The Opel Zafira A (T3000) 1.8 16V, produced from 2000 to 2002, represents Opel’s initial foray into the compact minivan segment. This seven-seater vehicle was designed to offer a practical and versatile transportation solution for families, blending the space of a larger vehicle with the maneuverability of a smaller one. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira A was a significant model in Europe, competing with vehicles like the Renault Scenic and Citroën Xsara Picasso. It established Opel as a key player in the burgeoning multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) market, and its innovative features, particularly the flexible seating arrangement, proved popular with European consumers.
Opel Zafira A (T3000) 1.8 16V: An Overview
The Zafira A, designated internally as the T3000, was based on the Opel/Vauxhall Astra G platform. It distinguished itself from competitors with its unique seating system, allowing for a variety of configurations to maximize passenger and cargo space. The 1.8 16V engine variant, producing 125 horsepower, was a common choice, offering a balance between performance and fuel economy. The Zafira A’s design prioritized practicality and family-friendliness, making it a popular choice for those needing a versatile vehicle for everyday use.
Engine & Performance
The Zafira A 1.8 16V is powered by a 1.8-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated the Z18XE. This naturally aspirated engine produces 125 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 170 Nm (125.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3800 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration contributes to a respectable power-to-weight ratio of 11.6 kg/Hp. The engine’s 1796 cm³ (109.6 cu. in.) displacement provides adequate performance for everyday driving, with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.5 seconds. The top speed is rated at 188 km/h (116.82 mph). Fuel economy figures are rated at 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg) combined, 11.4 l/100 km (20.6 US mpg) in urban conditions, and 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. Power delivery is smooth and linear, making it suitable for both city and highway driving. The engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, driving the front wheels.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira A is a five-door minivan with a distinctive, rounded design typical of late 1990s and early 2000s European automotive styling. Its key feature is its flexible seating arrangement. The second and third-row seats can be folded flat into the floor, creating a large, flat cargo area. This “Flex7” system, as Opel called it, allowed for a variety of seating configurations, from seven passengers to a maximum cargo volume of 1700 liters (60.03 cu. ft.) with all rear seats folded. Standard features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), hydraulic power steering, and ventilated front disc brakes. The interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering ample storage compartments and a comfortable driving position. Safety features, while not as comprehensive as modern vehicles, included a robust body structure and the aforementioned ABS system. The Zafira A’s design focused on maximizing interior space and versatility, making it a practical choice for families.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira A (T3000) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 16V (125 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 2000 |
| End of production | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.4 l/100 km (20.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg) |
| 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 | 188 km/h (116.82 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 3800 rpm (125.39 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z18XE |
| 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 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.4 l (6.76 US qt | 5.63 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1445 kg (3185.68 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1972 kg (4347.52 lbs.) |
| Max load | 527 kg (1161.84 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 150 l (5.3 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1700 l (60.03 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 58 l (15.32 US gal | 12.76 UK gal) |
| Length | 4317 mm (169.96 in.) |
| Width | 1742 mm (68.58 in.) |
| Height | 1684 mm (66.3 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2694 mm (106.06 in.) |
| Front track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Rear track | 1487 mm (58.54 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.33 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
The Opel Zafira A (T3000) 1.8 16V, while not a performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of practicality, versatility, and reasonable efficiency. Its innovative seating system and spacious interior made it a popular choice for families in Europe, and it laid the foundation for the Zafira’s continued success in the MPV market.
