The Opel Zafira B, particularly the facelifted version introduced in 2008, represents a significant iteration of Opel’s popular compact minivan. Positioned as a family vehicle in the European market, the Zafira B aimed to provide practicality and versatility with its available seven-seat configuration and innovative features. While not officially sold in the United States, understanding the Zafira B provides insight into the European approach to multi-purpose vehicles and the technologies employed during the late 2000s. This article details the 2.2i 16V (150 horsepower) variant produced between 2008 and 2010.
Opel Zafira B (Facelift 2008) 2.2i 16V: An Overview
The Zafira B facelift, released in 2008, brought cosmetic and mechanical updates to the second-generation Zafira. These changes included revised front and rear styling, interior enhancements, and refinements to the engine lineup. The 2.2-liter gasoline engine was a key offering, providing a balance of performance and fuel economy for European drivers. The Zafira competed with other compact MPVs like the Renault Scenic, Citroën C4 Picasso, and Volkswagen Touran, all vying for the attention of families seeking a practical and spacious vehicle.
Engine & Performance
The 2008 Opel Zafira B 2.2i 16V is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.2-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated the Z22YH. This engine produces 150 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 215 Newton-meters (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. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.6 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 10.1 seconds. The Zafira B 2.2i has a top speed of 200 km/h (124.27 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 8.2 liters per 100 kilometers (28.7 US mpg) combined, with 11.3 l/100km (20.8 US mpg) in urban driving and 6.4 l/100km (36.8 US mpg) on the open road. The engine meets Euro 4 emission standards, reflecting the environmental regulations in place at the time.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira B is a five-door minivan, offering seating for up to seven passengers depending on the configuration. Its design prioritizes practicality and space utilization. The facelifted model features a more modern front fascia with revised headlights and a redesigned grille. Inside, the Zafira B offers a flexible seating arrangement with the option of folding or removing the rear seats to maximize cargo space. The trunk offers 540 liters (19.07 cu. ft.) of space with all seats in place, expanding to 1820 liters (64.27 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), contributing to enhanced braking performance. The suspension utilizes a spring strut setup at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, providing a comfortable ride. The vehicle’s drag coefficient is 0.31, contributing to aerodynamic efficiency. The steering system is a rack and pinion type, offering responsive handling.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira B (facelift 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2i 16V (150 Hp) |
| 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) | 11.3 l/100 km (20.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 197 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 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 | 10:1 |
| 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 | 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 | 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 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 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Torsion |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J X 16 |
The Opel Zafira B (facelift 2008) 2.2i 16V offered a practical and versatile solution for families in Europe. While not available in the US market, it exemplifies the design and engineering principles prevalent in European MPVs during that era, focusing on space efficiency, fuel economy, and a comfortable driving experience.
