The Opel Zafira A (T3000) 2.2 16V, produced from 2000 to 2002, represents a significant entry into the compact minivan segment for the German automaker. This generation Zafira, designated T3000, was Opel’s first foray into the seven-seat people carrier market, offering a flexible and practical solution for families. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira A was a popular vehicle in Europe, known for its innovative seating arrangement and relatively affordable price point. It competed with models like the Renault Scenic and Citroën Xsara Picasso, establishing a benchmark for space and versatility in its class.
Opel Zafira A (T3000): A Detailed Overview
The Zafira A distinguished itself with its “Flex7” seating system, allowing the third-row seats to be folded flat into the floor, creating a spacious cargo area when not needed. This feature, combined with its five-door configuration, made it a highly adaptable vehicle for various needs. The 2.2 16V variant, powered by the Z22SE engine, offered a balance of performance and fuel economy, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Zafira A 2.2 16V is a 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the Z22SE. This naturally aspirated engine produces 147 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 203 Newton-meters (149.73 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 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 10.2 kg/Hp. The Zafira A 2.2 16V could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in approximately 10 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy figures are rated at 8.9 liters per 100 kilometers (26.4 US mpg) combined, with 12.2 l/100km (19.3 US mpg) in urban settings and 7.2 l/100km (32.7 US mpg) on the open road.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira A is a five-door minivan designed to accommodate up to seven passengers. Its exterior styling, typical of early 2000s European design, is functional rather than overtly sporty. The focus was on maximizing interior space and practicality. The key feature of the Zafira A is, without a doubt, the Flex7 seating system. The third-row seats can be individually folded and stowed completely under the floor, providing a flat load area. When all seats are in use, trunk space is limited to 150 liters (5.3 cu. ft.), but expands dramatically to 1700 liters (60.03 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. Standard safety features for the era included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The Zafira A’s dimensions are 4317 mm (169.96 in.) in length, 1742 mm (68.58 in.) in width, and 1634 mm (64.33 in.) in height. It has a wheelbase of 2694 mm (106.06 in.) and a curb weight of 1495 kg (3295.91 lbs.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira A (T3000) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 16V (147 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) | 12.2 l/100 km (19.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 147 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 203 Nm @ 4000 rpm (149.73 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z22SE |
| Engine displacement | 2198 cm3 (134.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 94.6 mm (3.72 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.8 l (7.19 US qt | 5.98 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1495 kg (3295.91 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2020 kg (4453.34 lbs.) |
| Max load | 525 kg (1157.43 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 | 1634 mm (64.33 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 | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | 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 |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J 15 |
The Opel Zafira A (T3000) 2.2 16V, while not a performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of practicality, versatility, and affordability. Its innovative Flex7 seating system and spacious interior made it a popular choice for families in Europe, and it laid the foundation for subsequent generations of the Zafira, which continued to evolve and refine the concept of the compact minivan.
