PCs on the front seat backs, passengers in the second row can comfortably surf the internet or control multi-media applications.
Also true to the lounge-like feeling it's trying to create, the Zafira Tourer Concept's interior is bathed in light thanks to a panorama windshield that seamlessly flows into a generous glass roof which extends to the rear of the car.
A special touch is a second pane of high-tech composite material that is edge-lit by LEDs.
The Zafira Tourer Concept is powered by a new version of the downsized, fuel-efficient 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine, mated to an idle-stop system.