Opel has released images, a video and minor techincal details of its upcoming Zafira Tourer, which will slot in above the current Zafira in the company’s product line-up in Europe.
The Tourer is attractive and looks just like the Zafira Tourer concept that was shown at the Geneva Show earlier this year. The front’s dramatic teardrop-shaped headlights and shapely air dam mirror those on the plug-in Ampera and the rear is sporty for a large MPV.
The cabin is roomier than before, thanks to a longer wheelbase and wider tracks front and rear. The feeling of space is enhanced by the optional panoramic sunroof. The facia design has also been updated and incorporates an integrated navigation system on top of the dashboard.
The previous car’s Flex7 seating system is carried over, but instead of a bench seat, the middle row consists of three individual seats that can be slide-adjusted by 210 mm and feature seatbacks that can be folded flat. Pay a bit extra for the optional Lounge Seating system and the second row of seats can be slide-adjusted by 280 mm and the middle seat doubles as a table/armrest for the two outer seats. The two outer seats can then also be shifted inward by 50 mm, to free up elbow space for the rear passengers.
The longer and wider chassis has also seen an increase in utility space and the Tourer’s boot swells to 710 dm3, in five-seat format, and a massive 1 860 dm3 when all the seatbacks have been folded flat.
The engine line-up consists of a 2,0 CDTi, in three guises, a 1,4-litre turbopetrol and a naturally aspirated 1,8-litre petrol engine. All engines will be mated with a six-speed manual gearbox and some engines will have the option of a six-speed auto.
Other options include adaptive cruise control, advanced parking assist, side blind-spot alert and a rear view camera. Opt for FlexRide and the suspension can be adjusted between standard, tour and sport.
The car will be launched near the end of the year and will go on sale in Europe early in 2012. As mentioned, the current Zafira will still be offered, as the Tourer is larger than the current car and will be sold as a more premium competitor in the MPV segment. The Zafira Tourer is not currently being considered for introduction in South Africa.
