2003-2005 Opel Zafira A (facelift ) 2.2 16V (147 Hp)

The Opel Zafira A, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2003, represents a significant entry into the compact minivan segment for the European market. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira A gained prominence as a versatile and practical family vehicle, known for its innovative seating configuration and relatively affordable price point. The 2.2 16V variant, producing 147 horsepower, was a popular choice, offering a balance between performance and fuel economy for the time. This generation of the Zafira, produced from 2003 to 2005, built upon the original Zafira’s foundation, refining its design and addressing early criticisms.

Opel Zafira A (Facelift 2003) 2.2 16V: An Overview

The Zafira A facelift, released in February 2003 and continuing through March 2005, was Opel’s answer to the growing demand for multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) in Europe. It distinguished itself with its flexible seating arrangement, allowing for up to seven passengers, and a relatively compact footprint for easy maneuverability. The 2.2-liter, 16-valve engine was a key component of the Zafira’s appeal, providing adequate power for everyday driving and longer journeys. The vehicle’s design focused on practicality and family needs, making it a common sight on European roads.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the 2003-2005 Opel Zafira A 2.2 16V is a naturally aspirated, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated the Z22SE. Displacing 2.2 liters (2198 cm³ or 134.13 cubic inches), this engine produces 147 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 203 Newton-meters (149.73 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. This translates to a power-to-liter ratio of 66.9 hp/l. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.5 seconds. The Zafira A 2.2 16V achieves a maximum speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). The engine’s front, transverse layout contributes to efficient packaging within the minivan’s structure. The weight-to-power ratio is 10.2 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.4 kg/Nm.

Design & Features

The Opel Zafira A is a five-door minivan designed to accommodate up to seven passengers. Its body style prioritizes interior space and versatility. A key feature of the Zafira A is its flexible seating system, often referred to as “Flex7”. This system allows the second and third-row seats to be folded flat into the floor, creating a large, flat cargo area when not needed. The facelifted model received subtle styling updates compared to the original Zafira A, including revised front and rear fascias, updated interior trim, and improved safety features. Standard equipment typically included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), power steering, and front airbags. The Zafira A’s design focused on practicality, with a focus on maximizing interior space and ease of use for families. The trunk space ranges from a minimum of 150 liters (5.3 cubic feet) with all seats in use to a maximum of 1700 liters (60.03 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s drag coefficient is rated at 0.33.

Technical Specifications

The Opel Zafira A (facelift 2003) 2.2 16V remains a testament to practical European automotive design. While not available in the US market, it offered a compelling package of space, versatility, and reasonable performance for families in Europe.