The Opel Zafira A (T3000) 2.0 DI 16V, produced from July 1999 to June 2000, represents a significant entry into the compact minivan segment for the German automaker. This iteration of the Zafira, powered by a 2.0-liter direct injection diesel engine producing 82 horsepower, was primarily marketed in Europe. The Zafira A was notable for its innovative space management system, offering seating for up to seven passengers in a relatively compact footprint. It aimed to provide a practical and versatile vehicle for families, blending the convenience of a minivan with a more manageable size compared to larger MPVs available at the time.
Opel Zafira A (T3000) 2.0 DI 16V: An Overview
The Zafira A, launched in 1999, was Opel’s first foray into the compact people carrier market. It quickly gained popularity due to its flexible seating arrangements and relatively affordable price point. The 2.0 DI 16V model, while not the most powerful variant offered, provided a balance of fuel efficiency and adequate performance for everyday driving. Unlike many American market minivans, the Zafira A prioritized a smaller exterior size, making it more suitable for navigating narrow European city streets and parking spaces. Its design focused on maximizing interior space through clever engineering and a modular seating system.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Zafira A 2.0 DI 16V is a 1,995 cc (121.74 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine utilizes direct injection technology and a turbocharger to deliver 82 horsepower at 4,300 rpm and 185 Nm (136.45 lb.-ft.) of torque at 1,800 rpm. While the horsepower figure may seem modest by modern standards, the diesel engine’s torque characteristics provide reasonable acceleration and good pulling power. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 17 seconds, and it reaches a top speed of 160 km/h (99.42 mph). Fuel economy is a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg). The engine features an overhead camshaft (OHC) valvetrain and a compression ratio of 18.5:1. The engine code is X20DTL.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira A is a five-door minivan designed to accommodate up to seven passengers. Its body style is characterized by a relatively high roofline and a practical, functional design. The key feature of the Zafira A is its “Flex7” seating system, which allows the second and third-row seats to be folded flat into the floor, creating a large, uninterrupted cargo area. This versatility is a major selling point for families needing to transport both passengers and luggage. Safety features for the time included Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The interior is designed with practicality in mind, featuring durable materials and a focus on maximizing space. The Zafira A’s drag coefficient of 0.33 contributes to its relatively good fuel efficiency. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4,317 mm (169.96 in) in length, 1,740 mm (68.5 in) in width, and 1,630 mm (64.17 in) in height.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira A (T3000) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 DI 16V (82 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 1999 |
| End of production | June, 2000 |
| 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) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 177 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 17 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 17 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 16.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 17.4 kg/Hp, 57.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.7 kg/Nm, 129.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 82 Hp @ 4300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 41.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 185 Nm @ 1800 rpm (136.45 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | X20DTL |
| Engine displacement | 1995 cm3 (121.74 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| 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 | 1430 kg (3152.61 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2110 kg (4651.75 lbs.) |
| Max load | 680 kg (1499.14 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 (Back) track | 1470 mm (57.87 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 150 mm (5.91 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.33 |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| 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 | 6J x 15 |
The Opel Zafira A (T3000) 2.0 DI 16V, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of practicality, fuel efficiency, and versatility for European families. Its innovative seating system and compact dimensions made it a popular choice in a crowded market segment.
