A unique blend of exceptional versatility and optimum comfort has characterised the Opel Zafira ever since the Rüsselsheim-based automaker revealed its revolutionary integrated seven-seat system in the compact van segment in 1999. Opel has sold around 2.7 million units of the Zafira since, mainly to families and professionals who need a spacious and flexible vehicle for travelling long distances in high comfort.
Going on sale in September, the new Zafira will not only shine with all the well-known virtues of its predecessors, such as the Flex7 seating system, FlexFix bicycle carrier, FlexRide adaptive damping and ergonomically certified AGR front seats. It will also come with an attractive new exterior and interior design that emphasises the spacious ambience and the car’s outstanding connectivity.
Latest-generation Opel IntelliLink infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility along with Opel OnStar (including 4G/LTE Wi-Fi hotspot where available) make sure the Zafira offers optimum connectivity to everyone aboard while on the road.
Furthermore, Opel will introduce full LED Adaptive Forward Lighting headlamps to the segment, making the zippy new Zafira a comfortable travelling lounge for its driver as well as its passengers.
The dynamic new headlamp design, together with a completely new, more markedly sporty upper and lower grille, set the tone for the design of the new-gen Zafira. The front headlamps “melt” into the radiator grille to form a graphic unity, while the sculptural chrome logo bar blends optically into the headlights, enhancing the impression of width. In addition, the typical, precisely chiselled “Opel double wing” daytime running lights characterise the new light cluster design. The wheels are housed under muscular wheel arches. All of these give the new Zafira front a solid, sporty and dynamic appearance.
On the inside, the Opel people-mover comes with a completely redesigned cockpit, now with a simpler yet more elegant layout. The new dashboard not only optimises forward visibility, but also ensures the display and controls all sit within an optimal reach zone.
The screen of the infotainment system that used to sit at the top of the centre console has been replaced with a lower and better integrated touchscreen that allowed for many buttons to be eliminated. The switches are now integrated precisely into the overall design. Framed by a galvanized U-shaped décor, the new 7-inch touchscreen systems have been executed with quality inspired by top-of-the-range tablets.
The newly designed, three-dimensionally sculptured steering wheel with the small and efficiently packaged airbag cover is designed to not only look great, but to also put ergonomics in the forefront.
Opel will offer two state-of-the-art IntelliLink infotainment systems for the new Zafira – R4.0 IntelliLink, which brings the world of Apple and Android smartphones to the travelling lounge, and Navi 950 IntelliLink, an infotainment system with on-board navigation.
Opel OnStar is also available for the new Zafira, with a variety of features that include Automatic Crash Response, Destination Download and 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot (enables connecting up to seven devices, one for each of the seven persons on board). This results in a real plus for family travels or professionals who want to stay as connected as possible during their road travels.
Just like in the previous Zafira generations, the driver and passenger can look forward to a relaxing drive thanks to the optional six-way adjustable, ergonomically certified AGR sport seats and the multi-functional FlexRail console system.
This modular storage system includes a large storage box and cupholders that slide on aluminum rails to the desired position, enabling flexible use of the generous storage space between the front seats – exactly where it is most accessible and useful.
Passengers in the second row can enjoy the unique, optional Lounge Seating system. Thanks to a clever folding mechanism, the back of the middle seat in the second row folds down and rotates to offer comfortable armrests for the passengers in the outer seats. These also slide to the rear and towards the centre of the vehicle, providing especially generous space for legs and shoulders, plus the comfortable seating space of a premium-class saloon. Furthermore, the third-row seats can be folded down flush with the floor of the luggage compartment, thus creating a level load surface.
This emphasis on personal comfort makes the Zafira much more than just a family vehicle – Opel designers have turned the flexible interior into a place to relax and enjoy the spacious atmosphere, be it on a business trip or a vacation.
The feeling of comfort and space proposed by the new Zafira becomes even more impressive when combined with the optional panoramic windscreen and sunroof. The windscreen stretches from the engine hood up to near the B-pillars. The view upwards for the front occupants is therefore as unrestricted as possible. In addition, the panoramic sunroof flows directly out of the windscreen and stretches all the way to the rear of the vehicle. This boosts the light, airy lounge atmosphere throughout the interior.
But the new Zafira offers much more than “just” an extremely comfortable way to travel. The travelling lounge can easily double as a small transporter. In its five-seat configuration, the Zafira can carry a minimum load volume of 710 litres, which is increased to 1860 litres when the second-row seats are folded down.
Furthermore, the interior features more than 30 storage possibilities, including the aforementioned FlexRail centre console. Additionally, the FlexFix rear-end carrier system offers an easy-to-use and practical solution for cycling enthusiasts. The integrated system slides out of the rear bumper like a drawer and can accommodate up to four bicycles. As the loaded bicycle carrier can be tilted, the tailgate can still be opened even when the FlexFix is fully loaded. 
Read our review of the sub-Zafira Meriva MPV.
