The Opel Zafira B, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2008, represents a significant iteration of Opel’s popular compact minivan. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira held a prominent position in the European market as a versatile and practical family vehicle. The 2008 facelift brought styling updates, improved interior materials, and enhanced safety features. This version, equipped with the 1.8 XER engine producing 140 horsepower and paired with an automatic transmission, aimed to balance fuel efficiency with adequate performance for everyday driving. The Zafira B competed with vehicles like the Renault Scenic, Citroën C4 Picasso, and Volkswagen Touran, offering a flexible seating arrangement and a spacious interior.
Opel Zafira B (Facelift 2008) 1.8 XER: An Overview
The Zafira B facelift, produced from 2008 to 2010, continued Opel’s tradition of offering a practical and adaptable minivan. Its key selling point remained its flexible seating configuration, capable of accommodating up to seven passengers. The 1.8 XER engine variant, coupled with an automatic transmission, was designed to appeal to drivers seeking a comfortable and convenient driving experience. This model year saw improvements in refinement and technology, solidifying the Zafira B’s position as a strong contender in the European minivan segment. The Zafira’s design prioritized functionality and space, making it a popular choice for families.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2008 Opel Zafira B 1.8 XER is a 1.8-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, designated the Z18XER. This naturally aspirated engine produces 140 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 175 Nm (129.07 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3,800 rpm. The engine features multi-port fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10.5:1. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 12.9 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 12.3 seconds. The Zafira B 1.8 XER reaches a maximum speed of 182 km/h (113.09 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers (33.1 US mpg) combined, with 9.6 l/100km (24.5 US mpg) in urban settings and 5.7 l/100km (41.3 US mpg) on the open road. CO2 emissions are rated at 182 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira B is a five-door minivan offering seating for five to seven passengers, depending on the configuration. The 2008 facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including a revised front fascia, updated headlights, and a new grille. Inside, the Zafira B prioritizes practicality and space. The flexible seating system, with its ability to fold and tumble seats, allows for a variety of configurations to accommodate passengers and cargo. The interior materials were upgraded in the facelifted model, offering a more refined feel. Standard safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The Zafira B’s trunk space ranges from 540 liters (19.07 cu. ft.) with all seats in place to 1820 liters (64.27 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’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) Automatic |
| 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) | 9.6 l/100 km (24.5 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 182 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h (113.09 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 | Automatic transmission |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |



