The Opel Zafira B, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2008, represents a significant iteration of Opel’s popular compact minivan. Sold primarily in Europe, the Zafira B aimed to provide a versatile and practical vehicle for families, blending spaciousness with a relatively affordable price point. The 1.8 XER variant, equipped with a 1.8-liter gasoline engine producing 140 horsepower, was a common configuration, offering a balance between performance and fuel economy. This model competed with other European MPVs like the Renault Scenic, Citroën C4 Picasso, and Volkswagen Touran, focusing on flexible seating arrangements and user-friendly features.
Opel Zafira B (Facelift 2008) 1.8 XER: An Overview
The Zafira B facelift, launched in 2008, brought cosmetic and mechanical updates to the second-generation Zafira. These changes included revised front and rear styling, an updated interior, and improvements to the engine range. The 1.8 XER engine, a naturally aspirated inline-four, was a key component of this update, offering a reliable and reasonably efficient powerplant for the minivan. The Zafira B’s defining feature remained its flexible seating system, allowing for configurations ranging from five to seven passengers, and a large cargo area when seats were folded down. It was designed to cater to the needs of active families and those requiring a versatile vehicle for both passenger and cargo transport.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2008 Opel Zafira B 1.8 XER is the Z18XER engine, a 1.8-liter (1796 cm3) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine produces a maximum power output of 140 horsepower (104 kW) at 6300 rpm and a torque of 175 Newton-meters (129.07 lb.-ft.) at 3800 rpm. The engine utilizes multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. Power delivery is adequate for everyday driving, and the engine is known for its relative reliability. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 11.5 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in around 10.9 seconds. The Zafira B 1.8 XER has a top speed of 197 km/h (122.41 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers (31.8 US mpg) on a combined cycle, with 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg) in urban conditions and 6.0 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) on the extra-urban cycle. The engine meets Euro 5 emission standards, reflecting a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira B is a five-door minivan designed to accommodate between five and seven passengers. The facelifted model features a more modern and streamlined exterior design compared to the original Zafira B. Key design elements include a revised front grille, updated headlights, and a redesigned bumper. Inside, the Zafira B boasts a spacious and flexible cabin. The rear seats can be folded flat or even removed completely, creating a large cargo area. The optional seven-seat configuration provides additional versatility for larger families. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard. The interior design prioritizes practicality and ease of use, with a focus on creating a comfortable and functional space for both driver and passengers. The vehicle’s drag coefficient of 0.31 contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency. The Zafira B’s dimensions are: length 4467 mm (175.87 in), width 2025 mm (79.72 in), and height 1635 mm (64.37 in). The wheelbase measures 2703 mm (106.42 in).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira B (facelift 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 XER (140 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | June, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5-7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.9 l/100 km (23.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6 l/100 km (39.2 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.4 l/100 km (31.8 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 177 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 197 km/h (122.41 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 6300 rpm |
| Torque | 175 Nm @ 3800 rpm (129.07 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z18XER |
| Engine displacement | 1796 cm3 (109.6 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80.5 mm (3.17 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 88.2 mm (3.47 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.1 l (6.45 US qt | 5.37 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1503 kg (3313.55 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2075 kg (4574.59 lbs.) |
| Max load | 572 kg (1261.04 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 540 l (19.07 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 | 2025 mm (79.72 in.) |
| Height | 1635 mm (64.37 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2703 mm (106.42 in.) |
| Front track | 1488 mm (58.58 in.) |
| Rear track | 1512 mm (59.53 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |



