Review: Opel ZJ Zafira (2013)

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