OPEL Zafira 1999-2003 Photos, engines & full specs

Opel decided to enter the European compact MPV segment and produced the Zafira lineup base on the same platform as the Astra G.

In 1999 there were just two minivans on the market in the compact segment: the Renault Megane Scenic and the Citroen Xsara Picasso, but none of them offered an option for seven seats. Opel seized that moment and introduced the Zafira, which was the first seven-seat MPV built on top of a car platform. Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz already had some minivans, but they based them on light-utility vehicle platforms.

Since the Astra was already well-known on the market, Opel took that advantage and used a similar front fascia for the Zafira. It shared the same headlights and grille, even though the hood was steeper, and it sported a different bumper with a wider grille at the bottom. From its sides, the Zafira looked like a taller station wagon. Its black rubber strips from the beltline and bumpers protected it from minor scratches in parking lots.

Zafira's main advantage was the interior. The design team made it long enough to fit three seat rows inside with room for seven people. There was not too much trunk space with all the seats up, but it was as big as a light commercial vehicle with the second and third rows folded. Holden spoiled the driver with a car-like dashboard carried over from the Astra but with a taller center stack and higher seating position.

Opel installed a choice of six engines under the Zafira's hood, both gasoline and turbo-diesel. Later on, Opel introduced a sportier version named Zafira OPC, with a turbocharged two-liter engine under the hood.