Attractive New Features For Opel's Successful Compact Van
FOR RELEASE: January 22, 2002Attractive New Features For Opel's Successful Compact Van
Zafira Now with Most Powerful Diesel in its Class
- New: 125-hp 2.2 DTI 16V with 280 Nm torque makes Zafira driving even more fun
- New: DVD entertainment system transforms the Zafira into a mobile cinema
- New: Zafira OPC available with convenient independent heater
Like the 2.0-liter version, the 2.2 DTI 16V ECOTEC engine is built at the engine plant in Kaiserslautern, Germany. It is a high-tech design with all the features expected of a modern 'turbodiesel': direct fuel injection, variable turbine geometry, the high fuel injection pressure of 1800 bar, four valves per cylinder and two counter-rotating balance shafts. The highly efficient fuel injection system and oxidating catalytic converter keep exhaust emissions down to today's stringent limits, aided by exhaust gas recirculation with electrically energized valves. In contrast to the conventional pneumatic control principle, these permit even more accurate matching to the engine's operating conditions and a further reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions. The trend is definitely toward the diesel-powered automobile. This is hardly surprising, since modern 'turbodiesels' are both fun to drive and exceptionally economical. The secret lies in what the engineers call "low-end torque", an engine operating characteristic that provides ample torque even at low engine speeds. In practice, a forced-aspiration diesel engine has so much low-end pulling power that it can be driven with a minimum of gear shifts. Its fuel consumption is distinctly lower than a gasoline-engine of equivalent power, so that the running costs are reduced. In addition, the Zafira 2.2 DTI has Opel's patented 'Flex7' seat system, which makes it uniquely versatile in its passenger- and load-carrying ability: space for up to 7 people or 1700 liters of load volume make this outstanding compact van the most flexible form of transport in its class.
Zafira "Road-Movies" with DVD Entertainment System
With Opel's "AutoVision" DVD entertainment system, available for the "Elegance" and "Selection Executive" as well as for the sporting "OPC" top model, the Zafira opens up a new dimension in mobile entertainment. The compact DVD console is housed in the roof lining, above the front seat backs. At the touch of a button, the seven-inch color screen (equivalent to a screen image with a diagonal of 18 centimeters) swings down to the viewing position. To avoid irritating the driver, the sound is heard through infra-red headphones with full stereo quality, which are separate from the vehicle's audio loudspeaker system. The driver can therefore listen to the radio or an audio CD while the children watch films from the rear seat. The kids can also connect their games console to the "AutoVision" system, which can be used to play conventional music CDs or even data CD-ROMs as well - in other words everything from presentations to vacation photos. You can even take pictures with a digital camera or camcorder and view the results in comfort immediately afterwards in your own private 'mobile cinema'. The DVD "AutoVision" package includes infrared remote control and two infrared headphones. Alternatively or in addition, two further headphones can be connected to sockets on the console by cable. Later this spring, the DVD system will also be available in the Omega station wagon.
A Warm Car on a Cold Morning: An Independent Heater for the Zafira OPC
This independent heater with its own time switch and remote control is now also available for Europe's fastest van, the Zafira OPC. It keeps the interior pleasantly warm and the windows free of snow and ice so that you can drive away in comfort and without delay on those cold winter mornings. The independent heater is not only highly convenient and represents a worthwhile contribution to road safety; it also helps to save fuel and protect the environment, because pre-heating the engine warms it up quickly and cuts pollutant emissions by as much as two-thirds.
The data and equipment information in this press release apply to models on sale in Germany, and may vary in other countries. They are subject to amendment.