The Zafira series went into production in June 1999. The Zafira's platform and suspension are borrowed from the Astra, but the bodywork is based on a High Capacity Station wagon. Zafira not only has seven three rows of passenger seats, it can quickly transform into a spacious truck, thanks to the system «Flex-7», which allows you to fold the rear row of seats flush with the floor of the cabin, forming a spacious cargo compartment.
The model range of Opel Astra/Zafira is distinguished by the extreme breadth of the range of engines offered to the attention of consumers. A complete list of engines used for completing the considered engine models is given in Specifications at the beginning of the chapter Engine. All engines are in-line 4-cylinder units with one or two overhead camshafts (SOHC or DOHC) and are installed in the front of the car transversely to the diametral plane of the latter. Due to limited space and sparse sources of information, this manual covers in detail only the most typical representatives of each class of engines used, namely: a 1.6 liter SOHC gasoline 8-valve engine, a range of 1.4 to 2.0 liter 16-valve DOHC gasoline engines, and also 8-valve 1.7L SOHC and DOHC diesel engines and two turbocharged 16-valve SOHC 2.0L diesel engines (see chapter Engine).
Engines meet all modern requirements for the content of exhaust gases of toxic components.
Petrol models are equipped with an electronic central (Multec) or distributed (Multec-S or Simtec-70) fuel injection; turbocharged diesel engines are equipped with a highly economical direct fuel injection system with electronically controlled injection pump; increasing efficiency turbocharger intercooler (intercooler) standard on all 1.7L diesel models, on 2.0L models only high-pressure turbocharged engines are equipped with an intercooler (see chapter Power and exhaust systems).
The transmission of torque from the engine to the front wheel drive shafts is carried out by means of a 5-speed manual gearbox mounted on the left side of the power unit (RKPP), or 4-speed automatic transmission (AT) (see chapters for details Manual transmission and automatic transmission).
The brake system is equipped with a standard vacuum booster. All models use disc brakes on the front wheels, rear brakes can be either disc or drum. In addition to ABS, which is standard on most models, some models are equipped with traction control (TCS), on some Wagon/Zafira models, a rear axle ride height adjuster is installed (see _ chapter Brake system).
Fully independent front wheel suspension consists of MacPherson struts and transverse lower wishbones. Rear wheel suspension - semi-independent with a torsion beam and two trailing arms (see chapter Suspension).
Steering - rack and pinion, with hydraulic booster, the steering mechanism is located behind the engine. The electro-hydraulic steering pump is mounted directly on the steering gear and requires no maintenance. Hydraulic fluid reservoir built into the pump assembly (see chapter Steering).
Both series (Astra and Zafira) are equipped with full-size driver's airbags installed as standard equipment. Additional equipment may include side and head airbags. The passenger airbag is fitted as standard equipment from January 1999. An engine immobilization system is used to protect against hacking. The head unit is equipped with a security code.
Speed control system (tempostat) can be installed on some models by special order.
For the car enthusiast, Astra/Zafira vehicles are easy to maintain, maintenance costs are kept to a minimum, and most parts requiring frequent attention are easily accessible.
With regular and proper maintenance, the Astra / Zafira will serve its owner for many years, remaining reliable and very economical.
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