OPEL Zafira B 2.0 i 16V Turbo OPC (240 Hp) Technical сharacteristics

My Month with the Opel Zafira B 2.0 i 16V Turbo OPC (240 HP)

Spending a month with the Opel Zafira B 2.0 i 16V Turbo OPC was an eye-opening experience. This high-performance version of a practical MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) isn’t just about ferrying the family—it’s a surprisingly exciting machine packed with power and personality. Designed to deliver on both the practicality and fun fronts, the Zafira OPC blends spirited driving dynamics with versatile functionality in a way that feels truly unique. Let me take you on a journey through my impressions of this extraordinary vehicle.

Performance: More Than Just Numbers

The standout feature of this car is, of course, its turbocharged engine. The 2.0-liter inline-four delivers an impressive 240 horsepower, which completely transforms what you’d expect from a family car. Acceleration is thrilling, with the Zafira OPC managing a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 7.6 seconds. For a vehicle of this size and purpose, that’s remarkable.

On the road, the car feels eager and responsive. The turbocharger delivers a satisfying kick as the revs climb, making highway overtakes a breeze. In the city, however, the aggressive nature of the engine can feel a bit much. The car pulls strongly even at low RPMs, which means you often find yourself braking more than accelerating. But take it onto an open road, and the OPC shines—it’s a car that begs to be driven hard.

Fuel Economy: Balancing Power and Practicality

While the performance is exhilarating, it does come with a cost. Fuel consumption is on the higher side for a car in this category. Over the month, I recorded an average of 10.5 liters per 100 km, with city driving pushing it closer to 12 liters. On highways, careful driving could get it down to about 9 liters per 100 km. At idle, the car burns about 0.8 liters per hour, which is pretty typical for a turbocharged engine of this size.

Handling and Driving Dynamics

The Zafira OPC is built on a chassis that feels sportier than you’d expect from an MPV. The suspension is firmer than the standard Zafira, which contributes to sharp handling but also makes for a slightly less comfortable ride on rough roads. The lowered ride height gives the car a ground clearance of 140 mm, which is great for stability but requires caution on steep driveways or speed bumps.

On twisty roads, the OPC is genuinely fun to drive. The steering is precise, and the body roll is well-controlled for a car of this type. It feels planted and confidence-inspiring, which is impressive for a seven-seater MPV. That said, it’s still a heavy car, and you’re reminded of this when pushing hard into corners.

Interior: Practicality Meets Performance

Stepping inside, the Zafira OPC greets you with a sporty yet functional cabin. The supportive Recaro seats are a clear nod to the car’s performance aspirations, and they do a great job of keeping you in place during spirited driving. The rest of the interior, however, remains true to its MPV roots, offering plenty of space and storage options.

• Trunk capacity: With all seven seats in use, the trunk space is quite limited at 140 liters. Fold the third row down, and you get a much more usable 645 liters.
• Dimensions: The Zafira OPC measures 4,467 mm in length, 1,801 mm in width, and 1,635 mm in height, making it compact enough for city driving while still spacious inside.
• Weight: The car tips the scales at 1,675 kg, which isn’t feather-light but is reasonable given its size and powertrain.

Engine Details

The heart of the Zafira OPC is its 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged engine, which boasts an engine displacement of 1,998 cc. This engine is a marvel of engineering, combining smooth power delivery with a satisfying growl when you push it. It’s paired with a six-speed manual transmission that feels well-matched to the car’s character.

For maintenance enthusiasts, the engine requires 5.5 liters of oil for a full change. It’s worth noting that keeping up with regular oil changes is crucial for a turbocharged engine like this to ensure longevity and performance.

Everyday Usability

Despite its sporty credentials, the Zafira OPC doesn’t forget its MPV roots. The flexible seating arrangement allows for easy adaptation to different needs. Whether you’re hauling kids to soccer practice or loading up for a weekend getaway, the Zafira handles it all with ease. The sliding and folding seats make configuring the interior a breeze, though accessing the third row can be a bit tricky for adults.

Styling and Exterior

Visually, the Zafira OPC sets itself apart with a more aggressive design than the standard Zafira. The sporty bumpers, side skirts, and 18-inch alloy wheels give it a muscular stance, while the twin exhaust tips hint at the performance under the hood. It’s a car that turns heads without shouting for attention.

Final Thoughts

Living with the Opel Zafira B 2.0 i 16V Turbo OPC is a unique experience. It’s a car that successfully blurs the lines between practicality and performance, offering a mix that’s hard to find in today’s market. While it’s not perfect—fuel economy and ride comfort being the main drawbacks—it delivers an engaging and versatile driving experience that few cars can match.

For anyone who needs the practicality of an MPV but doesn’t want to give up the thrill of driving, the Zafira OPC is a compelling choice. It’s proof that family cars don’t have to be boring, and it left me with a newfound appreciation for what a performance-oriented MPV can offer.