The Opel Zafira B 2.2i 16V Automatic, produced between 2005 and 2008, represents a significant iteration of Opel’s popular compact minivan. Positioned as a family vehicle in the European market, the Zafira B offered a flexible seating arrangement, typically accommodating seven passengers, and a focus on practicality. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Zafira B provides insight into the European minivan segment and Opel’s engineering during this period. This model aimed to balance affordability, functionality, and a reasonable level of performance for everyday driving needs.
Opel Zafira B 2.2i 16V: A Detailed Overview
The Zafira B built upon the success of the original Zafira, introducing a more refined design and improved features. It competed directly with other European minivans like the Renault Scenic, Citroën Picasso, and Volkswagen Touran. The “B” designation signifies the second generation of the Zafira, bringing with it advancements in safety, comfort, and engine technology. The 2.2i 16V variant, equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission, was a common configuration, offering a blend of power and convenience for drivers prioritizing ease of use.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Zafira B 2.2i 16V is a 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated the Z22YH. This naturally aspirated engine produces 150 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 215 Nm (158.58 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration allows for a reasonable power output for its displacement, resulting in a power-to-liter ratio of 68.2 hp/l.
Performance figures indicate a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 11.6 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 11 seconds. The Zafira B 2.2i 16V achieves a maximum speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg) combined, with 11.6 l/100 km (20.3 US mpg) in urban conditions and 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. The engine meets Euro 4 emission standards, reflecting the environmental regulations in place during its production period. The weight-to-power ratio is 10.5 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 7.3 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira B is a five-door minivan designed to maximize interior space and versatility. Its key feature is the Flex7 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 in place, the trunk offers 140 liters (4.94 cu. ft.) of space, expanding to a substantial 1820 liters (64.27 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded.
The exterior design of the Zafira B is characterized by its rounded lines and relatively compact dimensions for a seven-seater. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard equipment. The vehicle’s suspension utilizes a spring strut setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, providing a balance between ride comfort and handling. The Zafira B’s interior focused on practicality, with durable materials and a functional dashboard layout. Standard features typically included power windows, central locking, and air conditioning. 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) | 2.2i 16V (150 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | July, 2005 |
| End of production | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.6 l/100 km (20.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 215 Nm @ 4000 rpm (158.58 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z22YH |
| Engine displacement | 2198 cm3 (134.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 86 mm (3.39 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 94.6 mm (3.72 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 12:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5 l (5.28 US qt | 4.4 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7.1 l (7.5 US qt | 6.25 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1570 kg (3461.26 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2135 kg (4706.87 lbs.) |
| Max load | 565 kg (1245.61 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 | 1635 mm (64.37 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2703 mm (106.42 in.) |
| Front track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic 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 |



