The Opel Zafira A, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2003, represented a significant entry into the compact minivan segment for the German automaker. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira was a popular vehicle in Europe, known for its versatility and innovative seating arrangement. The 2.2 DTI variant, equipped with a direct injection turbodiesel engine producing 125 horsepower, offered a balance of fuel efficiency and performance for family transportation. This generation of the Zafira, produced from 2003 to 2005, built upon the original Zafira’s foundation, refining its design and enhancing its features to remain competitive in a growing market.
Opel Zafira A (Facelift 2003) 2.2 DTI: An Overview
The Zafira A facelift, launched in February 2003 and continuing through March 2005, was a crucial update for Opel’s people carrier. It addressed some of the criticisms of the original model and brought the Zafira in line with contemporary design trends. The 2.2 DTI engine was a key component of the Zafira’s appeal, offering a diesel option that was becoming increasingly popular in Europe due to its fuel economy and torque characteristics. The Zafira’s defining feature remained its flexible seating system, allowing it to accommodate up to seven passengers, making it a practical choice for larger families.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2003 Opel Zafira A 2.2 DTI is its Y22DTR inline four-cylinder diesel engine. This 2.2-liter (2171 cm3 or 132.48 cu. in.) engine utilizes direct injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to deliver 125 horsepower (Hp) at 4000 rpm and 280 Newton-meters (206.52 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1500 rpm. This configuration provides a good balance between power and fuel efficiency. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is 57.6 Hp/l. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.5 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 10.9 seconds. The Zafira 2.2 DTI boasts a maximum speed of 187 km/h (116.2 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 11.9 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 5.3 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonably efficient powertrain for its class. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira A facelift maintains the original’s minivan body style, offering five doors and seating for up to seven passengers. The key design changes in the 2003 facelift included revised front and rear fascias, updated interior trim, and improved safety features. The Zafira’s interior is characterized by its modular seating system, allowing the rear seats to be folded flat or even removed entirely to create a larger cargo area. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 150 liters (5.3 cu. ft.) with all seats in place to a maximum of 1700 liters (60.03 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The Zafira’s dimensions are 4317 mm (169.96 in.) in length, 1742 mm (68.58 in.) in width, and 1634 mm (64.33 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2694 mm (106.06 in.). The drag coefficient is 0.33.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira A (facelift 2003) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2 DTI (125 Hp) |
| 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) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg, 33.6 UK mpg, 11.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.4 l/100 km (43.6 US mpg, 52.3 UK mpg, 18.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 187 km/h (116.2 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1500 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Y22DTR |
| Engine displacement | 2171 cm3 (132.48 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 98 mm (3.86 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7.9 l (8.35 US qt | 6.95 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1485 kg (3273.86 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2085 kg (4596.64 lbs.) |
| Max load | 600 kg (1322.77 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 | 1523 mm (59.96 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1513 mm (59.57 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 | 5 gears, manual 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 | 15 |
The Opel Zafira A (facelift 2003) 2.2 DTI, while never officially available in the US market, was a significant vehicle in Europe, offering a practical and versatile solution for families. Its combination of fuel efficiency, spaciousness, and innovative seating arrangements made it a popular choice in the compact minivan segment.
