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 a relatively efficient powertrain, making it a competitive choice in the crowded European MPV segment. The 2.2i 16V model, equipped with a 150 horsepower engine and automatic transmission, was a common configuration, appealing to buyers seeking a balance between performance and ease of driving.
Opel Zafira B (2008-2010): A European Family Hauler
The Zafira B facelift brought with it styling updates, improved interior materials, and refinements to the engine lineup. It continued Opel’s tradition of offering a flexible seating arrangement, with the ability to accommodate up to seven passengers. The Zafira’s key selling point was its spacious interior and modular design, allowing owners to quickly adapt the vehicle to varying passenger and cargo needs. Its focus was on providing a practical and comfortable solution for families, rather than outright performance or luxury.
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 5,600 rpm and 215 Nm (158.58 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4,000 rpm. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. While not a particularly powerful engine, it provided adequate performance for everyday driving and highway cruising. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 11.6 seconds, with a top speed of 190 km/h (118.06 mph). Fuel economy 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 conditions and 6.4 l/100km (36.8 US mpg) on the open road. The engine meets Euro 4 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Zafira B is a five-door minivan, offering seating for five to seven passengers depending on the configuration. Its design prioritized practicality and space efficiency. 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. A key feature was the Flex7 seating system, which allowed the second and third-row seats to be folded flat or even removed completely, creating a large cargo area. Standard safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Other features included a steering rack and pinion system, ventilated front disc brakes, and disc brakes on the rear. The vehicle’s drag coefficient is 0.31, contributing to reasonable aerodynamic efficiency. The interior was designed with family use in mind, featuring durable materials and numerous storage compartments.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira B (facelift 2008) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.2i 16V (150 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) | 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 | 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 |
| 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 | 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 (Back) track | 1510 mm (59.45 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.31 |
| Minimum turning circle | 10.9 m (35.76 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Gearbox type | automatic 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 (2008-2010) 2.2i 16V Automatic, while not a performance vehicle, offered a compelling package for families seeking a spacious, versatile, and relatively efficient minivan. Its focus on practicality and adaptability made it a popular choice in the European market, and its robust engineering ensured its longevity and reliability.
