The Opel Zafira Tourer C, specifically the 1.6 Turbo (170 hp) variant, represents a mid-cycle refresh of the third-generation Zafira, produced from May 2018 to March 2019. This model year saw a facelift aimed at modernizing the vehicle’s aesthetics and refining its powertrain options. Positioned as a mainstream offering within the Zafira Tourer C range, the 1.6 Turbo served as a balance between affordability and performance, appealing to families seeking a practical and reasonably efficient MPV. It sat between the lower-powered diesel options and the more expensive, higher-specification trims.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Zafira Tourer C 1.6 Turbo is the A16SHL engine, a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine is part of Opel’s family of small displacement turbocharged engines, designed to deliver a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. It features direct fuel injection, a technology that improves combustion efficiency and reduces emissions. The engine utilizes a single scroll turbocharger with an intercooler to boost power output. The engine’s valvetrain employs four valves per cylinder, contributing to improved breathing and overall performance.
The 1.6 Turbo engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, which was the standard offering for this variant. This transmission was chosen for its efficiency and driver engagement. The gearbox features a conventional shift pattern and is designed to work in harmony with the engine’s torque curve. The drivetrain is front-wheel drive, typical for vehicles in this class.
Engine Specifications
The D16SHL engine produces a maximum power output of 170 hp (125 kW) at 4750-6000 rpm, and a peak torque of 280 Nm (206.52 lb-ft) between 1650 and 4500 rpm. This torque delivery provides good responsiveness in everyday driving situations. The engine has a compression ratio of 9.5:1 and a displacement of 1598 cm³ (97.52 cu. in.).
Driving Characteristics
The Zafira Tourer C 1.6 Turbo offers a comfortable and composed driving experience. The 170 hp engine provides adequate power for typical family duties, including highway cruising and carrying a full load of passengers. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 9.5 seconds, which is competitive within its segment. The six-speed manual transmission allows drivers to maintain optimal engine speed for efficient cruising or spirited acceleration. The turbocharger provides a noticeable boost in power when accelerating, enhancing the overall driving experience. While not a performance-oriented vehicle, the 1.6 Turbo offers a pleasant and refined driving experience for everyday use.
Compared to the diesel variants, the 1.6 Turbo offers a more responsive and linear power delivery. However, it typically achieves slightly lower fuel economy. Compared to higher-powered gasoline engines available in other Zafira trims, the 1.6 Turbo prioritizes fuel efficiency and affordability over outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Zafira Tourer C 1.6 Turbo typically came equipped with a range of standard features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and safety. Standard equipment generally included air conditioning, power windows, power mirrors, a basic audio system with USB connectivity, and ABS brakes. Safety features such as electronic stability control and multiple airbags were also standard.
Optional extras available for this trim level included features such as a touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, automatic climate control, parking sensors, a panoramic sunroof, and leather upholstery. The interior typically featured cloth upholstery and a functional dashboard layout. Trim levels varied slightly depending on the specific market, but the 1.6 Turbo generally represented a mid-range offering with a good balance of features and price.
Chassis & Braking
The Zafira Tourer C 1.6 Turbo utilizes a MacPherson strut suspension system at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam suspension at the rear. This suspension setup provides a comfortable ride quality and predictable handling characteristics. The front brakes are disc brakes, while the rear brakes are also disc brakes, providing adequate stopping power for the vehicle’s weight. The steering system is an electric power steering system, offering light and precise steering feel. The vehicle is equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as standard, enhancing braking performance and stability. The tires are typically sized 255/50 R17, providing good grip and handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Opel Zafira Tourer C 1.6 Turbo received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. It was praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and practical features. The 1.6 Turbo engine was considered a good compromise between performance and fuel efficiency. However, some critics noted that the engine could feel slightly underpowered when fully loaded. Fuel economy figures ranged from 7.0 to 7.4 l/100 km (33.6 – 31.8 US mpg), which was competitive within its segment.
Compared to the diesel variants, the 1.6 Turbo offered a more refined driving experience but slightly lower fuel economy. Compared to higher-powered gasoline engines, it provided a more affordable option with adequate performance for most drivers. The Zafira Tourer C 1.6 Turbo competed with other MPVs such as the Ford C-Max, Volkswagen Touran, and Citroën C4 Picasso.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Opel |
| Model | Zafira |
| Generation | Zafira Tourer C (facelift 2016) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.6 Turbo (170 Hp) |
| Start of production | May, 2018 |
| End of production | March, 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | MPV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.8-9.5 l/100 km (26.7 – 24.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.9-6.2 l/100 km (39.9 – 37.9 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 7.0-7.4 l/100 km (33.6 – 31.8 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 160-170 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 211 km/h (131.11 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-Temp |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 170 Hp @ 4750-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1650-4500 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | D16SHL |
| 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 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.3 l (6.66 US qt | 5.54 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1589-1616 kg (3503.15 – 3562.67 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2335-2360 kg (5147.79 – 5202.91 lbs.) |
| Max load | 744-746 kg (1640.24 – 1644.65 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 710 l (25.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1860 l (65.69 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%) | 1650 kg (3637.63 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4666 mm (183.7 in.) |
| Width | 1884 mm (74.17 in.) |
| Height | 1660 mm (65.35 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2760 mm (108.66 in.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
Legacy
The Opel Zafira Tourer C 1.6 Turbo, while not the most powerful or fuel-efficient variant, remains a popular choice in the used car market. Its reliability is generally considered good, with the 1.6 Turbo engine proving to be relatively robust. Common issues, if any, typically relate to the turbocharger or fuel injection system, but these are not widespread. The Zafira Tourer C’s spacious interior and practical features continue to appeal to families seeking a versatile and affordable MPV. As a result, well-maintained examples of the 1.6 Turbo variant can still command reasonable prices in the used car market.
