The Opel Zafira Life M 1.5d (120 Hp) is a front-wheel-drive minivan produced between 2019 and 2021. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira Life represents Opel’s entry into the increasingly popular European market segment of large, practical, and versatile passenger vehicles, often used for family transport and leisure activities. It’s a direct competitor to models like the Volkswagen Multivan and Citroën SpaceTourer, sharing a platform with the latter two as part of the PSA Group (now Stellantis) collaboration. The “M” designation denotes a mid-cycle refresh, bringing updated features and technology to the Zafira Life range.
Opel Zafira Life M: Overview and Market Position
The Zafira Life is significant as Opel’s replacement for the earlier Zafira, a compact MPV that enjoyed considerable success in Europe. The shift to a larger, van-based platform reflects a changing consumer preference towards more spacious and adaptable vehicles. The Zafira Life M 1.5d, specifically, is equipped with a 1.5-liter diesel engine producing 120 horsepower, targeting buyers seeking a balance between fuel efficiency and practicality. Its primary market was Europe, where large minivans remain a popular choice for families and businesses needing flexible passenger and cargo capacity. The vehicle typically seats between eight and nine passengers, depending on the configuration.
Engine & Performance
The Zafira Life M 1.5d is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated D15DTH or DV5RUC. This engine produces 120 horsepower at 3500 rpm and 300 Nm (221.27 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1750 rpm. The engine utilizes a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and is turbocharged with an intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 14.3 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 13.6 seconds. The top speed is limited to 170 km/h (105.63 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption ranging from 4.8 to 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers (49-48 US mpg or 58.9-57.6 UK mpg). The Zafira Life M 1.5d meets Euro 6d-Temp emission standards and incorporates a particulate filter to reduce harmful emissions.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira Life M is a five-door minivan characterized by its boxy, van-like silhouette. This design prioritizes interior space and practicality over aerodynamic styling. The vehicle’s dimensions are substantial, measuring 4956 mm (195.12 in) in length, 2010 mm (79.13 in) in width (excluding mirrors), and 1890-1930 mm (74.41 – 75.98 in) in height. The wheelbase is 3275 mm (128.94 in). Key features include sliding rear doors for easy access, a spacious interior configurable with up to nine seats, and a large trunk capacity of up to 4200 liters (148.32 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. Standard safety equipment includes ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and electric power steering. The Zafira Life M also offers a range of optional features, such as parking sensors, a touchscreen infotainment system, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) depending on the trim level. The kerb weight is 1735 kg (3825.02 lbs) and the maximum permissible weight is 2830 kg (6239.08 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira Life |
| Generation | Zafira Life M |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5d (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | September, 2019 |
| End of production | December, 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 8-9 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.2-5.3 l/100 km (45.2 – 44.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.6-4.7 l/100 km (51.1 – 50 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.8-4.9 l/100 km (49 – 48 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 127-130 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 170 km/h (105.63 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-Temp |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1750 rpm (221.27 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D15DTH, DV5RUC |
| Engine displacement | 1500 cm3 (91.54 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.75 l (6.08 US qt | 5.06 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1735 kg (3825.02 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2830 kg (6239.08 lbs.) |
| Max load | 1095 kg (2414.06 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 4200 l (148.32 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| AdBlue tank | 22.5 l (5.94 US gal | 4.95 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 150 kg (330.69 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1800-2000 kg (3968.32 – 4409.25 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 72-80 kg (158.73 – 176.37 lbs.) |
| Length | 4956 mm (195.12 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2010 mm (79.13 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2204 mm (86.77 in.) |
| Height | 1890-1930 mm (74.41 – 75.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3275 mm (128.94 in.) |
| Front track | 1627 mm (64.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.9 m (42.32 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16; 225/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 16; 17 |
The Opel Zafira Life M 1.5d (120 Hp) offered a practical and efficient transportation solution for families and businesses in Europe. While not available in the US market, it exemplifies the European preference for versatile, space-efficient minivans and showcases Opel’s engineering capabilities within the Stellantis group.
