Press Release
- World premiere at 75th Geneva Motor Show
- Driver-oriented seven-seater, unrivalled versatility, dynamic design
Familiar from the Astra and now redeveloped for the Zafira, the IDSPlus chassis (Interactive Driving System) with electronic CDC (Continuous Damping Control) ensures exciting driving. Other technical highlights offered for the first time in the compact van segment include steering-linked AFL bi-xenon headlamps (Adaptive Forward Lighting) with dynamic curve light. The exceptionally wide range of engines available for the new Zafira includes state-of-the-art units with displacements of 1.6 to 2.2 liters and power outputs from 74 kW/100 hp to 147 kW/200 hp. No competitor offers such a wide variety of powertrains. All diesel engines have latest-generation common-rail multiple direct injection and are available with a maintenance-free Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). The new Zafira will be launched as of July 2005 and production in the Bochum plant starts at the end of April.
Hans Demant, Managing Director, Adam Opel AG on the new Zafira generation: "Lots of space, maximum versatility and easy to operate - this is what customers expect from a modern van. With its unrivalled Flex7 interior concept, the new Zafira holds the key to success, just like its predecessor. This is complemented by an exciting design, excellent driving dynamics, innovative technology and numerous practical details."
In 1999 the Opel Zafira was the first seven-seat compact van from a German manufacturer and the first van with a third row of seats that can be completely folded down and stowed away. It was this patented, easy-to-operate Flex7 seating system that was decisive for the success of the multiple award-winning bestseller. In Germany the Zafira immediately went to number one in its class when it was launched, and stayed there for four years in a row. To date, around 1.4 million units of the original Zafira have been produced.
The new Zafira's look is confident, dynamic and unmistakeably related to the Astra, whose form language has been reinterpreted in compact van format (length/width excl. exterior mirrors/height: 4467/1776/1637 mm). Its sportiness and elegance are magnified by the distinct V-shape tapering of the front and rear with the characteristic Opel crease line, the strong, rising body shoulder and the aerodynamic roofline gently sloping downward to the rear. The new Zafira's elegant and dynamic looks are accentuated by eye-catching details such as large air inlets in the front bumper, visibly hi-tech, three-dimensional headlamps and taillights, as well as the trapezoidal-shaped, chrome-framed radiator grille with the Opel logo and characteristic chrome crossbar.
The interior features high-quality materials, high-class finish and perfect ergonomics. The driver-oriented cockpit is an excellent example: all controls are positioned in optimal reach for the driver. The gear shift lever, for instance, is positioned higher for easy, comfortable operation. This provided space for a newly-designed, U-shaped hand brake lever integrated in the center console, and an additional storage compartment. The new instrument panel boasts chrome-ringed instruments and a clearly laid-out center console with a large, easy to read monitor. This displays all information for the state-of-the-art infotainment systems with intuitive operating concept, including units with DVD navigation and Bluetooth technology.
In terms of comfort and space, the new Zafira is a step ahead of the first generation model. Thanks to its long wheelbase (2703 mm) and clever packaging, up to seven passengers have even more room in all three rows. The Flex7 seating system, now even easier to operate, ensures maximum versatility for all everyday transportation needs. In a matter of seconds, the Zafira can easily be turned from a seven to a six, five, four, three or two-seater, without having to remove or cumbersomely stow away the seats. The front passenger seat can also be ordered with a foldable seat back, fold-down table on the seat back, and a large storage compartment under the seat cushion to store items like an atlas. Depending on the equipment line, the new Zafira offers around 30 practical storage compartments, making the spacious van an ideal family car.
In its five-seat configuration, the new Zafira's luggage compartment volume is 620 liters, 20 liters more than in the predecessor. The FlexOrganizer system from the new Astra station wagon is now also available for the Zafira. This clever cargo management system is comprised of two horizontal side rails in the luggage compartment, which have adjustable mounting points to allow flexible attachment of various retaining straps, hooks, dividers and storage boxes. In this way, every type of cargo can be safely, comfortably and neatly transported.
The optional panorama roof with integrated storage facilities makes its world premiere in the new Opel Zafira. With its four large glass panels, the system offers passengers a particularly pleasant, light atmosphere. Dark tinted glass and a power-operated shading system provide protection against strong sunlight. And the center roof console running down the length of the ceiling houses five different-sized compartments for additional storage space.
The Zafira´s SAFETEC system ensures a high level of safety, combining all standard active and passive safety elements. These include ABS with electronic brake force distribution and cornering brake control, brake assist, the electronic stability program ESPPlus as well as a comprehensive restraint system with airbags in front, thorax/pelvis side airbags for driver and front seat passenger, and head curtain airbags for the first and second row. Additional passive safety equipment includes decoupling pedals (PRS, Pedal Release System) and mountings for the ISOFIX child's seat system on both outer seats in the second row. Active head restraints in front, a seat occupancy detection for the front passenger seat and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System TPMS are available as options. Lively and economical performance is ensured by the new Zafira's wide range of engines. Customers can choose between three diesel and four gasoline units from the ECOTEC family with power outputs of 100 to 200 hp. The top-of-the-line engine is the 147 kW/ 200 hp 2.0 turbo gasoline unit, which takes the Zafira to a top speed of around 220 km/h. That is followed by a 2.2-liter gasoline direct injection engine (110 kW/150 hp) and a new 1.8-liter unit (103 kW/140 hp). The entry-level gasoline engine is a 1.6-liter unit (77 kW/ 105 hp) with fuel-saving TWINPORT technology.
Three state-of-the-art 1.9-liter common-rail turbo-diesel engines with multiple direct injection round off the powertrain program for the new Zafira. The 1.9 CDTI units are offered in three output levels - 74 kW/100 hp, 88 kW/120 hp, 110 kW/150 hp - and are available with a maintenance-free Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
Transmissions for the new Zafira include a six-speed manual gearbox (standard for 2.2 direct, 2.0 turbo and all 1.9 CDTI), a five-speed manual (standard for 1.6 TWINPORT and 1.8), a six-speed automatic with ActiveSelect function (optional for 1.9 CDTI with 120 and 150 hp) and a four-speed automatic (optional for 2.2 direct). In conjunction with the 1.8-liter gasoline engine, a further development of the Easytronic automated manual transmission is available.
