Vans are practical vehicles. The Opel Zafira (C), the last generation that was created under General Motors, belongs to this genus – and it tops it all off in terms of practicality.
Since 1999, Opel has offered a van called the Zafira. Over the course of time and over four generations, this developed from a compact vehicle that was only 4.31 meters long (Zafira A) to a large sedan (Zafira D) with a length of up to 5.31 meters. The third generation (Zafira C) was on offer from 2012 to 2019; it is the last that was created under GM as the owner of the Rüsselsheimer. It still offers the flexible seven-seater seating system – at least if the first owner attached importance to it.
body and interior
With a length of 4.67 meters, the third-generation Zafira was almost 20 centimeters longer than its predecessor. Visually, it was sportier than the previous generation. The interior offers many shelves. The center console, which is subject to a surcharge and is arranged on three levels and can be moved within the levels, is practical. The models revised in 2016 – they do without the “Tourer” suffix used until then – have a modified instrument panel and a 7-inch touchscreen and therefore have a reduced number of control buttons. Externally, the facelift models can be recognized by modified lights.
For many buyers, the Zafira’s most important criterion was and still is its seat flexibility. However, those interested in used cars must make sure that the Flex7 system is on board with the C. Unlike before, it was no longer installed by default. Only the higher equipment levels drove with it from the factory. Seats six and seven were also available for an extra charge.
The individual seats in the second and optional third row can be easily folded down or hidden in the boot floor when not in use. Depending on the basic equipment, the luggage capacity is between 710 and 1860 liters (five-seater) or 152 to 1792 liters (seven-seater). Those who value comfort in the second row should pay attention to the lounge package. It was to be had in conjunction with the highest equipment level innovation. Here the middle seat can be converted into an armrest for the two outer seats. The outer seats can also be moved lengthways by 28 centimeters and sideways by 5 centimeters.
engines and propulsion
In addition to petrol and diesel, natural gas and liquid gas engines were also available. The basic version offered until 2015, a 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine with 115 hp, should be for drivers with a lot of patience and willingness to use the manual transmission. The petrol engines located above the 1.8-liter naturally aspirated have more bite, a 1.4-liter turbo with 120 hp and 140 hp. They mobilize 200 Nm each, can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h (140 hp) and consume between 6.1 and 6.7 liters on average. In addition, 1.6-liter turbo units were used, which made 136 hp, 170 hp and the top engine 200 hp. The standard consumption ranges between 6.6 and 8.5 liters, with the 136 hp and 170 hp turbo being the thirstiest engines. As an alternative to pure petrol engines, Opel also had a natural gas version with 110 kW/150 hp and an LPG version with 103 kW/140 hp in its range.
The diesel range with 1.6 and 2.0 liter engines is also extensive. The performance range extends from 110 hp to 195 hp. However, the latter was only offered for around 1.5 years between the beginning of 2014 and the end of 2015.
Power is transmitted via a manual six-speed gearbox. A six-speed automatic transmission could be ordered as an option for the petrol engines with 136, 140 and 170 hp and for the diesels with 130 hp, 165 hp and 170 hp, or was standard as with the 130 hp unit.
equipment and security
The Zafira was offered in the classic Opel equipment lines Selection, Edition and Innovation. The “Family” models advertised in the online portals with the year of construction 2012, on the other hand, are second-generation vehicles that are still in production. Many first-time buyers chose the middle comfort line “Edition”, which has the most important features such as air conditioning on board. In addition to some driving assistants such as a blind spot warning, traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control, a large panoramic windshield, ergonomic seats and the adaptive chassis “FlexRide” with electronic damper control and three driving modes were available for an extra charge. As an option, Opel offered the “FlexFix” bicycle carrier for up to four bikes.
quality
Compared to the second generation, the third performs significantly better in the main TÜV inspections. However, the TÜV inspectors register many problems with oil loss. Those interested in a used car should therefore take a look at the parking space for the selected model and/or have it inspected by a professional. Otherwise there could be a risk of expensive repairs. The brake discs also deserve a little extra attention, they wear out quite quickly. The springs on older Zafira vehicles are also not free of defects.
Conclusion: The Zafira C has an easy-to-use and variable seating system and offers plenty of space for passengers and luggage. You have to invest at least 6000 euros for an older vehicle.
