The Opel Zafira Life, particularly the 2024 facelifted model with the 75 kWh electric powertrain, represents Opel’s entry into the increasingly competitive electric minivan segment. While Opel is a European brand, and the Zafira Life isn’t directly sold in the United States, understanding its position within the European market is crucial. It serves as a spacious, versatile people-carrier aimed at families and those requiring flexible passenger and cargo configurations. The Zafira Life competes with vehicles like the Volkswagen Multivan and Citroën SpaceTourer, offering a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and now, electric mobility. This iteration focuses on providing a zero-emission option without sacrificing the core functionality that made the Zafira Life a popular choice.
Opel Zafira Life: An Overview
The Zafira Life is a front-wheel-drive, five-door minivan designed to accommodate between six and eight passengers, depending on the configuration. The 2024 facelift brings updated styling, enhanced technology, and a focus on improving the overall driving experience. The introduction of the 75 kWh electric variant is a significant step towards Opel’s commitment to electrification, offering a practical and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional internal combustion engine minivans. The vehicle is built on a modular platform, allowing for various lengths and configurations to suit different needs.
Engine & Performance
The Zafira Life 75 kWh Electric is powered by a single electric motor producing 136 horsepower (Hp) and 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) of torque. This powertrain delivers smooth and quiet acceleration, making it well-suited for urban driving and longer journeys. While not designed for outright speed, the Zafira Life Electric achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 14.3 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of 13.6 seconds, with a maximum speed of 130 km/h (80.78 mph). The 75 kWh lithium-ion battery, located under the floor, provides a WLTP-certified all-electric range of 335-347 km (208.16 – 215.62 mi). Energy consumption is rated at 24.6-24.9 kWh per 100 km (39.59 – 40.07 kWh per 100 mi), translating to approximately 85-84 MPGe and a range of 4.1-4 km/kWh (2.5-2.5 mi/kWh). The front-wheel-drive configuration and single-speed automatic transmission contribute to the vehicle’s ease of use and efficiency.
Design & Features
The Opel Zafira Life maintains the practical and boxy silhouette characteristic of minivans, prioritizing interior space and functionality. The 2024 facelift includes subtle styling updates to the front fascia and rear end, giving the vehicle a more modern appearance. Key features include sliding rear doors for easy access, a spacious and configurable interior, and a range of seating arrangements to accommodate varying passenger and cargo needs. The interior is designed with comfort in mind, offering ample headroom and legroom for all occupants. Modern safety features, such as ABS (Anti-lock braking system) and advanced driver-assistance systems, are included to enhance safety and convenience. The vehicle’s design emphasizes practicality and versatility, making it an ideal choice for families, businesses, and individuals requiring a flexible and spacious vehicle.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira Life |
| Generation | Zafira Life (facelift 2024) |
| Type (Engine) | 75 kWh (136 Hp) Electric |
| Start of production | July, 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Minivan |
| Seats | 6-8 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 130 km/h (80.78 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 15.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.2 kg/Nm |
| Gross battery capacity | 75 kWh |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (WLTP) | 335-347 km (208.16 – 215.62 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (WLTP) | 24.6-24.9 kWh/100 km |
| Charging ports | Log in to see. |
| Electric motor power | 136 Hp |
| Electric motor Torque | 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) |
| Electric motor model/code | ZK01 |
| Electric motor location | Front axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor type | Synchronous |
| System power | 136 Hp |
| System torque | 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) |
| Kerb Weight | 2136-2349 kg (4709.07 – 5178.66 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3100 kg (6834.33 lbs.) |
| Max load | 751-964 kg (1655.67 – 2125.26 lbs.) |
| Max. roof load | 150 kg (330.69 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1000 kg (2204.62 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 60 kg (132.28 lbs.) |
| Length | 4981 mm (196.1 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2010 mm (79.13 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2204 mm (86.77 in.) |
| Height | 1890-1930 mm (74.41 – 75.98 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3275 mm (128.94 in.) |
| Front track | 1627 mm (64.06 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Front overhang | 904 mm (35.59 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 802 mm (31.57 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.9 m (42.32 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | One electric motor drives the front wheels. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 1 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/55 R17 101V XL |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17 |
The Opel Zafira Life Electric represents a practical and versatile solution for those seeking a spacious, comfortable, and environmentally friendly minivan. While not available in the US market, it exemplifies the growing trend towards electric vehicles in Europe and showcases Opel’s commitment to sustainable mobility.
