Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), Electronic Engine Control (ECU).
Diesel Engines:
Direct Injection Turbo (DTI), Bosch VP44 injection pump (Y20DTH).
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Silicate-free OAT coolant (Orange/Pink), GM spec 6277M or equivalent.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 - 7.5 litres (varies slightly by engine).
Lubrication
Engine Oil Specification Petrol:
API SJ/SL, ACEA A3/B3, viscosity 5W-30 or 10W-40.
Engine Oil Specification Diesel:
API CF/CF-4, ACEA B3/B4, viscosity 5W-40 or 10W-40.
Oil Capacity Petrol:
Approx. 4.5 litres (with filter).
Oil Capacity Diesel:
Approx. 5.5 litres (with filter).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual gearbox (e.g., F23).
Optional
Optional Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., AF17/AF22).
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch.
Manual Gearbox Oil:
API GL-4 specification, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Automatic Gearbox Fluid:
GM Dexron III or equivalent.
Automatic Gearbox Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 - 8.0 litres (for complete fill).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4054 mm (159.6 in)
Width:
1740 mm (68.5 in)
Height:
1686 mm (66.4 in)
Wheelbase:
2690 mm (105.9 in)
Cargo
Cargo Volume All Seats Up:
130 litres (4.6 cu ft)
Cargo Volume With 5 Seats Folded:
470 litres (16.6 cu ft)
Cargo Volume With All Seats Removed:
1400 litres (49.4 cu ft)
Weights
Kerb Weight Approx:
1390 kg - 1530 kg (depending on engine/spec).
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 2000 kg - 2100 kg.
Wheels And Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 110 mm
Wheel Size:
15-inch or 16-inch standard, 17-inch optional.
Tire Sizes:
Common sizes include 195/65 R15, 205/55 R16, 205/50 R17.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Euro Ncap Rating:
N/A (Euro NCAP testing for this model year often focused on individual components or less standardized scoring than modern ratings).
Active Features
ABS:
Standard on most models, optional on some early variants.
Traction Control:
Optional on higher trims and later models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags optional.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all seven occupants, pre-tensioners for front seats.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX mounting points for child seats in rear seating rows.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD players, with options for upgraded head units.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 4 or 6 speakers.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional on higher trim levels.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Limited or non-existent for this era; aftermarket solutions would be required.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil And Filter Change Petrol:
Every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 1 year, whichever comes first.
Oil And Filter Change Diesel:
Every 10,000 km (6,200 miles) or 1 year, whichever comes first (older interval for diesel).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 km (18,600 miles) or 2 years.
Fuel Filter Replacement Diesel:
Every 60,000 km (37,200 miles) or 3 years.
Spark Plug Replacement Petrol:
Every 60,000 km (37,200 miles) or 4 years (check specific plug type).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 120,000 km (74,500 miles) or 6 years (critical for all engines, requires replacement of tensioners and idlers).
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11 S.
Known Issues
Common Problem 1:
EGR valve clogging (diesel engines), leading to rough running and emissions issues.
Common Problem 2:
Front suspension wear (bushings, drop links), causing knocking noises and poor handling.
Common Problem 3:
Ignition coil failure (petrol engines), resulting in misfires and rough idling.
Common Problem 4:
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) issues or clogging on later diesel models (less prevalent on early 1998-2000 models but worth noting for potential later upgrades).
Common Problem 5:
Power steering pump leaks or failure.
Common Problem 6:
ABS sensor failures.
Common Problem 7:
Water pump leaks, particularly around the timing belt drive.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Vauxhall Legacy:
Vauxhall, a British automotive manufacturer, has a long history of producing popular and reliable vehicles, often sharing platforms with Opel in Germany.
Model Evolution
Zafira Introduction:
The Zafira A was launched in 1999 as Vauxhall/Opel's first compact MPV, based on the Astra G platform.
Flex7 System:
The innovative Flex7 seating system allowed for easy conversion between 5 and 7-seat configurations without seat removal, a major selling point.
Facelift:
A minor facelift occurred in 2003, but this manual covers the pre-facelift models.
Production
Production Location:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (Opel Rüsselsheim plant) and Poland (Opel Gliwice plant).
Production Period:
First generation (A) produced from 1999 to 2005.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Awards:
The Zafira was generally well-received and contributed significantly to Vauxhall/Opel's market share in the MPV segment.
Specific Accolades:
While specific major awards for the 1998-2000 models aren't widely cited, its practical design and Flex7 system were lauded by motoring press and consumers alike.