New Edition Of Opel Zafira Can Be Ordered Immediately
FOR RELEASE: November 13, 2002Opel Zafira - Optimized Flex7 System For Even Greater Versatility
* New look and additional equipment
* Low insurance premiums and highest resale value according to EurotaxSchwacke
* Big range from CNG-fuel to top version with 200-hp turbo engine
Rüsselsheim. Can one improve something that's already perfect? Opel's design engineers have performed this seemingly impossible task on the Zafira by making various improvements to the Flex7 seat system in this versatile seven-seat compact van. Thanks to these detail design changes, the latest edition of the Opel Zafira offers an even more versatile interior layout and greater seating comfort. It has a new, more attractive appearance and new equipment options that will further increase its appeal. Since its launch on the German market in the spring of 1999, the best-selling Zafira has topped the charts in its market segment. In the first six months of 2002, for instance, 32,748 were sold, representing a 34.1 percent market share, putting it well ahead of its competitors - and according to EurotaxSchwacke, the Opel Zafira has the most stable resale value of all vans sold in Germany.
The Flex7 seat concept converts the Zafira within seconds from a seven-seat passenger carrier to a load mover with a capacity of up to 1700 liters if only two seats are in use, all without the nuisance of having to remove seats from the vehicle. Opel designers have now made this system even more versatile. The second-row seats are now split 40:20:40 and the back of the center seat folds down, so that long objects can be carried. When folded the center section also acts as an armrest and a spacious storage compartment with cup holders. The folding backs of the two outer seats can also be reclined by six degrees for increased passenger comfort. The second row center seat now has a lap-and-shoulder seat belt and the two outer seats have provisions for ISOFIX child's seat mounts. Thanks to extended seat-rails, the driver and front-passenger benefit from an increased range of seat travel.
New edition even more attractive both inside and out
Opel has refreshed both the appearance and the interior decor of the Zafira. The latest edition has a new front grille with a bold chrome strip and rear lights with white-glass turn indicators. Inside there are new fabrics that create a fresh, pleasant atmosphere and - depending on the trim level - a center console in Charcoal Metallic (a shade of anthracite gray) or matt chrome décor. From the "Elegance" level upwards there is also a center armrest with storage compartment between the front seats and a tilting seat cushion for driver and front passenger. The Zafira "Executive" now features as standard fully-automatic, electronic climate control, which can be ordered as an option for all other Zafira models. A new extra to the Zafira program are xenon gas-discharge headlamps with tinted glass, automatic beam leveling and high-pressure cleaning system. All Zafira OPC models now have aluminum pedals as standard and the OPC sport seats can also be ordered in signal red/black leather.
Sporty look for power diesel edition
The Zafira Edition, only available with the lively 2.2 DTI ECOTEC engine (92 kW/125 hp) will appeal to those who value dynamic appearance and the benefits of diesel power. Restyled front and rear bumpers, 17-inch alloy wheels and side skirts painted in the body color give this powerful van its sporty looks. The DSA (Dynamic SAfety) sport suspension, combined with a lowered body and powerful 2.2 liter direct injection turbo-diesel, make the Zafira Edition great fun to drive.
Big range of versions - from CNG to turbocharged OPC
The Opel Zafira attributes its very special position in the van market not only to its innovative Flex7 interior-space concept, but also to the wide range of versions on sale. There are seven engine options and six equipment lines, including for example the particularly pro-environmental Zafira 1.6 CNG, with monovalentplus compressed natural gas fuel, or the top-of-the-line Zafira OPC, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged ECOTEC engine (147 kW /200 hp). This version has a top speed of 220 km/h, thus making the Zafira OPC the fastest van on the European market. Optional equipment includes the "AutoVision" DVD Car Entertainment System and the "OnStar C@rWeb" mobile Internet and communication service.
The Opel Zafira owes its low running costs not only to the modern, economical engines but also to the extended servicing intervals and to design features aimed at making routine maintenance easier. Moderate insurance premiums are another cost-cutting factor. Since October 1, 2002 the Zafira has been reclassified in even more favorable insurance categories, with similar ratings for the gasoline- and diesel-engined versions.
Copy and pictures can be downloaded from the Internet at http://media.opel.com .
The data and equipment information in this press release applies to the models sold on the German market, and may differ in other countries. Errors and omissions excepted; subject to amendment.
