The Opel Zafira B OPC 2.0i 16V Turbo, produced between 2005 and 2008, represents the high-performance variant of the second-generation Opel Zafira. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira itself was a popular compact minivan in Europe, known for its versatility and innovative seating configurations. The OPC (Opel Performance Center) version aimed to inject a dose of sporting character into the family hauler, offering a significantly enhanced driving experience compared to the standard Zafira models. This vehicle catered to European drivers seeking a practical yet engaging vehicle, bridging the gap between minivan functionality and hot hatch performance.
Opel Zafira B OPC: A Performance Minivan
The Zafira B OPC was designed to appeal to a niche market within the European automotive landscape. Minivans, while practical, often lacked the driving excitement desired by enthusiasts. Opel addressed this with the OPC variant, offering a turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and aggressive styling cues. It was positioned as a competitor to other performance-oriented MPVs (Multi-Purpose Vehicles) available in Europe at the time, offering a unique blend of practicality and performance. The Zafira B, in general, was a significant step forward for Opel in terms of interior space and flexibility, and the OPC version built upon that foundation with added performance credentials.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the Zafira B OPC lies a 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engine, designated the Z20LEH. This engine is turbocharged and equipped with an intercooler, producing 240 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 320 Nm (236.02 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2400 rpm. This output translates to a power-to-liter ratio of 120.1 hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The Zafira B OPC achieves a 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 7.8 seconds, and a 0 to 60 mph time of 7.4 seconds, with a maximum speed of 231 km/h (143.54 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 6.9 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 5.2 kg/Nm contribute to its responsive driving characteristics. Fuel consumption is rated at 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg) combined, with urban figures of 13.4 l/100 km (17.6 US mpg) and extra-urban figures of 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg). The engine meets Euro 4 emission standards, with CO2 emissions of 230 g/km.
Design & Features
The Zafira B OPC maintains the core minivan body style of the standard Zafira – a five-door configuration with seating for up to seven passengers. However, it distinguishes itself through several visual enhancements. These include a more aggressive front bumper with larger air intakes, side skirts, a rear spoiler, and unique alloy wheels (8J x 18 inch with 225/40 R18 tires). Inside, the OPC features sport seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum pedal trim. The Zafira B’s key feature, its flexible seating system, is retained, allowing for various configurations to maximize passenger and cargo space. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 140 liters (4.94 cu. ft.) with all seats in use to a maximum of 1820 liters (64.27 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels, with disc brakes on the rear. The vehicle’s dimensions are: length 4467 mm (175.87 in), width 1801 mm (70.91 in), height 1645 mm (64.76 in), and wheelbase 2703 mm (106.42 in). The drag coefficient is 0.32.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira B |
| Type (Engine) | OPC 2.0i 16V Turbo (240 Hp) |
| Start of production | November, 2005 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.4 l/100 km (17.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 230 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 231 km/h (143.54 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 240 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2400 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z20LEH |
| 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 | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1665 kg (3670.7 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2200 kg (4850.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 535 kg (1179.47 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) | 0.32 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
The Opel Zafira B OPC, while never officially available in the US market, remains a noteworthy example of a performance-oriented minivan. It successfully combined the practicality expected of a family vehicle with the driving dynamics of a sporty hatchback, offering a unique proposition to European car buyers.
