Vauxhall has come up with one or two performers lately, topped off by the scorching Astra 888, but one of the most interesting is the latest GSi version of the Zafira.

This is the first of several 'hot models' which Vauxhall has in the pipeline, created by the Vauxhall/Opel Performance Centre in Germany.

Vauxhall chief Kevin Wale promises: "We'll be making some very special offers under the GSi name to all people who value the sports side of a car's character."

The performance from this Zafira's 192PS 2.0-litre engine is simply superb 0-60mph in under eight seconds and on to a top speed of 137mph.

Vauxhall describe it as a "fire-breathing seven seater." It's a car for the family man who has no desire for the pipe and slippers (or, of course, for the woman who wants more than knitting needles and a cosy magazine).

Zafira was one of the earliest mini-MPVs it arrived in 1999 and its success must have been a great relief for Vauxhall after the failure of the larger Sintra, which was the company's unsuccessful initial response to the Ford Galaxy/VW Sharan.

But the Zafira has become a major success, with everything you'd expect from a family saloon, but with extra benefits like additional seating, a lovely high driving position, and nothing to suggest it's less convenient than a saloon or hatchback.

You find all mod cons, like radio controls on the steering wheel, and heated seats.

And the fascia is so elegant and neat exactly the same set-up as in the desirable Astra Convertible though the time and temperature are revealed in figures which are perhaps too small to be convenient.

The GSi Turbo is priced at £19,995, with an insurance group of 14.