The Opel Zafira B OPC, produced from 2008 to 2010, represents the high-performance variant of the second-generation Zafira minivan. While the Zafira itself was never officially sold in the United States, it was a popular and innovative vehicle in Europe, known for its flexible seating configuration and compact dimensions. The OPC (Opel Performance Center) version aimed to inject a dose of sporty driving dynamics into the practical family vehicle segment. This facelifted model, introduced in 2008, featured styling updates and a refined engine, making it a compelling option for those seeking a performance-oriented people carrier.
Opel Zafira B OPC: A European Performance Minivan
The Zafira B OPC was designed to appeal to drivers who needed the space and versatility of a minivan but didn’t want to compromise on driving enjoyment. It occupied a niche market segment in Europe, competing with other performance-oriented MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) and offering a unique blend of practicality and performance. The “OPC Line” trim level, while not as potent as the full OPC model, also offered a sportier aesthetic and suspension setup.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Zafira B OPC lies a 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine, designated the Z20LEH. This engine produces 240 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 320 Nm (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2400 rpm. This output translates to a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 231 km/h (143.54 mph). The engine features multi-port fuel injection, a turbocharger with an intercooler, and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain. The power-to-weight ratio of 6.9 kg/Hp and torque-to-weight ratio of 5.2 kg/Nm contribute to its responsive driving experience. Power per liter is rated at 120.1 Hp/l. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle and is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission, delivering power to the front wheels.
Design & Features
The Zafira B OPC maintains the core design elements of the Zafira B, a compact minivan with a five-door configuration and seating for five to seven passengers. However, the OPC version distinguishes itself with several sporty enhancements. These include a more aggressive front bumper with larger air intakes, side skirts, a rear spoiler, and unique alloy wheels (8J x 18 with 225/40 R18 tires). Inside, the OPC features sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedal trim. The Zafira’s key feature, its flexible seating system, remains intact, allowing for various seating configurations to maximize passenger and cargo space. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 540 liters (19.07 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1820 liters (64.27 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features, typical for a vehicle of this era, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ventilated front disc brakes, with discs also used for the rear brakes.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira B (facelift 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | OPC 2.0i 16V Turbo (240 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | June, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5-7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.4 l/100 km (17.6 US mpg, 21.1 UK mpg, 7.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg, 13.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg, 29.4 UK mpg, 10.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 230 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 231 km/h (143.54 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 240 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2400 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z20LEH |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1665 kg (3670.7 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2200 kg (4850.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 535 kg (1179.47 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 540 l (19.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1820 l (64.27 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 58 l (15.32 US gal | 12.76 UK gal) |
| Length | 4467 mm (175.87 in.) |
| Width | 1801 mm (70.91 in.) |
| Height | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2703 mm (106.42 in.) |
| Front track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
The Opel Zafira B OPC, while not a vehicle commonly found in the US market, represents a unique and interesting approach to the minivan segment. It successfully combined practicality with a sporty driving experience, appealing to European drivers who sought a versatile vehicle that was also fun to drive.
