New Opel Zafira: A transformation?

The new Opel Zafira Tourer will be launched on September 15th at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new Zafira Tourer embraces the third generation of Opel’s compact ‘monocab’, aiming to improve cabin ambiance. The new car will also have an upgraded chassis and make use of technologies to improve comfort and safety.

Since 1999 the Zafira has sold over 2.2 million units and was the first car in its class to offer 7 seats. The new Zafira will aim to improve the flexibility of this 7 seat layout. The third row of seats can still be folded flat and the second row is now 3 separate seats that can also fold flat independently.

In addition, the new Zafira offers an optional Lounge seating system. The middle second row seat can rotate and fold to offer armrests for passengers in the outer seats. The outer seats can then extend by 280mm, a further 70 mm over the standard version.

The load volume has also been increased. The Zafira Tourer now offers 710 litres in 5 seat configuration (a 65 litre improvement), and up to 1,860 litres with all of the seats folded down.

The Zafira Tourer aims to be more distinctive with bold new twin ‘boomerang’ graphics from the top of the headlamps to the fog lamps. Opel say the silhouette is reminiscent of a high speed train. The drivers view is also improved by redesigned ‘A’ pillars and a repositioned rear view mirror, now positioned on the door panel.

The adaptive ‘FlexRide’ chassis aims to improve comfort and safety. The wheelbase has increased by 57mm to 2,760mm and the track has also widened. It has inherited the front axle from the Insignia, with an isolated sub frame and a McPherson strut. The ‘FlexRide’ system allows the Zafira Tourer to adapt the suspension to the road conditions. It offers a choice of three settings. ‘Standard’ mode, the comfort oriented ‘Tour’ mode and a ‘Sport’ mode.

The new Zafira will also offer a plethora of safety systems. The first is radar based Adaptive Cruise Control with Collision Mitigating Braking which triggers emergency braking to avoid a collision. It also features a lane departure warning system, a forward collision alert system and intelligent headlights that adjust the headlamps to low beam when oncoming vehicles approach.

At launch the Zafira will be available with 3 versions of the 2.0 CDTI engine. Outputs range from 110hp, through to 130hp and a range topping 165hp engine. There will be two 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engines producing 120 hp and 140 hp. Both units will feature Opel’s new Start/Stop technology.