The Opel Zafira B, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2008, represented a significant evolution in the compact minivan segment. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira held a prominent position in the European market as a versatile and practical family vehicle. This generation, produced from 2008 to 2010 with the 2.0i 16V Turbo engine, offered a compelling blend of space, performance, and features, making it a popular choice for families seeking a flexible and comfortable mode of transportation. The Zafira B competed with vehicles like the Renault Scenic, Citroën C4 Picasso, and Volkswagen Touran.
Opel Zafira B (Facelift 2008): A Detailed Overview
The Zafira B facelift brought with it styling updates, improved interior materials, and enhanced safety features. The 2.0i 16V Turbo variant, producing 200 horsepower, was a key offering, providing a balance between fuel efficiency and spirited performance. The Zafira’s defining characteristic remained its flexible seating arrangement, capable of accommodating up to seven passengers, and its generous cargo capacity, making it ideal for both daily commutes and longer journeys.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the 2008 Opel Zafira B 2.0i 16V Turbo lies a 1.998-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated Z20LER, utilizes a turbocharger and intercooler to boost power output to 200 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 262 Nm (193.24 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4200 rpm. This configuration delivers a respectable power-to-weight ratio of 8.1 kg/Hp. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h (139.81 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers (24.8 US mpg) combined, with urban and extra-urban figures of 13.3 l/100km (17.7 US mpg) and 7.3 l/100km (32.2 US mpg) respectively. The engine meets Euro 4 emission standards, producing 228 g/km of CO2.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira B is a five-door minivan designed to comfortably accommodate five to seven passengers. The facelifted model received subtle exterior styling revisions, including a revised front fascia and updated headlight design. Inside, the Zafira B prioritized practicality and versatility. The key feature was its Flex7 seating system, allowing the second and third-row seats to be folded flat or even removed entirely, creating a large, flat-load cargo area. With all seats in place, the trunk offers 540 liters (19.07 cu. ft.) of space, expanding to a substantial 1820 liters (64.27 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a robust body structure. The interior was designed with family needs in mind, offering numerous storage compartments and comfortable seating. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4467 mm (175.87 in) in length, 1801 mm (70.91 in) in width, and 1635 mm (64.37 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2703 mm (106.42 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira B (facelift 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0i 16V Turbo (200 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | June, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5-7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.3 l/100 km (17.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.5 l/100 km (24.8 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 228 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 225 km/h (139.81 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.1 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 200 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 262 Nm @ 4200 rpm (193.24 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z20LER |
| Engine displacement | 1998 cm3 (121.93 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.7 l (8.14 US qt | 6.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1610 kg (3549.44 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2175 kg (4795.05 lbs.) |
| Max load | 565 kg (1245.61 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 | 1801 mm (70.91 in.) |
| Height | 1635 mm (64.37 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 | Spring Strut |
| 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 |
The Opel Zafira B (facelift 2008) 2.0i 16V Turbo offered a compelling package for European families. Its spacious interior, flexible seating, and respectable performance made it a popular choice in the competitive minivan segment. While never sold in the US, it represents a well-engineered and practical vehicle that showcased Opel’s commitment to family transportation.
