The Opel Zafira A (T3000) 2.2 16V Automatic, 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 distinguished itself with its innovative seating arrangement and relatively affordable price point, making it a popular choice for European consumers.
Opel Zafira A (T3000): A Detailed Overview
The Zafira A, designated internally as the T3000, was a pivotal model for Opel. It was one of the first mass-produced vehicles to feature a flexible seating system, allowing for a variety of configurations to maximize passenger and cargo space. This adaptability, combined with its practical design, quickly established the Zafira as a leader in its class. The 2.2-liter 16-valve engine paired with an automatic transmission offered a balance of performance and convenience, catering to drivers seeking a comfortable and easy-to-drive family vehicle.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Zafira A (T3000) 2.2 16V Automatic is a 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, identified by the code 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 automatic transmission, with four forward gears, delivers power to the front wheels. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11 seconds and a maximum speed of 188 km/h (116.82 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 8.9 liters per 100 kilometers combined (26.4 US mpg, 31.7 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira A (T3000) is a five-door minivan designed to accommodate up to seven passengers. Its body style prioritizes practicality and space efficiency. The key feature of the Zafira A is its versatile seating system. The second and third-row seats can be folded flat or even removed entirely, creating a large, flat cargo area. This flexibility allows the Zafira to adapt to a wide range of needs, from transporting passengers to hauling bulky items. Standard features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for enhanced safety, coil spring suspension on both the front and rear axles, and ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels with disc brakes on the rear. The interior was designed with family use in mind, offering durable materials and a functional layout. The vehicle’s drag coefficient of 0.33 contributes to reasonable aerodynamic efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira A (T3000) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 16V (147 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | July, 2000 |
| End of production | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg, 38.2 UK mpg, 13.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg, 31.7 UK mpg, 11.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 188 km/h (116.82 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 147 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.9 Hp/l |
| 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 | 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 (Back) track | 1487 mm (58.54 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.33 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE drives front wheels |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic 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 Automatic, while not a performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of practicality, versatility, and affordability. Its innovative seating arrangement and comfortable driving experience made it a popular choice for families in Europe, and it laid the foundation for subsequent generations of the Zafira, which continue to be sold today.
