The Opel Zafira A, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2003, represents a significant entry into the compact minivan segment for the European market. This seven-seater vehicle, produced between 2003 and 2005, aimed to provide a practical and versatile transportation solution for families. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira A was a popular choice in Europe, known for its innovative space management and relatively affordable price point. The 2.2 16V variant, equipped with a 147 horsepower engine and automatic transmission, offered a balance of performance and convenience.
Opel Zafira A (Facelift 2003) 2.2 16V: An Overview
The Zafira A was Opel’s first foray into the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) market, competing with established models like the Renault Scenic and Citroën Xsara Picasso. The 2003 facelift brought cosmetic updates, including revised front and rear styling, as well as interior enhancements. The 2.2-liter engine option provided a step up in performance compared to the smaller displacement engines available, making it suitable for longer journeys and carrying a full load of passengers. The Zafira’s key selling point was its flexible seating arrangement, allowing for various configurations to maximize cargo space or passenger comfort.
Engine & Performance
The 2003 Opel Zafira A 2.2 16V is powered by the Z22SE engine, a 2.2-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 147 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 203 Nm (149.73 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. 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 four-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 11 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in around 10.5 seconds. The Zafira A 2.2 16V has a top speed of 188 km/h (116.82 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 10.2 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.4 kg/Nm. Fuel economy is rated at 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg) combined, with 12.2 l/100 km (19.3 US mpg) in urban conditions and 7.0 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg) on the open road. CO2 emissions are 204 g/km.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira A is a five-door minivan designed to accommodate up to seven passengers. Its body style prioritizes practicality and space efficiency. The 2003 facelift brought subtle styling changes, including a revised grille, headlights, and taillights. The interior is designed with family use in mind, featuring a flexible seating system. The second and third-row seats can be folded flat or even removed entirely to create a large cargo area. The trunk space ranges from 150 liters (5.3 cu. ft.) with all seats in use to a maximum of 1700 liters (60.03 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Standard safety features for the era included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Other features include a steering rack and pinion system, coil spring suspension on both the front and rear axles, and ventilated disc brakes on the front wheels with disc brakes on the rear. The vehicle rides on 195/65 R15 tires with 6J x 15 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira A (facelift 2003) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 16V (147 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | February, 2003 |
| End of production | March, 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.2 l/100 km (19.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 204 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 188 km/h (116.82 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 147 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 66.9 Hp/l |
| Torque | 203 Nm @ 4000 rpm (149.73 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z22SE |
| Engine displacement | 2198 cm3 (134.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 94.6 mm (3.72 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.8 l (5.07 US qt | 4.22 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.8 l (7.19 US qt | 5.98 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1495 kg (3295.91 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2020 kg (4453.34 lbs.) |
| Max load | 525 kg (1157.43 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 150 l (5.3 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1700 l (60.03 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 58 l (15.32 US gal | 12.76 UK gal) |
| Length | 4317 mm (169.96 in.) |
| Width | 1742 mm (68.58 in.) |
| Height | 1634 mm (64.33 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2694 mm (106.06 in.) |
| Front track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1487 mm (58.54 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.33 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | ICE, Front wheel drive |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
