"Opel Zafira Tourer" is the third generation of Zafira family minivans, which have been produced since 2011. The spacious car with a modern design and a high level of comfort was designed by Opel for the middle class and should compete with the Ford S-MAX.
History reference
In the mid-2000s, the German automaker, which had a strong position in the European minivan market, began to experience serious pressure from competitors. And above all, from the more spacious Ford S-MAX. In 2010, the development of the third generation of Zafira began. "Tourer", according to marketers, was supposed to grow in size and become a class higher. The result is an excellent "one-volume", in terms of the set of functions and quality of finish, corresponding to business-class cars.
The Zafira Tourer concept was presented in the spring of 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show. After evaluating the opinions of potential buyers and specialists, certain changes were made. The final version of Zafira Tourer was shown in the fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The design is based on the platform Opel Astra J (Delta II).
Marketing
The first batch of brand new minivans went on sale in November 2011. The following year, a localized version for Russia began to be assembled from car kits at a site in Kaliningrad. The main production facilities are concentrated at assembly plants in Rüsselheim and Bochum (Germany).
By the way, the previous models Zafira A (until the end of 2012) and Zafira B (until 2014 inclusive) were produced in parallel. Given the difference in cost, size and technical equipment, the modifications did not compete with each other, but, on the contrary, complemented the model range of the German company. Zafira C was also sold under the trademark Vauxhall in the UK and Holden in Australia.
Description
The Tourer is a seven-seater passenger car, competing with brands such as the Ford S-MAX, SEAT Alhambra and Volkswagen Sharan, and showing much better sales. If you look at the photo of Zafira Tourer, it becomes obvious that the hero of the article has a much more expressive appearance. You can also add Renault Grand Scenic, Citroen Grand C4 Picasso and even seven-seater SUVs such as Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento to the list of rivals, but they represent a different class of cars.
The dimensions of the Tourer are superior to previous Zafira models. It provides a more comfortable seat adjustment thanks to the Flex-7 system. The ability to adjust seats has always been Zafira’s strength, but even in this larger version, the rear seats are only suitable for children. The central middle-row seat can be replaced with wide armrests for the side passengers or can install an additional Flex-Rail storage system in its place, which will further enhance practicality on long journeys.
Exterior
Designers managed to bring their zest to the design of Zafira Tourer. She, of course, is the original shape of the headlamp unit. The developers say they took the boomerang contour as a basis. But if you look at the car from a distance, in front of it resembles the outlines of a moth spreading its wings.
The radiator grill is divided into two parts by an X-shaped bumper. Chrome-plated horizontal stripes glisten attractively in the sun or cast off the glare of neon advertising lights in a large city. The silhouette of the body has an original shape due to the glazing line tapering towards the end. Various types of gauges are available for the car, both in diameter and in the shape of alloy wheels.
The back has a typical layout for minivans. A small spoiler over the trunk is designed to improve aerodynamics. A forward bumper may seem convenient for someone - you can put things on it before loading. A pleasant trifle is the wiper blade of the wide window of the tailgate. The side lights are petal-shaped and decorated with red LEDs.
After restyling in 2016, the appearance has undergone changes. Boomerang headlights were replaced with more practical, but no less interesting. The X-shaped bumper disappeared, the front end looked like an Opel Astra K. Some people compare it to the "face of a smiling robot."
Interior
As befits a car claiming to be a business segment, the interior combines three key characteristics: beauty, convenience and quality. Depending on the configuration, the Opel Zafira Tourer can be made in various color combinations. Especially amazing looks the interior in a cream-gray design with light accents.
The front seats are very comfortable and adjustable in all axes. They have pronounced lateral support and are separated by a wide glove box-armrest. All seats (including optional) are equipped with head restraints. Seats are wide, except for the central one, which is a bit narrower. But it will easily accept an adult rider. Surprisingly, cup holders are provided even in the design of the rear folding seats.
Dashboard
This is an example of elegance, somewhat reminiscent of a spreading airplane. Metal inserts emphasize the high level of the vehicle. Scales of measuring instruments are hidden in deep wells and in addition are covered with a wide visor.
According to fashion trends, the gear lever is raised high. Most of the central rack is occupied by an on-board computer and selectors for controlling the multimedia system and climate control.
Specifications of Zafira Tourer
The suspension is a triumph of engineering and is equipped with the FlexRide intelligent help system. The front segment is attached to the body via a subframe, which reduces vibration and noise. The back is a hybrid of the Watt mechanism and the twisted beam. FlexRide has 3 driving modes:
- active Sport;
- comfortable tour;
- Standard mode.
The range of power units includes two types of gasoline engines with a volume of 1.4 liters with a turbocharger and 1.8 liters. The most popular 1.4-liter capacity of 140 liters. from. It works in tandem with either a 6-speed “automatic” or a 6-speed manual gearbox. Diesel engines are represented by two economical models with a capacity of 130 and 165 liters. from.
Types of equipment:
- Essentia 1.8 5MT (115 hp). The designation indicates the volume of the engine, the type of gearbox and the number of gears.
- Enjoy 2.0D 6AT (130 hp).
- Business Edition 1.4 6AT / 6MT (140 hp).
- Cosmo 1.4 6AT / 6MT (140 hp).
- Enjoy 1.4 6AT (140 hp).
- Enjoy 1.8 5MT (140 hp).
- Business Edition 2.0D 6AT (165 hp).
- Cosmo 2.0D 6AT (165 hp).
Reviews
Zafira Tourer is quite popular in Russia. A comfortable cabin is easy to customize to the individual requirements of each passenger. The car has a smooth ride, thanks to electronic assistants it is almost impossible to enter by negligence into an uncontrolled skid. The motor pulls already from the bottom, responsive to the gas pedal. Pleasant little things like steering wheel heating, zone climate control, a high-quality audio system, smart headlights, automatic turn signals and even gearshift tips enhance the owners' loyalty.
Meanwhile, the car is not without flaws. First of all, it is the high cost, the complexity of the repair (the car is stuffed with electronics), expensive parts. The complaints are caused by the navigation system, which is difficult to learn and uninformative. Not everyone likes the head optics algorithm. In general, the "Tourer" evokes much more positive emotions and for many is a devoted family favorite.