Opel Zafira

The Opel Zafira is a car manufactured and marketed across three generations between 1999 and 2019 by Opel. Based on the Opel Astra platform, it is developed to occupy the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment.[1]

Opel Zafira
Overview
ManufacturerOpel (General Motors)
Also calledVauxhall Zafira
ProductionJanuary 1999 – 2019 (Europe)
Body and chassis
ClassCompact MPV (C)
Body style5-door MPV
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
Chronology
PredecessorOpel Sintra
SuccessorOpel Zafira-e Life
Opel Grandland

The Zafira was also marketed under the Vauxhall marque in the United Kingdom until June 2018,[2] the Holden marque in Australia until June 2005, and under a number of other market-specific brands and names.

The name "Zafira" derives from the Arabic word meaning to succeed. Since 2011, it received an additional moniker as the Zafira Tourer.[3]

Zafira A (1999)

Zafira
Overview
Model codeT98
Also calledOpel Zafira (EU)
Vauxhall Zafira (UK)
Chevrolet Zafira (BR/LATAM)
Chevrolet Nabira (Malaysia)
Holden Zafira (Australia and New Zealand)
Subaru Traviq (Japan)
ProductionJanuary 1999 – 2005 (Germany)
2000–2005 (Thailand)
2001–2012 (Brazil)
Assembly
Body and chassis
ClassCompact MPV
PlatformT-body platform
RelatedOpel Astra G
Powertrain
EnginePetrol:
1.6 L Family 1 I4
1.8 L Family 1 I4[4]
2.0 L Family II I4 turbo
2.2 L Ecotec I4
Diesel:
2.0 L X20DTL/Y20DTH I4
2.2 L Y22DTR I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,694 mm (106.1 in)
Length4,317 mm (170.0 in)
Width1,742 mm (68.6 in)
Height1,684 mm (66.3 in)
Curb weight1,320–1,560 kg (2,910–3,439 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorChevrolet Spin (South America)[5]
Subaru Exiga (for Subaru Traviq, Japan)

The first generation Zafira was internally designated as the Zafira A. Co-developed with Porsche,[6] it debuted in concept form at the 1997 Frankfurt Auto Show and entered series production in January 1999, with sales beginning in April of that year.[7]

The Zafira shared the T platform with the 1998 Astra G, sharing much commonality with that car. The Zafira seated seven passengers in three rows. Using a system marketed as Flex 7, the split back seat could fold into the floor to increase cargo space, without requiring removal.

Offered with a series of petrol engines and initially a single diesel offering, the "X" engines were replaced by the newer "Z" engine generation in 2000.[7] These featured variable intake manifolds and were able to meet Euro 3 emissions standards. The 2.0-litre turbodiesels were complemented by a 125 PS (92 kW) 2.2-litre option in January 2002.[6]

The Zafira A body was used in GM/Opel's concept hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle the GM HydroGen3.

A facelift was launched in February 2003 at the Geneva Motor Show.

The Zafira ranked third in the European Car of the Year for 2000, behind only the Fiat Multipla and Toyota Yaris. In TüV's ranking of the quality of three year old cars, the Zafira was by far the best Opel; only slightly behind the winning Ford Focus.[6]

Zafira A production ended on 25 May 2005, in Bochum. It was replaced by Zafira B in Europe, but was still sold in most other markets until 2012 (albeit that its cousin the Chevrolet Astra was discontinued in 2011), except for Australia and New Zealand, where the model was cancelled altogether.

Zafira OPC

Introduced at Geneva in February 2001, the turbocharged Zafira OPC went on sale in October 2001. With 192 PS (141 kW), this was the fastest minivan on sale in Europe.[8] Only available with a five speed manual transmission, 0–100 km/h (62 mph) can be reached in 8.2 seconds and the top speed is 220 km/h (137 mph).[4]

Markets

The Zafira was marketed in the Philippines from 2001 to 2005, as the last Europe-based Opel marketed in the Philippines after they stopped selling the Opel Astra in 2003. Although sold as the Chevrolet Zafira, it was sold alongside other Opel vehicles until it the Opel name was pulled out of the Philippine-market by its distributor, GM Philippines.

The Zafira was produced and sold in the Thailand from 2000 to 2005. it was sold alongside other Opel vehicles until it the Opel name was pulled out of the Thai-market by its distributor, GM Thailand. Thailand’s domestic family wagon segment with 3,946 units sold.

The Zafira A was sold in Malaysia as the Chevrolet Nabira.[9]

Subaru Traviq

The Zafira was sold in Japan from August 2001 through to November 2004 as the Subaru Traviq alongside the standard Opel vehicle. In exchange, Subaru supplied the Subaru Forester as the Chevrolet Forester in India since 2003.[10]

According to Subaru, the Traviq name was a combination of the words "travel" and "quick".[11] Imported from Thailand,[12] the Traviq was originally only available with the bigger 2.2 litre engine, although a 1.8 L, lower priced alternative was added in July 2003.[11] The engines used were not Subaru supplied boxer engines, but were conventional in line units that were uncharacteristic to market recognised Subaru products, and all-wheel drive was also not available.

The sale of the Zafira as a Subaru created a conflict with previously established Yanase Co., Ltd. retail dealerships, in that Yanase was already selling Opel products, like the Zafira. When production of the Traviq ended, Yanase continued to import Opel products into Japan until 2006.[citation needed] It was replaced later in 2008 by the Subaru Exiga – developed from the Subaru Legacy platform.

Zafira B (2005)

Zafira B
Opel Zafira B (2005–2009)
Overview
Model codeA05
Also calledVauxhall Zafira (UK)
Chevrolet Zafira
Opel Zafira Family (2011–2014)
Production2005–2014
2012–2014 (Russia)[13]
Model years2006–2014
AssemblyGermany: Bochum
Poland: Gliwice
Russia: Kaliningrad
Body and chassis
ClassCompact MPV
PlatformT platform[14][15]
RelatedOpel Astra H
Opel Meriva B
Powertrain
EnginePetrol:
1.6 L Family 1 I4
1.8 L Family 1 I4
2.0 L Ecotec I4 turbo
2.2 L Ecotec I4
Diesel:
1.7 L CDTi I4
1.9 L CDTi I4
Transmission5-speed manual
6-speed manual[nb 1]
4-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,703 mm (106.4 in)
Length4,468 mm (175.9 in)
Width1,801 mm (70.9 in)
Height1,801 mm (70.9 in) (2006–2008)
1,636 mm (64.4 in) (2009–present)
Chronology
SuccessorChevrolet HHR (Mexico)
Chevrolet Orlando (Chile)

The second generation Zafira, internally designated Zafira B, debuted in Europe on 12 February 2005, with sales starting on 9 June 2005. It shared the platform and mechanical parts with the Opel Astra H. In February 2007, the Zafira B was launched in Singapore. By March 2007, the model had only been introduced in Europe and Singapore.

It went on sale in Mexico in April 2006, and Chile in September 2007. In both countries, it was branded as the Chevrolet Zafira. Although this generation was replaced in the end of 2011 by the Zafira C, this model remained in production until May 2014 as the Zafira Family. This name change occurred in markets including Germany.[16]

Names and markets

  • Vauxhall Zafira – United Kingdom
  • Chevrolet Zafira – Chile and Mexico
  • Opel Zafira – Europe (except for United Kingdom), Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan & South Africa

In Mexico the Chevrolet Zafira was discontinued after the 2006 model year, and replaced by the five-passenger Chevrolet HHR.

Engines

The Zafira B's engine line was partly carried over from the previous Astra/Zafira generation. Opel replaced the 2.0 and 2.2 turbodiesel I4 engines with 1.9 L common rail turbodiesels developed by Fiat (Multijet). Opel Performance Center developed a turbocharged 240 hp (180 kW) 2.0 L performance version of the Zafira B as well. A CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) version of the new Zafira with a 1.6 L engine is also available.

Petrol engine
ModelEngineDisplacementPowerTorqueCO2 emission (g/km)YearsNotes
1.6 TwinPortI41,598 cc105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) at 6,000 rpm150 N⋅m (111 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm172(2005–08)EU4
1.6 TwinPort115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) at 6,000 rpm155 N⋅m (114 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm157(2008–11)EU5
1.8 VVT1,796 cc140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 6,300 rpm175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm168(2005–11)
2.2 VVT2,198 cc150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 6,000 rpm215 N⋅m (159 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm197(2005–10)EU4
2.0 Turbo1,998 cc200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) at 4,900–6,000 rpm262 N⋅m (193 lb⋅ft) at 1,850–4,900 rpm228(2005–09)
240 PS (177 kW; 237 hp) at 6,000 rpm320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft)230(2005–10)
Diesel engine
ModelEngineDisplacementPowerTorqueCO2 emission (g/km)YearsNotes
1.7 CDTI EcotecI41,686 cc110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) at 4,000 rpm260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpm1342009–11EU5
125 PS (92 kW; 123 hp) at 4,000 rpm280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–3,500 rpm2010–11
1.9 CDTI Ecotec1,910 cc120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) at 4,000 rpm280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) at 2,000–2,500 rpm1672005EU3
280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) at 1,700–2,550 rpm1592005–10EU4
150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 4,000 rpm315 N⋅m (232 lb⋅ft) at 2,000–2,500 rpm1672005EU3
315 N⋅m (232 lb⋅ft) at 2,000–2,500 rpm1592005–10EU4

Known issues and recall

In December 2015, safety officials in the United Kingdom asked Vauxhall to initiate a full safety recall of the model Zafira B, due to a worrying level of car fires apparently or alleged to have been caused by 'Improper Repairs'.[17]

The fires continued, even those recalled, and a second full safety recall was announced in May 2016, with all owners advised not to use the fan in speeds regulated by the "resistor pack" which contained a solder based unreliable safety critical thermal fuse, until the second recall, starting August 2016, had been carried out.[18]

On 3 May 2018, a criminal investigation into Vauxhall's handling of the fires of the Zafira B and recalls was launched in the United Kingdom.[19]

On 31 August 2019, major damage occurred in a parking garage in Cork, Ireland when an Opel Zafira caught fire.[20]

On 7 January 2020, there was a spontaneous fire in an Opel Zafira, which caused over 200 to 300 cars in a parking garage at Stavanger Airport, Sola to be destroyed. No people were harmed.[21]

Zafira C/Zafira Tourer (2011)

Zafira C/Zafira Tourer
Overview
Model codeA11
Also calledOpel Zafira Tourer (Europe)
Vauxhall Zafira Tourer (UK)
Production2011–2019 (Opel)
2011–2018 (Vauxhall)
Assembly
DesignerQuentin Huber (FL, exterior)[24]
Body and chassis
ClassCompact MPV
PlatformDelta II platform
RelatedOpel Astra J
Opel Cascada
Chevrolet Orlando (first generation)
Powertrain
EnginePetrol:
1.4 L A14NEL (LUH)/U14NFT I4 turbo
1.6 L A16XHT (LVP) / A16SHT/B16SHT (LWC) I4
1.8 L VVT I4
Petrol CNG:
1.6 L GM Opel A16XNT I4
Petrol LPG:
1.4 L A14NET I4
Diesel:
1.6 L CDTI I4
2.0 L CDTI/CDTI ecoFLEX/CDTI Bi-Turbo I4
Transmission5-speed manual
6-speed manual[3]
6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,760 mm (108.7 in)
Length4,660 mm (183.5 in)
Width1,820 mm (71.7 in)
Height1,690 mm (66.5 in)

The third generation of the Zafira, called the Zafira Tourer, was previewed in concept form at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, as the 'Zafira Tourer Concept'.

It was largely based on the Opel Astra J, and when the Zafira Tourer C went on sale, the Zafira B remained on sale from 2011 up to 2014, albeit in facelifted form as the "Zafira Family", to act as a smaller and cheaper version, as the Zafira Tourer C increased in size, to act as a proper rival to the Ford C-Max.[25]

A hybrid/electric version was expected to follow during 2012. This car indirectly replaced the Opel Sintra, the only previous full sized Vauxhall/Opel MPV in Europe, which was discontinued in May 1999 after just three years on sale, as a slow selling product built in the United States. The production version debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and went on sale November 2011.[26]

A natural gas version of the Zafira Tourer was announced in December 2011. A dual fuel vehicle, its CNG tank driving the car 530 kilometres, and a 14-litre petrol tank provided additional range or operation when a CNG filling station was not available.[27]

In June 2016, a facelift was unveiled for 2017 (with sales starting at the end of 2016), dropping 'Tourer' from the name when sold as an Opel. As part of the upgrade, new front and rear bumpers and new interior brought styling in line with the Opel Astra K. OnStar navigation was also introduced as part of an updated IntelliLink infotainment system, complete with 4G LTE hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Other new options for MY2017 included adaptive LED headlights, "Opel Eye" front camera, high beam assist, traffic sign assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.[28]

In June 2018, the Vauxhall Zafira Tourer was discontinued from the United Kingdom, citing the rise of SUV and crossover vehicles.[2]

In 2019, it was replaced by LCV-based Zafira Life.[29]

Engines

All engines had a six speed manual gearbox as standard, bar the 1.8 petrol, which had a five speed manual gearbox as standard. An automatic gearbox was available as an option on the 1.4T and 2.0 CDTI (165 PS), both without S/S.

An EcoFLEX version went on sale in 2012, equipped with the 2.0 CDTI (130PS) engine and it gained a Start/Stop system to make it more economical, emitting 119g/km of CO2, as for petrol variants they were 1.4T ecoFLEX with a Start/Stop system with same amount of power (120 and 140 PS) like standard versions but with lower CO2 emissions – 144g/km and better fuel efficiency.[30]

In 2013, two all new engines were introduced: 1.6 SIDI Turbo petrol engine with 170 PS and 200 PS, and newly developed 1.6 CDTI diesel engine with 136 PS. In September 2014, Opel introduced its all new generation of engines – Large Diesel engines, starting with 2.0 CDTI engine with 170 PS and 400 Nm, which is a part of new strategy in which Opel will introduce seventeen new engines, in a period from 2014–2018.[31]

Petrol engine
ModelEngineDisplacementPowerTorqueNoteCO2 emission (g/km)Year
1.4 Turbo S/SI41364 cc120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) at 4,900–6000 rpm200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 1,850–4,900 rpmN/A in UK154
140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 4,900–6000 rpm200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 1,850–4,900 rpm154
1.6 Turbo SIDI1598 cc170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 6000 (4250) rpm260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) (overboost 280 (207)) at 1650–3200 (4250) rpm1442013–
200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) at 5500 rpm280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft) (overboost 300 (221)) at 1650–3500 rpm1542014–
1.8 VVT1796 cc115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) at 5,600 rpm175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm169
140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 6,300 rpm175 N⋅m (129 lb⋅ft) at 3,800 rpm169
LPG/CNG engine
ModelEngineDisplacementPowerTorqueNoteCO2 emission (g/km)Year
1.4 Turbo ecoFLEXI41364 cc140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) at 4,900–6000 rpm200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft) at 1,850–4,900 rpmLPG139
1.6 Turbo ecoFLEXI41598 cc150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) at 5,000 rpm210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) at 2,300–5,000 rpmCNG129
Diesel engine
ModelEngineDisplacementPowerTorqueNoteCO2 emission (g/km)Year
1.6 CDTII41598 cc120 PS (88 kW; 118 hp) at 4,000 rpm320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpmN/A in UK1192014–2019
136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) at 3,500–4,000 rpm320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm1092013–2019
2.0 CDTI1956 cc110 PS (81 kW; 108 hp) at 4,000 rpm260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpmN/A in UK1372011–2014
2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX S/S130 PS (96 kW; 130 hp) at 4,000 rpm300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpmfrom 2013 only with AT119; 154 with AT2012–2019
2.0 CDTI S/S165 PS (121 kW; 163 hp) at 4,000 rpm350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpm1372012–2014
2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX S/S170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) at 3,750 rpm400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpm1292015–2019
2.0 CDTI Bi-Turbo S/S195 PS (143 kW; 192 hp) at 4,000 rpm400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 1,750–2,500 rpm1442012–2019

Awards

  • The Zafira Tourer was awarded "Best Estate" at the German Car of the Year awards of 2012.
  • The Zafira Tourer scored a five star rating in Euro NCAP.
  • The Opel Zafira Tourer won the prestigious "Golden Steering Wheel 2012" award from German publications Auto Bild, Bild am Sonntag and twenty six European partner magazines.[32]

Notes

References