The Opel Zafira A (T3000) 1.8 16V Automatic, produced between 1999 and 2000, represents a significant entry into the compact minivan segment for the German automaker. While not initially sold in the United States, the Zafira was a pivotal model for Opel in Europe, offering a versatile and practical vehicle designed to meet the needs of growing families. It distinguished itself with its innovative seating configuration and relatively affordable price point. This article details the technical specifications and characteristics of this particular iteration of the Zafira A.
Opel Zafira A (T3000): A Detailed Overview
The Zafira A, launched in 1999, was Opel’s first foray into the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) market. The “T3000” designation refers to the platform code used for this generation. It quickly gained popularity due to its flexible interior, capable of seating up to seven passengers. The 1.8 16V engine paired with an automatic transmission was a common configuration, offering a balance between performance and convenience for European drivers. The Zafira A aimed to provide a spacious and adaptable vehicle for everyday use, competing with models like the Renault Scenic and Citroën Xsara Picasso.
Engine & Performance
The Zafira A 1.8 16V is powered by a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the X18XE1. This naturally aspirated engine produces 115 horsepower (Hp) at 5400 rpm and 170 Newton-meters (125.39 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3400 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration contributes to a reasonable power output for its displacement, resulting in a power-to-liter ratio of 64 Hp/l.
Performance figures indicate a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 14 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 13.3 seconds. The Zafira A 1.8 16V achieves a maximum speed of 175 km/h (108.74 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 11.5 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.8 kg/Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 12.2 l/100 km (19.3 US mpg) in urban driving and 7 l/100 km (33.6 US mpg) in extra-urban conditions. The engine has a compression ratio of 10:1 and requires 4.25 liters (4.49 US qt) of engine oil.
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. A key feature of the Zafira A is its flexible seating arrangement, allowing for various configurations to maximize cargo space or passenger comfort. The rear seats can be folded flat into the floor, creating a large, flat load area.
Safety features for the time included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The Zafira A utilizes a hydraulic power steering system and a steering rack and pinion for responsive handling. The suspension consists of coil springs on both the front and rear axles. The vehicle rides on 195/65 R15 tires mounted on 6J x 15 inch wheel rims. The drag coefficient of 0.33 contributes to reasonable aerodynamic efficiency. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 142 liters (5.01 cu. ft.) with all seats in use to a maximum of 1705 liters (60.21 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira A (T3000) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 16V (115 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | April, 1999 |
| End of production | June, 2000 |
| 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 Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 64 Hp/l |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 3400 rpm (125.39 lb.-ft. @ 3400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X18XE1 |
| Engine displacement | 1796 cm3 (109.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.25 l (4.49 US qt | 3.74 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.4 l (6.76 US qt | 5.63 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1320 kg (2910.1 lbs) |
| Max. weight | 2040 kg (4497.43 lbs) |
| Max load | 720 kg (1587.33 lbs) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 142 l (5.01 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1705 l (60.21 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 58 l (15.32 US gal | 12.76 UK gal) |
| Length | 4317 mm (169.96 in) |
| Width | 1740 mm (68.5 in) |
| Height | 1630 mm (64.17 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2694 mm (106.06 in) |
| Front track | 1470 mm (57.87 in) |
| Rear track | 1487 mm (58.54 in) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.33 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | 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 |
| Power steering | Hydraulic |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
The Opel Zafira A (T3000) 1.8 16V Automatic, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a practical and versatile solution for families in Europe. Its flexible interior, combined with a reasonably efficient engine and automatic transmission, made it a popular choice in the compact minivan segment. It laid the groundwork for subsequent Zafira generations, which continued to evolve and refine the MPV concept.
