With this article, AutoPortal continues its series of materials on choosing and buying used cars. You can browse the used car catalog on our pages by going to the "Used cars" section.
Description
- Body type compact van
- Doors/seats 5/5
- Dimensions, Length/Width/Height, mm 4465/1800/1670
- Wheelbase, mm 2705
- Curb/gross weight, kg 1430/2075
- Trunk volume, l 140/645/1820
- Fuel tank capacity, l 58
- Engines
- Petrol 4-cylinder: 1.6 L 16V (115 hp), 1.8 L 16V (140 hp), 2.0 L 16V Turbo (200 hp), 2.2 L 16V (150 hp)
- Diesel 4-cylinder: 1.7 L 16V Turbo (110/125 hp), 1.9 L 16V Turbo (120/150 hp),
- Drive type front-wheel drive
- Transmission 5- and 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- Brakes front/rear ventilated discs/discs
- Suspension front/rear independent/semi-independent
History
- 03.2005 Opel Zafira (B) introduced.
- 08.2008 Model facelift.
- 09.2011 Generation change – third generation Opel Zafira Tourer (C).
- 08.2012 Sales of Zafira (B) continue in Ukraine.
The second generation Opel Zafira was introduced in spring 2005. The car was built on a new platform, featured a fresher body design, and could still carry up to seven passengers on three rows of seats. It seems that when creating the second generation Opel Zafira, the Germans followed the original "do no harm" principle: the new model, unlike its predecessor, did not delight with revolutionary ideas.
But if the "first" Zafira, with all its practicality and versatility, was perceived only as an Astra with a tall body, then the second generation, despite sharing the platform with the Astra H/C, looks more massive, monumental, and does not evoke such associations. Three years later, a model modernization followed, which, however, boiled down to cosmetic changes in design and interior.
Body
The new generation of cars for the Russian market was produced in Poland or Russia (Kaliningrad), which did not have a very good effect on the quality of painting and assembly. For example, a common ailment of Zafira B, especially of the first years of production, was corrosion of the lower edge of the tailgate.
Special attention deserves the fact that the Zafira received the highest possible rating of five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests.
The main drawbacks and miscalculations manifested themselves almost immediately: wide front pillars that interfere when turning, small side mirrors, a constantly dirty tailgate, and a "lip" of the front bumper that suffers from curbs and deep snow. But these are all trifles that can be tolerated.
Interior
The Zafira features a "faceted" interior: build quality is fine, but the style is somewhat "cold." The interior trim and the new central console design with an elevated gear lever provide excellent ergonomics.
The number of options increased, especially after the minor facelift in 2008:
- adaptive bi-xenon headlights appeared in the standard equipment,
- seat belt reminder system,
- folding ignition key,
- new graphic display for the onboard computer, light and rain sensors,
- exterior mirrors with electric folding,
- parking sensors,
- new radio,
- panoramic roof.
In its time, the first-generation Zafira caused a sensation by offering seven seats. This concept was retained in the next generation of the model, which can be considered both an advantage and a disadvantage. Why? All manipulations with the folding third-row seats involve a bench with a one-piece cushion and a split-folding backrest. So, to let one passenger through to the back, you have to disturb all passengers in the second row. Ideally, they should even get out: you need to slide the bench forward and fold down the part of the backrest closest to the door opening - only then will you get more or less decent access to the third row.
In addition, the "one-piece" middle-row bench, although functional (all three parts of its backrest are adjustable for angle, and the narrow central section turns into a multifunctional armrest), is still not as convenient as three separate seats. But the low-mounted third-row seats will be comfortable only for children. However, most Zafira owners admit that they use them extremely rarely.
The trunk volume of the Zafira II directly depends on how many passenger seats you use. In the maximum seven-seat configuration, very little space remains for luggage, literally enough for a couple of bags.
But in the five-seat version, there is much more! Moreover, in this variant, the trunk has a regular rectangular shape and is generally convenient: the loading height, despite the third-row seats folded into the "underground," is very low. If you lift the bench cushion and slide it forward, you can get up to 1800 liters of useful volume!
And fully folded passenger seats form a veritable "wagon" – you can transport long items or, say, a two-door refrigerator.
Engines
Initially, the engine lineup included the following motors: petrol 1.6 (105 hp), 1.8 (140 hp), 2.2 with direct fuel injection (140 hp), turbocharged 2.0 (200 hp) and its version boosted to 240 hp for the OPC modification. Diesel versions included: 1.7 CDTi (100, 120, and 150 hp), as well as a 2.2-liter CDTi (125 hp).
As befits modern cars, the Zafira was equipped with engines prepared to meet modern exhaust toxicity standards. That such engines are demanding on the quality of fuels and lubricants and need timely and qualified maintenance is, I think, known to everyone.
Which Zafira modification to choose to avoid becoming a regular customer of a service station makes little difference - if operating rules are followed, more or less reliable operation can be expected from all. Those interested only in diesels should know that in the first years of production, the Zafira was still equipped with the well-proven 2.2-liter turbodiesel inherited from its predecessor. Diesels with Common Rail direct fuel injection have the same problems with our "diesel fuel" as all others.
In 2008, the engine range was revised. In particular, a new version of the 1.6-liter petrol engine appeared, whose power was increased to 115 hp, and efficiency improved. In addition, two new 1.7 CDTi turbodiesel engines with 110 and 125 hp were offered for the Zafira.
Along with traditional petrol and diesel modifications, there was also a factory "gas" version - 1.6 (97 hp). Moreover, versions running on both compressed and liquefied gas are almost equally common.
Transmission
A classic "automatic" was offered only in the top trim with the 2.2-liter engine. In other cases, the buyer had to choose between a standard manual or a "sluggish" robotic gearbox. Apparently, that is why most chose the "manual," while the "automatic" accounted for only a few percent of sales. After the Zafira facelift in 2008, due to low demand, 2.2-liter engines disappeared from price lists. Accordingly, the "automatic" became unavailable for the Zafira altogether.
On versions with a manual gearbox, the clutch is expensive to repair, and wear of its parts is programmed by the principle of clutch operation, so the likelihood that repair will be needed is high.
The reliability of wheel hub bearings is unpredictable, as they can be knocked out by one strong impact, carelessly hitting a pothole at speed. The bearings are replaced together with the hubs, that is, again, an expensive repair is guaranteed.
We would recommend refraining from purchasing a Zafira with the Easytronic robotic gearbox (possible for the version with the 1.8-liter petrol engine).
Despite the presence of only two pedals in the cabin, the essence of the gearbox is mechanical and is controlled by an electronic system using two actuators. One actuator engages and disengages the clutch, the other shifts gears. It is these actuators that need periodic adjustment. The procedure itself is simple and inexpensive, but here the key word is "periodically": according to owners, once every 25-30 thousand km is enough. However, it should be remembered that when driving with such a gearbox, there are nuances: during a short stop (for example, at a traffic light), the lever must be moved to "neutral" - otherwise accelerated wear of the clutch disc is guaranteed. Also, wheelspin is contraindicated, and you won't be able to "rock" out of mud.
Chassis
In its time, the Zafira was wonderfully good - it's not for nothing that Porsche specialists were involved in fine-tuning the handling of the first generation! That is why on the highway you are driving not just a good German minivan, but a minivan with a spirited character!
The Zafira is not as interesting at city speeds: you feel its dimensions and weight, it seems larger from the driver's seat, and controlling it in yard jams is somewhat more difficult. But on the highway - greetings from Porsche! In ruts or on uneven roads, the Zafira, as they say, is just "getting into the swing." Its signature move is high-speed corners at 100-120 km/h, which it takes with stability incredible for such a layout. Moreover, the more load, the more interesting the handling becomes.
And to ensure safety and confidence while driving, the IDS interactive driving system coordinates the operation of various active safety systems, such as the anti-lock braking system, the cornering brake control system, and the dynamic stability system.
Structurally, the Zafira suspension is simple and repairable. At the front - a single-arm design, where the ball joint can be replaced separately from the arm. The ball joint to the front suspension arm of the Zafira is attached with rivets. When replacing the joint after removing the rivets, the new ball joint can be attached with bolts.
True, the front suspension of the Zafira may require repairs more often due to less durable stabilizer links (their estimated service life is 30-50 thousand km, but the price of the links is low, and the replacement work is not labor-intensive).
The rear suspension is a simple beam. It is quite durable and should not often remind of the need for repairs.
Prices for parts and maintenance
There are no problems with maintaining the Zafira. Parts are available in stock and for every taste. Structurally, the car is not the most complex, and many operations can be done independently.
As for salvage yards, things are a bit more complicated. For now, there are not many of them, and prices are a bit "biting."
Conclusion
For many years, the first-generation Zafira simply had no rivals, which allowed it to become a truly "people's" minivan. The second generation picked up the baton, but in this market segment, the choice of similar models has become much wider, so competition is much higher. However, the Zafira II has its advantages – many people value them highly, and the cars enjoy steady demand on the secondary market.
Market prices start from $14000 and go up to $20000 (around 2008-2009).
You can browse the used car catalog on our pages by going to the "Used cars" section.
Owner opinions
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