The Opel Zafira B 1.6i 16V, produced from 2005 to 2006, represents a significant iteration in Opel’s popular compact minivan line. Part of the second generation of the Zafira (the Zafira B, built from 2005-2014), this model was primarily aimed at the European market, offering a versatile and practical seven-seat configuration. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira, in its various generations, has been a mainstay for families seeking space and functionality in Europe. The 1.6i 16V variant, with its 105 horsepower engine, provided a balance between affordability and usability for everyday driving.
Opel Zafira B 1.6i 16V: An Overview
The Zafira B built upon the innovative design of the original Zafira, introducing improvements in space, comfort, and safety. The 1.6i 16V model specifically targeted buyers looking for a fuel-efficient and reasonably priced family vehicle. Its key selling points included its flexible seating arrangement, allowing for various configurations to maximize passenger and cargo space. The Zafira B competed with other European minivans like the Renault Scenic and Citroën Picasso, offering a compelling alternative in a crowded segment.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Zafira B 1.6i 16V is a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the Z16XEP. This engine produces 105 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 150 Nm (110.63 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3900 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provided adequate power for typical driving conditions. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 14.3 seconds, and 0 to 60 mph is achieved in around 13.6 seconds. The top speed is rated at 176 km/h (109.36 mph). Fuel economy figures are rated at 7.3 liters per 100 kilometers combined (32.2 US mpg, 38.7 UK mpg), with urban consumption at 9.4 l/100km (25 US mpg) and extra-urban at 6.1 l/100km (38.6 US mpg). The engine meets Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira B 1.6i 16V is a five-door minivan designed to accommodate up to seven passengers. Its body style prioritizes practicality and space utilization. A defining feature of the Zafira is its flexible seating system, allowing the second and third-row seats to be folded flat or even removed entirely, creating a large cargo area. With all seats folded, the trunk space expands to a substantial 1820 liters (64.27 cu. ft.), while the minimum trunk capacity is 140 liters (4.94 cu. ft.). Safety features for the time included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The vehicle’s suspension consists of a spring strut setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, providing a comfortable ride. The Zafira B’s drag coefficient of 0.31 contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency. The vehicle rides on 205/55 R16 tires mounted on 6.5J x 16 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira B |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6i 16V (105 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 2005 |
| End of production | October, 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 170 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 176 km/h (109.36 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.3 kg/Hp |
| Power | 105 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 3900 rpm (110.63 lb.-ft. @ 3900 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z16XEP |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1505 kg (3317.96 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2075 kg (4574.59 lbs.) |
| Max load | 570 kg (1256.63 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) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J X 16 |
The Opel Zafira B 1.6i 16V, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a practical and versatile solution for families in Europe. Its combination of space, fuel efficiency, and affordability made it a popular choice in the compact minivan segment.
