The Opel Zafira B, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2008, represents a significant iteration of Opel’s popular compact minivan. Sold primarily in Europe, the Zafira B aimed to provide a versatile and practical vehicle for families, blending spaciousness with a relatively affordable price point. The 2008 facelift brought styling updates, improved interior materials, and enhanced safety features. This version, equipped with the 1.9 CDTI diesel engine producing 120 horsepower, was a common sight on European roads, offering a balance of fuel efficiency and usable performance. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Zafira B provides insight into the European minivan market and Opel’s engineering capabilities.
Opel Zafira B (Facelift 2008) 1.9 CDTI: An Overview
The Zafira B facelift, produced from 2008 to 2010, continued the second generation of the Zafira line. It competed directly with other European minivans like the Renault Scenic, Citroën C4 Picasso, and Volkswagen Touran. The Zafira’s key selling point was its flexible seating arrangement, offering either five or seven seats depending on the configuration. The 1.9 CDTI engine was a mainstay of Opel’s diesel lineup, known for its durability and reasonable fuel economy. The facelifted model refined the original Zafira B, addressing some criticisms regarding interior quality and overall aesthetics.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2008 Opel Zafira B 1.9 CDTI is a 1.9-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the Z19DT. This engine produces 120 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 280 Nm (206.52 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2000 and 2750 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. Fuel is delivered via a diesel commonrail injection system, contributing to refined combustion and reduced emissions. The engine’s transverse mounting and front-wheel-drive configuration are typical for vehicles in this class. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 12.2 seconds and a maximum speed of 186 km/h (115.58 mph). The 0-60 mph time is calculated at 11.6 seconds. The Zafira B 1.9 CDTI achieves a combined fuel consumption of 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg or 46.3 UK mpg), making it an economical choice for long journeys.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira B is a five-door minivan designed to accommodate between five and seven passengers. The facelifted model features revised front and rear styling, including a new grille, headlights, and taillights. Inside, the Zafira B boasts a flexible seating system, with the second-row seats capable of folding flat or being removed entirely to create a larger cargo area. The trunk space ranges from a minimum of 540 liters (19.07 cu. ft.) with all seats in place to a maximum of 1820 liters (64.27 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and, in later models, electronic stability control. The interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering numerous storage compartments and cupholders. The 2008 facelift aimed to improve the perceived quality of the interior with upgraded materials and a more modern dashboard design. The vehicle’s drag coefficient is rated at 0.31, contributing to its aerodynamic efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira B (facelift 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 CDTI (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | November, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5-7 |
| 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) |
| 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 5 |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 4000 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 |
| 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) |
| Max. weight | 2180 kg (4806.08 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 540 l (19.07 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 | 2025 mm (79.72 in.) |
| Height | 1635 mm (64.37 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2703 mm (106.42 in.) |
| Front track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Rear track | 1512 mm (59.53 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Opel Zafira B (facelift 2008) 1.9 CDTI represents a practical and efficient option for families seeking a versatile minivan. While not available in the US market, its popularity in Europe demonstrates the demand for well-engineered and adaptable vehicles in that region. The combination of a fuel-efficient diesel engine, flexible seating, and a reasonable price point made it a competitive choice in its segment.
