The Opel Zafira B 1.9 CDTI Automatic, produced from 2005 to 2008, represents a significant iteration in Opel’s popular minivan lineup. Positioned as a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the Zafira B aimed to provide family-friendly practicality with a focus on versatility and comfort. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira was a mainstay in European markets, competing with vehicles like the Renault Scenic and Citroën Picasso. This particular variant, equipped with a 1.9-liter turbocharged diesel engine and an automatic transmission, offered a balance of fuel efficiency and ease of driving, appealing to a broad range of consumers.
Opel Zafira B 1.9 CDTI: A Detailed Overview
The Zafira B built upon the success of the original Zafira, introducing a more refined design and improved features. A key selling point was its flexible seating arrangement, capable of accommodating up to seven passengers. This made it a popular choice for families needing adaptable space. The 1.9 CDTI engine, a common powerplant in European diesels of the era, provided adequate performance for everyday driving while maintaining reasonable fuel economy. The availability of an automatic transmission further broadened its appeal, particularly in urban environments.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Zafira B 1.9 CDTI is its 1910 cc (116.56 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the Z19DT. This engine produces 120 horsepower (Hp) at 3500 rpm and 280 Newton-meters (206.52 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2000 and 2750 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance power output and efficiency. Fuel is delivered via a Diesel Commonrail injection system, contributing to smoother operation and reduced emissions. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Zafira B 1.9 CDTI achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 12.5 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 11.9 seconds. Its maximum speed is rated at 182 km/h (113.09 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 13.4 kg/Hp, and its torque-to-weight ratio is 5.8 kg/Nm. The Zafira B 1.9 CDTI meets Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira B is a five-door minivan designed with practicality in mind. Its body style prioritizes interior space and accessibility. The vehicle’s most notable feature is its seven-seat configuration, offering three rows of seating. The second and third-row seats can be folded flat or even removed entirely, creating a large, versatile cargo area. With all seats folded, the trunk space expands to a substantial 1820 liters (64.27 cu. ft.), while the minimum trunk capacity is 140 liters (4.94 cu. ft.). Safety features for the era included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels, with disc brakes on the rear. The Zafira B’s suspension consists of an independent McPherson strut setup at the front and a torsion beam arrangement at the rear, providing a comfortable ride. The vehicle’s drag coefficient (Cd) is 0.31, contributing to reasonable aerodynamic efficiency. The interior design focused on functionality and durability, with a focus on providing a comfortable and practical environment for families.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira B |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 CDTI (120 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | July, 2005 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg, 10.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg, 39.2 UK mpg, 13.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h (113.09 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. @ 2000-2750 rpm) |
| 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 | 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 (Back) track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J X 16 |



