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. This generation, produced from 2008 to 2010, offered a blend of functionality, comfort, and relatively efficient diesel power, catering to the needs of families seeking a spacious and adaptable vehicle. The 1.9 CDTI variant, equipped with an automatic transmission, was a common choice for buyers prioritizing ease of driving alongside fuel economy.
Opel Zafira B (2008-2010): A European Family Hauler
The Zafira B facelift brought subtle but important updates to the original Zafira B, refining the exterior styling and enhancing the interior features. It continued Opel’s tradition of offering a flexible seating arrangement, with options for five or seven passengers, making it a compelling alternative to larger, more expensive multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs). The Zafira’s key selling point was its ability to transform from a five-seater to a seven-seater with relative ease, providing adaptable space for varying passenger and cargo needs.
Engine & Performance
The 1.9 CDTI engine powering the 2008 Opel Zafira B is a 1.9-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine produced 120 horsepower (Hp) at 4000 rpm and 280 Newton-meters (206.52 lb.-ft.) of torque between 2000 and 2750 rpm. The engine featured a turbocharger with an intercooler, enhancing power output and efficiency. Coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Zafira B 1.9 CDTI offered smooth and convenient gear changes. Performance figures included a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 12.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 182 km/h (113.09 mph). Fuel economy was a strong point, with combined cycle consumption rated at 7.2 liters per 100 kilometers (32.7 US mpg or 39.2 UK mpg). The engine met Euro 5 emission standards, reflecting a commitment to reducing environmental impact.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira B is a five-door minivan designed to maximize interior space and versatility. Its body style prioritizes practicality, with a relatively high roofline and a boxy shape to accommodate passengers and cargo. The facelifted model featured revised front and rear styling, including updated headlights and taillights, as well as a redesigned front grille. Inside, the Zafira B offered a comfortable and functional cabin. The key feature was its Flex7 seating system, allowing the second and third-row seats to be folded flat or even removed entirely, creating a large, flat cargo area. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Safety features, crucial for a family vehicle, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and airbags. The 2008 facelift also brought improvements to interior materials and trim, enhancing the overall perceived quality.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira B (facelift 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9 CDTI (120 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2008 |
| End of production | November, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 5-7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.8 l/100 km (24 US mpg, 28.8 UK mpg, 10.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.7 l/100 km (41.3 US mpg, 49.6 UK mpg, 17.5 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.2 l/100 km (32.7 US mpg, 39.2 UK mpg, 13.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h (113.09 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 2000-2750 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft. @ 2000-2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Z19DT |
| 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 | 18:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| 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) |
| Max. weight | 2180 kg (4806.08 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 (Back) track | 1512 mm (59.53 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
The Opel Zafira B (2008-2010) 1.9 CDTI Automatic remains a testament to practical European automotive design. Its focus on versatility, fuel efficiency, and family-friendly features made it a popular choice in its segment. While not available in the US market, it represents a well-engineered and thoughtfully designed minivan that addressed the needs of a broad range of drivers.
