The Opel Zafira B, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2008, represents a significant iteration of Opel’s popular compact minivan. Positioned as a family vehicle offering versatility and practicality, the Zafira B competed in the European market against rivals like the Renault Scenic and Citroën C4 Picasso. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira line, and specifically the B generation, was a key model for Opel, demonstrating the brand’s commitment to multi-purpose vehicles. The 1.6 ecoFLEX variant, producing 115 horsepower, focused on fuel efficiency without sacrificing the Zafira’s core functionality.
Opel Zafira B (Facelift 2008) 1.6 ecoFLEX: An Overview
The Zafira B facelift, launched in 2008, brought with it revised styling, improved interior materials, and enhanced engine options. The 1.6 ecoFLEX model was specifically engineered to minimize fuel consumption and emissions, aligning with growing environmental concerns and stricter European regulations. This version retained the Zafira’s signature flexible seating arrangement, capable of accommodating up to seven passengers, making it a practical choice for larger families. The ecoFLEX designation indicated Opel’s efforts to optimize the vehicle for efficiency, incorporating features like optimized aerodynamics and engine management systems.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Zafira B 1.6 ecoFLEX is a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the Z16XER. This naturally aspirated engine produces 115 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 155 Nm (114.32 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provided adequate power for everyday driving and family transportation. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 72 hp/l. The powertrain is coupled with a five-speed manual transmission, directing power to the front wheels. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 13.4 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 12.7 seconds. The Zafira B 1.6 ecoFLEX reaches a maximum speed of 185 km/h (114.95 mph). Fuel economy is a key strength, with combined fuel consumption rated at 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l). CO2 emissions are rated at 169 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira B is a five-door minivan characterized by its practical and functional design. The facelifted model features a revised front fascia with a more prominent grille and updated headlights. The interior is designed with family use in mind, offering a flexible seating configuration. The Zafira B boasts a spacious cabin, with a minimum trunk capacity of 540 liters (19.07 cu. ft.) which expands to a substantial 1820 liters (64.27 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4467 mm (175.87 in.) in length, 1801 mm (70.91 in.) in width, and 1635 mm (64.37 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2703 mm (106.42 in.), contributing to a stable ride. The drag coefficient of 0.31 aids in aerodynamic efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira B (facelift 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 ecoFLEX (115 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5-7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.2 l/100 km (25.6 US mpg, 30.7 UK mpg, 10.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9 l/100 km (39.9 US mpg, 47.9 UK mpg, 16.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 169 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h (114.95 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.1 kg/Hp, 76.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.7 kg/Nm, 103.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 72 Hp/l |
| Torque | 155 Nm @ 4000 rpm (114.32 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z16XER |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1503 kg (3313.55 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2075 kg (4574.59 lbs.) |
| Max load | 572 kg (1261.04 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 | 1635 mm (64.37 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2703 mm (106.42 in.) |
| Front track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
