1999-2005 Vauxhall Zafira A 2.0 DI 16V (82 Hp)

The Vauxhall Zafira A 2.0 DI 16V, produced from 1999 to 2005, represents a significant entry into the compact minivan segment for the British manufacturer. As a rebadged version of the Opel Zafira, it was primarily marketed in Europe as a practical and versatile family vehicle. The Zafira A distinguished itself with its innovative seating arrangement, offering seven seats within a relatively compact footprint. This model aimed to provide a flexible and affordable transportation solution for families, competing with established players like the Renault Scenic and Citroën Xsara Picasso. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Zafira A provides insight into the evolving European minivan market of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Vauxhall Zafira A: Overview and Market Position

The Zafira A was Vauxhall’s first foray into the seven-seat compact minivan category. It quickly gained popularity due to its clever use of space and relatively affordable price point. The vehicle was designed to appeal to families needing flexible seating options without the size and expense of a larger multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). The 2.0 DI 16V engine variant, equipped with a direct injection diesel engine, offered a balance of fuel efficiency and adequate performance for everyday driving. The Zafira A’s success paved the way for subsequent generations and solidified Vauxhall’s presence in the family vehicle market.

Engine & Performance

The heart of the Zafira A 2.0 DI 16V is a 1,995 cc (121.74 cu. in.) inline four-cylinder diesel engine, designated the X20DTL. This engine utilizes direct injection technology and a turbocharger to produce 82 horsepower (Hp) at 4,300 rpm and 185 Newton-meters (136.45 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1,800 rpm. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 41.1 Hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The Zafira A 2.0 DI 16V achieves a maximum speed of 159 km/h (98.8 mph). Fuel economy figures are respectable for a vehicle of its size and type, with combined fuel consumption rated at 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg). The weight-to-power ratio is 17.4 kg/Hp, while the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.7 kg/Nm. The engine’s 18.5:1 compression ratio contributes to its efficiency, while the overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain manages the four valves per cylinder.

Design & Features

The Vauxhall Zafira A is a five-door minivan designed to accommodate up to seven passengers. Its body style prioritizes practicality and space utilization. A key feature of the Zafira A is its ‘Flex7’ seating system, allowing the third-row seats to be folded flat into the floor, creating a larger cargo area when not needed. This flexibility is a major selling point for families. The vehicle’s interior is designed with durability and ease of cleaning in mind, reflecting its target demographic. Safety features for the era include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The Zafira A’s exterior design is functional rather than overtly stylish, focusing on maximizing interior space within a compact exterior footprint. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 312 liters (11.02 cu. ft.) with all seats in use to a maximum of 1,700 liters (60.03 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4,317 mm (169.96 in.), width 1,742 mm (68.58 in.), and height 1,684 mm (66.3 in.).

Technical Specifications