A unique blend of exceptional versatility and optimum comfort has characterized the Opel Zafira ever since the Rüsselsheim-based company revealed its revolutionary integrated seven-seat system in the compact van segment in 1999. Opel has sold around 2.7 million units of the Zafira since, mainly to families and professionals who need a spacious and flexible vehicle for travelling long distances in high comfort. Soon available for sale and delivered as of September, the new Zafira will not only shine with all of the well-known virtues of its predecessors such as the Flex7® seating system, ergonomically-certified AGR front seats, the FlexFix® bicycle carrier or FlexRide adaptive damping – it also comes with an attractive new exterior and interior design that emphasizes the spacious ambience and an outstanding connectivity offering. Latest generation Opel IntelliLink infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility along with Opel OnStar (including 4G/LTE Wi-Fi hotspot where available) make sure the Zafira offers optimum connectivity to you, your friends or family while on the road. Furthermore, Opel will introduce full LED Adaptive Forward Lighting headlamps to the segment – to make the classy new Zafira in total a comfortable travelling lounge for its driver as well as its passengers.
Sporty exterior, up-market interior
The dynamic new headlamp design together with a completely new, more markedly sporty upper and lower grille set the tone for the design of the new Zafira. The front headlamps melt into the radiator grille to form a graphic unity. The sculptural chrome logo bar blends optically into the headlights enhancing the impression of width. In addition, the typical, precisely chiseled ‘Opel double wing’ daytime running lights characterize the new light cluster design. The wheels are housed under a muscular wheel arch. All of this gives the new Zafira front a solid, sporty and dynamic appearance.
“The front design of the new Zafira takes over the major characteristics of the one of the award winning new Astra, and anchors it in Opel’s new portfolio. Its sharp, precise double-winged daytime running lights convey a new level of sophistication, which is also reflected in the interior by a completely redesigned instrument panel. It is purer, clearer and easier to use,” said Mark Adams, Vice-President, GM Europe Design.
On the inside, the new Zafira comes with a completely redesigned cockpit, now with a simpler, more elegant layout. The new design not only optimizes forward visibility, but also ensures the display and controls all sit within an optimal reach zone. The screen of the infotainment system that used to sit at the top of the center console has been replaced with a new, lower and integrated touchscreen that allowed for many buttons to be eliminated. The switches are now integrated precisely into the overall design. Framed by a galvanized u-shaped décor, the new 7-inch up-level touchscreen systems have been executed with quality inspired by top-of-the-range tablets. The new, three-dimensionally sculptured steering wheel with the small and efficiently packaged airbag cover is designed to not only look great, but to also put ergonomics in the forefront.
Opel will offer two latest generation IntelliLink infotainment systems for the new Zafira. R4.0 IntelliLink will bring the world of smartphones to the travelling lounge, offering both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Furthermore, Opel will offer Navi 950 IntelliLink for customers looking for an infotainment system with on-board navigation. And of course, in addition, Opel OnStar is available in the new Zafira with Automatic Crash Response and many other features including Destination Download (with Navi 950) and 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot where available (enables connecting up to seven devices, one for each of the seven persons onboard). This results in a real plus for family travels or professionals who want to stay as connected as possible during their travels.
Benchmark versatility combined with airy lounge atmosphere
Just like in the previous Zafira generations, the driver and passenger can look forward to a relaxing drive thanks to the optional 6-way adjustable ergonomically certified AGR sport seats and the multi-functional FlexRail® console system. This modular storage system includes a large storage box and cup-holders that slide on aluminum rails to the desired position, enabling flexible use of the generous storage space between the front seats – exactly where it is most accessible and useful. Passengers in the second row can enjoy the unique, optional Lounge Seating system. Thanks to a clever folding mechanism, the back of the middle seat in the second row folds down and rotates to offer comfortable armrests for the passengers in the outer seats. These also slide to the rear and towards the center of the vehicle, providing especially generous leg and shoulder room, and the comfortable seating space of a premium-class sedan. Furthermore, third-row seats can be folded down flush with the floor of the luggage compartment, thus creating a level load surface. This emphasis on personal comfort makes the Zafira much more than just a family vehicle – Opel designers have turned the flexible interior into a place to relax and enjoy the spacious atmosphere, be it on a business trip or a vacation.
The feeling of comfort and space proposed by the new Zafira becomes even more impressive when combined with the optional panoramic windscreen and sunroof. The windscreen stretches from the engine hood up to near the B-pillar. The view upwards for the front occupants is there as unrestricted as possible. In addition, the panoramic sunroof flows directly out of the windscreen and stretches all the way to the rear of the vehicle. This boosts the light, airy lounge atmosphere throughout the interior.
Clever stowage solutions
But the new Zafira offers much more than “just” an extremely comfortable way to travel. The travelling lounge can easily double as a small transporter. In a 5-seat configuration, the Zafira can carry according to ISO 3832 a minimum load volume of 710 liters (increasing to 1,860 liters when the second-row seats are folded down).
Furthermore, it features more than 30 storage possibilities, including the aforementioned FlexRail® center console. Additionally, the FlexFix® rear-end carrier system offers an easy-to-use and practical solution for cycling enthusiasts. The integrated system slides out of the rear bumper like a drawer and can accommodate up to four bicycles. As the loaded bicycle carrier can be tilted, the tailgate can still be opened even when FlexFix is fully loaded.
Innovative, safe, customizable, dynamic
Elsewhere, Opel engineers have once again followed Opel’s strategy of making innovative technology available to a broad group of buyers by introducing new Adaptive Forward Lighting LED headlamps. The new AFL LED system automatically adapts the lighting patterns of the headlamps to the driving situation so that the optimum light performance is given without dazzling other drivers. It features nine different functions/lighting patterns such as town light, country light, a curve and cornering function, backing-up maneuvering light, a stop mode light (eco) and tourist mode.
Furthermore, the new generation of the Opel Eye front camera has a positive impact on all the driver assistance functions it supports, including the High Beam Assist of the AFL LED lighting system and the Traffic Sign Assistant. Following Distance Indication (FDI) also utilizes the front camera to detect moving vehicles ahead, whereas Forward Collision Alert provides visible and audible caution alerts when the distance between the car and the vehicle ahead diminishes too quickly. Lane Departure Warning is activated automatically at speeds over 60 km/h and warns the driver, in case the lane is left unintentionally with a telltale in the instrument panel and an audible warning.
Two further features available in the new Zafira that increase comfort and reduce stress are Adaptive Cruise Control and FlexRide. Enabled by a radar located behind the front grille, the Adaptive Cruise Control helps the driver to maintain the selected speed while keeping a pre-set distance to the vehicle ahead. In addition to speed, the desired gap to the vehicle ahead can also be selected by the driver – with three options available: far, medium, near. Elsewhere, the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide chassis continuously adapts vehicle behavior to the driving situation, driving style and the individual preferences of the driver. Potential Zafira buyers will also have a large choice of engines. Opel will maintain its current strategy of ensuring that the new Zafira is the only vehicle in its segment with a complete propulsion offering consisting of dynamic gasoline, diesel, LPG and CNG engines.