Overview

Released in Australia in November 2013, the Opel ZJ Zafira was a seven-seat people mover. Manufactured in Bochum, Germany, the front-wheel drive Zafira was powered by 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines. Both engines were mated to six-speed automatic transmissions, while the turbo-diesel engine had a Start/Stop function which enabled it to shut down when the vehicle was stationary.

The ZJ Zafira was originally intended to be released by Opel Australia in August 2013. In August 2013, however, Opel terminated its Australian retail operations and the Zafira was sold through Holden dealerships.

Dimensions and interior

Based on General Motors’ Delta II platform (shared with the Mk.4 Astra ), the ZJ Zafira was 4656 mm long, 1928 mm wide (including mirrors), 1685 mm tall and had a 2760 mm long wheelbase.

Inside, the Zafira had a 2-3-2 seating configuration and Opel’s ‘Flex7’ seating system which was designed to provide maximum flexibility without removing any of the seats. As such, the second and third rows of seats could be folded flat into the floor and Opel’s ‘Lounge Seating’ system enabled the middle second row seat to be folded down and rotated to provide an armrest for outboard seats. The outer second row seats could also slide up to 280 mm backwards for additional leg room and 50 mm in-board for additional shoulder room.

Suspension

The Zafira Tourer had MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension with Watt’s linkages.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Zafira included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with double pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , the Zafira 2.0 CDTI received a five star safety rating which included a 94 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 83 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, protection of the driver’s head, thighs and feet was rated as good, with chest and lower leg protection assessed as adequate; front passenger protection, however, was good in all areas. Maximum points were awarded in the side impact test, though in the more severe pole test, chest protection was marginal.

Features

Standard features for the Zafira Tourer included 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/50 R17 94V tyres, a seven speaker sound system with a CD player, MP3-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod) and Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, a satellite navigation system, power adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control (with speed limiter), daytime running lights, front and rear fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, automatic headlights, split and folding second- and third-row seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a power adjustable steering column (for height and reach), rear privacy glass, courtesy lamps, 12 volt power outlets, roof rails, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Zafira Luxury editions were further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 94W tyres, leather seats, heated front seats, directional bi-xenon headlights with washers and high beam control and a power sunroof.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Opel Zafira Tourer C

Overview

Released in June 2001, the Holden TT Zafira was a seven-seat people mover. Manufactured in Rayong, Thailand, the front-wheel drive Zafira was powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.

The 2.2-litre ECOTEC engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 10.0:1. Furthermore, the Zafira had MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension.

The Zafira was 4317 mm long, 1742 mm wide, 1683 mm tall and had a 2694 mm long wheelbase. Inside, the Zafira had a 2-3-2 seating configuration. The second row of seats had a through-loading hatch and 60/40 split fold capability and could be folded and secured against the front seat backs; similarly, the third row of seats could also be folded forward to form a flat floor.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Holden Zafira included dual front airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and front seatbelts with pyrotechnic pretensioners with load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2001 Opel Zafira – as the Zafira was sold in Europe – that was fitted with a 1.8-litre petrol engine received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 22. In the frontal offset impact test, chest protection for the driver was poor, with marginal protection for the driver’ s head, legs and feet; for the front passenger, chest protection was also marginal. As such, the Zafira’ s body was judged to be inadequate for protecting in more extreme crashes. In the side impact, however, the Zafira received maximum points.

Features

Standard features for the Holden Zafira included an 80-watt Blaupunkt sound system with six speakers and a CD player, air conditioning (with pollen filter), cruise control, remote central locking with deadlocking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable driver’s seat, heat reflective windscreen, roof rails and an immobiliser.

May 2003: Zafira update

In May 2003, the Zafira was updated with lap/sash seatbelts for all seats, 40/20/40 split-fold second row seats, additional travel for the driver’ s seat, a second row centre armrest (with cup holders) and new wheel covers.

2003 Zafira Equipe

In May 2003, a limited-run Equipe edition was released; compared to the updated Zafira, the Equipe was distinguished by its 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, rear cargo blind, rear power windows, trip computer and metallic paint.

Related links

• Holden Media Archive: The All-New Holden Zafira (June 2001)
• Holden Media Archive: Holden Enhances TT Zafira (April 2003)
• Holden Media Archive: Zafira Specifications (April 2003)
• Holden Media Archive: Holden Releases Limited Edition Zafira Equipe (September 2003)
• Features: Holden TT Zafira (December 2004)
• Wikipedia.org: Opel Zafira A

Recalls: Opel ZJ Zafira

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Opel ZJ Zafira

2012-13 Opel ZJ Zafira: owner’s manual omissions

In July 2014, a recall was issued for Opel Zafira vehicles that were manufactured from 14 December 2012 to 27 June 2013. In these vehicles, the owners’ manual did not contain some specific information required for Australia, such as child restraint loading precautions. To rectify this problem, Holden was to send owners an updated manual (via registered post). The recalled vehicles had VINs in the range W0LPE9EN6D2043436 to W0LPE9EZ1D2099724 (PRA 2014/14209).

2013 model year Opel Zafira: Takata airbag recall

In August 2018, a recall was issued for 2013 model year Opel Zafira vehicles. The Takata driver’s airbag in these vehicles contained propellant wafers that could absorb moisture over time. In the event of a collision which triggered the driver’s airbag, excessive internal pressure could cause the metal airbag inflator housing to explode. This, in turn, would cause the metal fragments to be projected through the airbag cushion and into the cabin – these fragments posed a serious risk of injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16957.

Problems and faults: Opel ZJ Zafira

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

2013 Opel Zafira: steering column locked when accessories selected

General Motors issued a service bulletin for 2013 Opel Zafira C vehicles. In these vehicles, steering lock may engage when the ignition lock was turned back from ‘Ignition’ to ‘ACC’ (accessories) even if the ignition key was not removed. To fix, the ignition cylinder was to be replaced; it was not necessary to replace the ignition lock housing.

2013 Opel Zafira: spark plug damage

In June 2016, General Motors issued Customer Satisfaction Program E150526-ZCSP for 2013 Opel Zafira C vehicles. According to the customer satisfaction program, dealers were to re-program the engine control module (ECM) for these vehicles and – in certain specified vehicles – replace the spark plugs (part number 55490097). These measures were initiated to prevent:

• Engine damage;
• Poor engine performance; and,
• Hesitation.

Recalls: Holden TT Zafira

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Holden TT Zafira

• In June 2002, a recall was issued for Holden TT Zafira vehicles due to a bracket not being fitted to the driver’s side seat console (PRA 2002/5422).

Problems and faults: Holden TT Zafira

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Holden TT Zafira

• For early Holden TT Zafira models, the timing chain for the 2.2-litre engine could snap due to the lubrication nozzle becoming blocked – this could be due to dirty engine oil and/or irregular servicing. From March 2002 (engine no. 11065400), the nozzle design was modified.
• The ignition barrel could overheat and make it difficult to remove the ignition key – damage to the ignition key assembly could cause the starter motor to short-circuit and require replacement.
• In isolated cases, the parking brakes on the rear wheels have failed to restrain the vehicle.

Released in Australia in November 2013, the Opel ZJ Zafira was a seven-seat people mover. Manufactured in Bochum, Germany, the front-wheel drive Zafira was powered by 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines. Both engines were mated to six-speed automatic transmissions, while the turbo-diesel engine had a Start/Stop function which enabled it to shut down when the vehicle was stationary. The Zafira was originally intended Released by Opel Australia in August 2013. In August 2013, however, Opel terminated its Australian retail operations and the Zafira was sold through Holden dealerships… Read full Opel Zafira review

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Released in June 2001, the Holden TT Zafira was a seven-seat people mover. Manufactured in Rayong, Thailand, the front-wheel drive Zafira was powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to either a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission… Read full Holden TT Zafira review

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Euro NCAP: Opel Zafira – crash and ESC testing

In Euro NCAP testing, the Zafira Tourer 2.0 CDTI received a five star safety rating which included a 94 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 83 per cent child occupant protection rating. For more information about this test, see the Euro NCAP website. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.

CarBuyer: Opel (Vauxhall) Zafira Tourer review

Please note that these videos are applicable to vehicles as they are supplied to their respective markets. As such, the features, prices and performance of the vehicles in these videos may differ from those which are supplied in Australia. In the UK, for example, Opel vehicles are sold as Vauxhalls.

Euro NCAP: Opel Zafira crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing, a 2001 Opel Zafira – upon which the Holden Zafira was based – fitted with a 1.8-litre petrol engine received a three star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 22. For further information about this testing, please go to the Euro NCAP website. Videos are provided with the permission of Euro NCAP.