The Opel Zafira Tourer C 1.6 Turbo Ecotec is a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) produced by the German manufacturer Opel from 2014 to 2016. Representing the third generation of the Zafira, the Tourer C aimed to blend practicality, fuel efficiency, and a more refined driving experience. While not officially sold in the United States, the Zafira has been a popular choice in Europe as a family vehicle, known for its flexible seating configurations and spacious interior. This particular variant, equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, offered a balance of performance and economy for the European market.
Opel Zafira Tourer C: Overview and Market Position
The Zafira line, first introduced in 1999, quickly gained recognition for its innovative Flex7 seating system, allowing for versatile passenger and cargo configurations. The Tourer C, built on General Motors’ Delta platform, represented a significant step forward in terms of design, technology, and overall refinement. Positioned within the competitive European MPV segment, it competed with vehicles like the Renault Scenic, Citroën C4 Picasso, and Ford C-Max. The Zafira Tourer C distinguished itself with its focus on a more car-like driving experience compared to some of its more utilitarian rivals.
Engine & Performance
The Zafira Tourer C 1.6 Turbo Ecotec is powered by a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine, designated the B16SHL. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to produce 170 horsepower at 4750-6000 rpm and 260 Nm (191.77 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1650 and 4500 rpm. The turbocharging system provides a broad torque curve, enhancing responsiveness and drivability. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, the Zafira Tourer C achieves a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 205 km/h (127.38 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 5.8-6.1 liters per 100 kilometers (40.6-38.6 US mpg) in combined driving, with CO2 emissions ranging from 153-161 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Zafira Tourer C features a modern and aerodynamic exterior design, departing from the more boxy aesthetics of previous generations. Its sculpted lines and prominent front grille contribute to a more dynamic appearance. The vehicle’s five-door configuration provides easy access to the spacious interior. The hallmark of the Zafira remains its flexible seating arrangement. The Flex7 system allows for up to seven passengers, with the third-row seats folding flat into the floor when not needed, maximizing cargo space. With all rear seats folded, the Zafira Tourer C offers a substantial 1792 liters (63.28 cu. ft.) of cargo volume. Standard features included ABS, electric power steering, and a range of comfort and convenience options. Safety features were a priority, with the Zafira Tourer C incorporating advanced driver-assistance systems available at the time, such as lane departure warning and traffic sign recognition.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira Tourer C |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 Turbo Ecotec (170 Hp) Automatic 7 Seat |
| Start of production | November, 2014 |
| End of production | May, 2016 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | MPV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.0-8.2 l/100 km (29.4 – 28.7 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.5-4.8 l/100 km (52.3 – 49 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.8-6.1 l/100 km (40.6 – 38.6 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 153-161 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 205 km/h (127.38 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 4750-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 260 Nm @ 1650-4500 rpm (191.77 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B16SHL |
| Engine displacement | 1598 cm3 (97.52 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 79 mm (3.11 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1653 kg (3644.24 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2395 kg (5280.07 lbs.) |
| Max load | 742 kg (1635.83 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 152 l (5.37 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1792 l (63.28 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 58 l (15.32 US gal | 12.76 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1500 kg (3306.93 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Length | 4656 mm (183.31 in.) |
| Width | 1884 mm (74.17 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 1928 mm (75.91 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2100 mm (82.68 in.) |
| Height | 1685 mm (66.34 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2760 mm (108.66 in.) |
| Front track | 1577 mm (62.09 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1577 mm (62.09 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.9 m (39.04 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
The Opel Zafira Tourer C 1.6 Turbo Ecotec, while not available in the US market, represented a significant offering in the European MPV segment, providing a compelling combination of practicality, efficiency, and a relatively engaging driving experience.
