The Opel Zafira B 1.9 CDTI, produced from 2005 to 2008, represents the second generation of Opel’s popular minivan. This seven-seater vehicle was primarily marketed in Europe as a practical and versatile family transport solution. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira B exemplifies the European approach to compact multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), prioritizing space efficiency, fuel economy, and a comfortable ride. The 1.9 CDTI variant, equipped with a 120 horsepower diesel engine, was a common choice for buyers seeking a balance between performance and running costs.
Opel Zafira B 1.9 CDTI: An Overview
The Zafira B built upon the success of the original Zafira, introducing a more refined design, improved interior space, and enhanced safety features. A key innovation was the optional Flex7 seating system, allowing for flexible configuration of the second and third-row seats to maximize cargo capacity or passenger comfort. The 1.9 CDTI engine, a mainstay of Opel’s diesel lineup at the time, provided adequate power for everyday driving while delivering competitive fuel efficiency. The Zafira B competed with other European MPVs such as the Renault Scenic, Citroën C4 Picasso, and Volkswagen Touran.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Zafira B 1.9 CDTI is a 1.9-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the Z19DT. This engine produces 120 horsepower at 3,500 rpm and 280 Nm (206.52 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2,000 and 2,750 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. Fuel is delivered via a Diesel Commonrail direct injection system, contributing to improved combustion and reduced emissions. Power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 12.2 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 11.6 seconds. The Zafira B 1.9 CDTI has a top speed of 186 km/h (115.58 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg), and CO2 emissions of 165 g/km, meeting Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira B is a five-door minivan characterized by its practical and functional design. Its relatively compact dimensions – 4,467 mm (175.87 in) in length and 1,801 mm (70.91 in) in width – make it manageable in urban environments. The vehicle’s height of 1,645 mm (64.76 in) provides ample headroom for passengers. The defining feature of the Zafira B is its interior versatility. The Flex7 seating system allows the second and third-row seats to be folded flat or even removed entirely, creating a large cargo area. With all seats folded, the Zafira B offers a maximum cargo capacity of 1,820 liters (64.27 cu. ft.). Standard safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and front ventilated disc brakes, with rear disc brakes. The suspension utilizes an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, providing a comfortable ride. The drag coefficient of 0.31 contributes to reasonable aerodynamic efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira B |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 CDTI (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 2005 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.7 l/100 km (30.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 165 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 186 km/h (115.58 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 2000-2750 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z19DT |
| Engine displacement | 1910 cm3 (116.56 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.4 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1613 kg (3556.06 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2180 kg (4806.08 lbs.) |
| Max load | 567 kg (1250.02 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 140 l (4.94 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1820 l (64.27 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 58 l (15.32 US gal | 12.76 UK gal) |
| Length | 4467 mm (175.87 in.) |
| Width | 1801 mm (70.91 in.) |
| Height | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2703 mm (106.42 in.) |
| Front track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Rear track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J X 16 |
The Opel Zafira B 1.9 CDTI offered a compelling package for families seeking a versatile, fuel-efficient, and practical minivan. While never officially available in the US market, it remains a popular choice in Europe and a testament to Opel’s engineering capabilities.
