The Opel Zafira B 1.9 CDTI, produced from 2005 to 2008, represents the second generation of Opel’s popular minivan. This seven-seater vehicle was primarily marketed in Europe as a practical and versatile family transport solution, competing with models like the Renault Scenic and Citroën Xsara Picasso. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira B offered a compelling package of space, fuel efficiency, and features that made it a significant player in the European MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) segment. The 1.9 CDTI variant, equipped with a 150 horsepower diesel engine, was a particularly popular choice due to its balance of performance and economy.
Opel Zafira B 1.9 CDTI: An Overview
The Zafira B built upon the success of the original Zafira, introducing a more refined design, improved interior space, and enhanced safety features. A key innovation was the optional “Flex7” seating system, allowing for flexible configuration of the second and third-row seats to maximize cargo space or passenger capacity. The 1.9 CDTI engine, a common powerplant in European diesels of the era, provided strong torque and reasonable fuel consumption, making it well-suited for long-distance family journeys. The Zafira B aimed to provide a comfortable and practical driving experience for families needing space and versatility.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Zafira B 1.9 CDTI is its 1.9-liter, inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated Z19DTH. This engine produces 150 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque at 2000 rpm. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power and efficiency. Fuel is delivered via a Diesel Commonrail direct injection system, contributing to improved combustion and reduced emissions. The engine’s 17.5:1 compression ratio is typical for a diesel engine, maximizing thermal efficiency. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 10.4 seconds and a top speed of 202 km/h (125.5 mph). The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle, driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. The weight-to-power ratio of 10.8 kg/Hp and weight-to-torque ratio of 5 kg/Nm demonstrate a reasonable balance between engine output and vehicle mass.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira B is a five-door minivan with a practical and functional design. Its exterior styling is characterized by smooth lines and a relatively understated appearance. The vehicle’s focus is on maximizing interior space and usability. The defining feature of the Zafira B is its seven-seat configuration, enabled by the Flex7 seating system. This system allows the second and third-row seats to be folded flat or even removed entirely, creating a large cargo area. Interior features included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Safety features, while not as advanced as modern vehicles, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and driver and passenger airbags. The Zafira B’s design prioritized practicality and family-friendliness over sporty aesthetics. Trunk space ranges from a minimum of 140 liters (4.94 cu ft) with all seats in use to a maximum of 1820 liters (64.27 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira B |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 CDTI (150 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 2005 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg, 12.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.2 l/100 km (37.9 US mpg, 45.6 UK mpg, 16.1 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 167 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 202 km/h (125.52 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2000 rpm (236.02 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z19DTH |
| Engine displacement | 1910 cm3 (116.56 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.4 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1613 kg (3556.06 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2190 kg (4828.12 lbs.) |
| Max load | 577 kg (1272.07 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 140 l (4.94 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1820 l (64.27 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 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 | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 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 |



