2020 Opel Zafira Life

Attractive, flexible and practical vans are named Zafira. Twenty years after the success began with the first generation, the story is now continuing with a newly developed fourth-generation model. The Opel Zafira Life is a fun-to-drive as well as comfortable multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) that the German carmaker will offer in three lengths, tailor-made to customer requirements: the 4.60 metre “Small”, the 4.95 m “Medium” and the 5.30 m “Large” – each of which comes with up to nine seats. The “S” version of the Zafira Life is about ten centimetres shorter than the current Zafira, while the “L” is around 65 cm longer and therefore nearly as big as the Vivaro Combi passenger van. The Opel Zafira Life thus covers up to three vehicle segments and represents a new benchmark among multi-seat MPVs.

The Zafira Life meets all demands – from the versatile interiors, high comfort and sophisticated driver assistance systems, to state-of-the-art infotainment, head-up display and camera+ radar-based active cruise control. The safety concept has received the maximum five stars from Euro NCAP. The advanced technology is paired with a bold look, balanced proportions, short overhangs and the typical Opel fascia. Driver and passengers benefit from a two-piece panorama roof and an opening window in the tailgate. The Opel Zafira Life will make its world premiere at the Brussels Motor Show on January 18, 2019 (public days January 19-27, 2019). The order books will open in February.

For the best traction on loose surfaces, the Zafira Life is equipped with the advanced IntelliGrip traction control. A 4×4 version will also be available to order from the start of sales. The all-wheel drive system is supplied by the off-road specialists at Dangel. Opel will offer a purely electric version in early 2021, another milestone on the journey to electrifying the brand.

“With the new Zafira Life, Opel continues to implement the PACE! strategic plan”, says Opel CEO, Michael Lohscheller. “By the end of 2020 we will bring eight all-new or refreshed models onto the market – including the next generation of the bestselling Corsa. We will already open the order books for two electrified models in the first half of 2019: for the all-electric version of the Corsa, which will become a real electric car for everyone, and the Grandland X as a plug-in hybrid. Opel is going electric.”

The company is investing above all in profitable, growing market segments with high volumes. Opel will soon have one of the youngest product portfolios of all volume manufacturers.

One model, three sizes: A Zafira Life for every purpose

The Opel Zafira Life “Small” competes with compact vans but offers considerably more room and space for up to nine occupants – unrivalled in this class. It also features a small turning circle (11.3 m), good handling and two sensor-controlled sliding doors that open electrically with a movement of the foot, similar to the tailgates of the Astra Sports Tourer and Insignia Sports Tourer – also unique in this market segment. The Zafira Life “Medium” (likewise the Zafira Life “L”) has a 35 cm longer, 3.28 m wheelbase and thus more legroom for the rear passengers, which makes it a competitor of midsize vans in the D market segment. Compared with the competition, the Opel also features a larger tailgate and easier access for loading/unloading, plus a higher payload of more than one tonne. The Opel Zafira Life “Large”, with a luggage capacity of around 4,500 litres, is a rival for even bigger vans.

Stylish, highly equipped shuttles are in great demand in this market segment. Opel therefore offers leather seats on aluminium rails that allow full and easy adjustment for all versions of the Zafira Life. Five, six, seven or eight leather-seat configurations are available. The folding back of the front passenger seat allows the transportation of objects up to 3.50 m in length. Folding the third row seats increases the luggage capacity of the Zafira Life “S” to 1,500 litres (to roof level). The removal of the rear seats (which are equally easy to reinstall) raises the total cargo capacity to as much as 3,397 litres.