Zafira is one of the favorite minivans in Europe. The new model will introduce radical changes. First of all, the 2019 Opel Zafira will be a seven-seater with plenty of modern features. Which? We will have to wait for the release date to find out. But, the more important update is coming for the engine room. The new Opel Zafira 2019 will arrive as a plug-in hybrid minivan with excellent capabilities. These are official details about the new minivan.
Furthermore, there are still some rumors informing about more changes. So, the exterior could get new colors. The look of the 2019 Opel Zafira will be modernized. However, the minivan will use the same platform. Dimensions are equal to the previous model. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard. Again, in the UK, the minivan comes as the 2019 Vauxhall Zafira.
2019 Opel Zafira Plug-In Hybrid
The biggest update for the upcoming 2019 Opel Zafira is the hybrid drivetrain. Well, we can only see a preview of this MPV as a plug-in vehicle. Opel announced plans to electrify many of their vehicles by 2024. Other companies have similar schedules as well. For example, Ford is investing $5,5 billion into this project. But, let’s return to Zafira. Model for 2019 could be the first in the entire Opel family to get such drivetrain. The MPV is perfect for experiments since it will show all benefits and lacks of such drivetrain.
However, officials didn’t get into details. So, it is still unknown which combination is going to be under the bonnet of the 2019 Opel Zafira. Is one of the existing engines is going to be the base for the hybrid powertrain or Opel is planning to add a new unit? We will know more in a few months.
Specs
The 2019 Opel Zafira will keep the existing lineup of engines. Buyers will have a choice – petrol or diesel unit. When they pick preferable fuel, few displacements are further options.
Opel will offer a 1.4-liter gasoline unit as the base choice. It can produce either 120 or 140 hp, depending on configuration.
The alternative in the same section is a 1.6-liter inline-four mill with 170 hp. Further tuning will make this engine create more power, up to 200 horses. Both 1.4 and 1.6 powertrains get more energy with a help of a turbocharger.
The last, a 1.8-liter, is not a turbo engine. It is capable to develop either 115 hp or 140 hp. Torque level varies between 130 and 210 lb-ft, depending on setup.
Diesel Engines
A 1.6-liter diesel engine has two configurations. The one that offers 120 hp is not available in the UK. British buyers are taking advantage of the more potent version with 135 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque.
Different configurations of a 2.0-liter inline-four are available around the world. So, we have the least potent one with 110 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, and up to 190 hp and 300 pound-feet of twist. Between, the 2019 Opel Zafira can deliver 130, 160, or 170 hp, and 220 and 260 lb-ft.
Buyers will have more choices in the transmission segment. The base one is a 5-speed manual, while some engines also use a six-speed manual. Automatic gearbox with six paces is optional.
2019 Opel Zafira Release Date
Everything depends on a plug-in engine and its development. So, the release date of the 2019 Opel Zafira can happen early next year, but with small updates. The real deal would come with a new drivetrain. Although chiefs unveiled these plans, they were not precise about the release schedule. So, the plug-in hybrid variant could arrive late in 2019, or even during 2020. Furthermore, development of the hybrid unit will dictate the price. The base model will keep the current cost.
