Vauxhall extend the ecoFLEX range by including the popular Zafira into the realms.
The key difference to the new Zafira is the addition of the 1.7 CDTi ecoFLEX engine which features so perfectly in the new Astra model. Extensive testing is currently underway across Vauxhall’s range to find new ways to reduce their vehicles carbon footprint.
By adding this engine it takes the Zafiras ecoFLEX down to just 139 g/km from the fantastic seven-seater compact van, a reduction of nearly nine percent. This change has added significance with respect to the UK vehicle excise duty. By breaking the 140 g/km barrier it drops into a new band reducing road tax but squeezing as much out of it as possible.
The 1.7 litre diesel produces 110 hp and is fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter and a six-speed manual transmission as standard. As well as dropping from 153 g/km to 139 g/km, it will only use 5.3 litres of diesel every 100 km.
“Getting the CO2 below 140g for a seven-seater van is a proud achievement. This is just one example of our commitment to continually improve the efficiency of our vehicles,” said Hans Demant, Managing Director Adam Opel GmbH.
As with most Astra’s the engine is full of torque, which helps it translate into the Zafira so easily. In it’s original model, the Astra, this engine would do 180 km/h and get from 0 – 62 mph in just 13.5 seconds.
The Zafira and it’s new engine have been tweaked somewhat. The Vauxhall engineers have selected a longer axle ratio (3.35: 1 compared to 3.65) and a shorter gear set in first and second gear to compensate for the longer axle ratio. In addition, they reduced the friction of the water pump, optimised the engine management system, lowered the engine idle speed and reduced the power steering pump idle speed.
There are five ecoFLEX models in the Zafira family: A gasoline version (1.6; 115 hp), two diesels (1.7 CDTI; 110 and 125 hp) and two Compressed Natural Gas-powered variants. The two CNG versions include the well-known 1.6 naturally aspirated variant (94 hp; 138 g/km CO2) and a new 1.6 Turbo (150 hp; 139 g/km CO2).
With the Zafira being one of Europe’s most popular cars it is no surprise they are working overtime to make it even more desirable to families in these troublesome times.
E. Dooley
21/04/2009
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