Approx. 82 PS (81 bhp; 60 kW) or 100 PS (99 bhp; 74 kW), 185 Nm or 215 Nm torque.
Fuel System
Petrol Injection:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) or Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI) for Ecotec engines.
Diesel Injection:
Direct injection (DI) or Common Rail Diesel Injection (CRDI) for diesel variants.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual gearbox (e.g., F17, F23).
Optional
Automatic Transmission:
Optional 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., AF13, AF17) for some engine variants.
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated dry single-plate clutch.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4,519 mm (177.9 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,709 mm (67.3 in) (excluding mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1,634 mm (64.3 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,400 - 1,550 kg (depending on engine and configuration).
Cargo
Cargo Volume 7 Seats Up:
Approx. 150 litres (13 cubic feet).
Cargo Volume 2 Seats Up:
Approx. 1,400 litres (49.4 cubic feet).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Euro Ncap Initial Rating:
Likely 3 or 4 stars (early models of MPVs often improved with later facelifts).
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available/standard on higher trims.
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TC/TC Plus) might be optional on higher engine variants.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard, side airbags often optional.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners for front seats, ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player, potentially with steering wheel controls on higher trims.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation system might have been available, though less common for this era.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system available on some engine/trim combinations.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Pre-wiring for a mobile phone hands-free system might be present on later 1999 models or as an option.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Petrol:
Typically every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Change Diesel:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 km (4,700 - 6,200 miles) or 12 months, depending on usage and diesel type (e.g., indirect injection vs. direct injection).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Usually around 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 4-5 years for petrol engines, subject to specific engine variant. Diesel engines might have timing chains or belts with different intervals.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Petrol:
API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A2/A3 rated, viscosity typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 (e.g., GM-LL-A-025).
Engine Oil Diesel:
API CF/CF-4 or ACEA B2/B3/B4 rated, viscosity typically 5W-40 or 10W-40 (e.g., GM-LL-B-025).
Coolant:
GM Dex-Cool or equivalent silicate-free OAT antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 rated gear oil, viscosity typically 75W-90 or 80W-90.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF fluid.
Known Issues
Early Models Common Faults:
Potential issues include swirl flap failures in diesel engines, EGR valve clogging, ABS sensor failures, minor electrical gremlins, and wear on suspension components.
Flex7 Mechanism:
Occasional stiffness or minor issues with the Flex7 seat folding mechanism if not regularly maintained or used.
Body Corrosion:
While generally good, common rust areas could include wheel arches, sill panels, and around door bottoms if not protected.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Opel Philosophy:
Focus on practical, reliable, and well-engineered German vehicles for the mass market.
Model Evolution
First Generation Launch:
Introduced in 1999, based on the Opel Astra G platform, replacing older models or filling a new segment for Opel.
Facelifts:
The 1999 model is the pre-facelift version. A significant facelift occurred around 2002.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (Rüsselsheim) and Poland (Gliwice).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Awards:
The Zafira model line generally received positive reviews for its practicality and value when launched, often recognized in family car awards.