The Opel Zafira B, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2008, represents a significant iteration of Opel’s popular compact minivan. Sold primarily in Europe, the Zafira B aimed to provide a versatile and practical vehicle for families, blending spaciousness with relatively efficient performance. The 1.8 XER ecoFLEX variant, producing 140 horsepower, was a key offering within the range, focusing on fuel economy through Opel’s ecoFLEX technology. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Zafira B provides insight into the European minivan market and Opel’s engineering priorities during the late 2000s.
Opel Zafira B (2008 Facelift) 1.8 XER ecoFLEX: An Overview
The Zafira B, launched in 2005, was a direct successor to the original Zafira. The 2008 facelift brought cosmetic and mechanical updates, enhancing the vehicle’s appeal and efficiency. The 1.8 XER ecoFLEX model specifically targeted environmentally conscious buyers with features designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. This model occupied the compact minivan segment, competing with vehicles like the Renault Scenic and Citroën C4 Picasso in Europe. The Zafira’s defining characteristic was its flexible seating arrangement, offering configurations for five or seven passengers, making it a practical choice for growing families.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Zafira B 1.8 XER ecoFLEX is an inline four-cylinder, 1.8-liter (1796 cm3) gasoline engine, designated Z18XER. This naturally aspirated engine produces 140 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 175 Nm (129.07 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provided adequate power for everyday driving and family transportation. The ecoFLEX designation indicates the inclusion of fuel-saving technologies, such as optimized engine management and reduced rolling resistance tires. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.5 seconds, with a top speed of 197 km/h (122.41 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 10.7 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 8.6 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Zafira B is a five-door minivan, offering a practical and spacious interior. The key design element is its flexible seating system, allowing for various configurations to accommodate passengers and cargo. The 2008 facelift included revised front and rear styling, with updated headlights, grille, and bumpers. Inside, the dashboard and trim materials were also updated. The Zafira B prioritized practicality and functionality over outright luxury. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Safety features, crucial for family vehicles, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and airbags. The trunk space is remarkably versatile, ranging from 540 liters (19.07 cu. ft.) with all seats in place to a substantial 1820 liters (64.27 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4467 mm (175.87 in.), width 2025 mm (79.72 in.), and height 1635 mm (64.37 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira B (facelift 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 XER ecoFLEX (140 Hp) ecoFLEX |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | June, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5-7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg, 28.5 UK mpg, 10.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg, 47.1 UK mpg, 16.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg, 13.5 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 177 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 197 km/h (122.41 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 6300 rpm |
| Torque | 175 Nm @ 3800 rpm (129.07 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z18XER |
| Engine displacement | 1796 cm3 (109.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.2 mm (3.47 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 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 | 2025 mm (79.72 in.) |
| Height | 1635 mm (64.37 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2703 mm (106.42 in.) |
| Front track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Rear track | 1512 mm (59.53 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 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 | 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
The Opel Zafira B 1.8 XER ecoFLEX, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of practicality, space, and reasonable fuel efficiency for European families. Its flexible seating arrangement and versatile cargo capacity made it a popular choice in its segment. The ecoFLEX technology demonstrated Opel’s commitment to reducing emissions and improving fuel economy during a period of increasing environmental awareness.
