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5 September 2025 Opel Zafira B engines
From 2005 to 2014, the Opel Zafira B established itself as a practical family van and offered an extensive range of engines from economical petrol engines to powerful diesel units. Over the nine-year production period, the drive technology developed continuously and produced both proven and problematic engines.
Opel Zafira B engines (2005-2014)
The Opel Zafira B generation was characterized by a wide variety of engines and different levels of reliability depending on the type of drive. While the tried-and-tested diesel engines easily reached 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, the early petrol engines in particular began to show signs of major repairs between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers. Typical maintenance intervals were between 15,000 and 20,000 kilometers, although diesel engines were generally easier to maintain. The absolute top engine of this generation was the 1.9 CDTI with 150 hp, which optimally combined performance, reliability and economy. Technical highlights were the introduction of common-rail diesel technology and later the modern Ecotec petrol engines, while early problems with timing chains and turbochargers tarnished the reputation of some units. In a market comparison, the Zafira B positioned itself as one of the more reliable compact vans of its time.
Opel Zafira B petrol engines (2005-2014)
The Opel Zafira B petrol engine range started in 2005 with the proven 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine (Z16XEP) with 77 kW (105 hp), which proved to be a reliable entry-level engine. The 1.8-liter engine (Z18XER) with 103 kW (140 hp) was added in 2007 and offered more power with similar reliability. The turbo petrol engines were more problematic: the 1.4 Turbo (Z14NET) with 88 kW (120 hp) and later 103 kW (140 hp) suffered from typical turbocharger problems and timing chain problems after around 120,000 kilometers. The most powerful Opel Zafira B petrol engine was the 2.0 Turbo (Z20LEH/Z20LER) with 147 kW (200 hp) to 177 kW (240 hp) in the OPC model, which, however, was considered high-maintenance due to its complexity and sporty design.
Opel Zafira B diesel engines (2005-2014)
The proven 1.9 CDTI family (Z19DTH/Z19DTJ) dominated the Opel Zafira B diesel range with outputs from 88 kW (120 hp) to 110 kW (150 hp). These Opel Zafira B engines were considered to be particularly durable and economical, with an average consumption of only 5.8-6.4 liters per 100 km. From 2008, the modern 2.0 CDTI (A20DTH) with 118 kW (160 hp) was added to the range and offered more torque for towing. The smaller 1.7 CDTI (A17DTJ/A17DTS) with 81 kW (110 hp) to 92 kW (125 hp) was available from 2009 and developed into the most economical engine in the range. All Opel Zafira B diesels had common rail injection and met at least the Euro 4 standard, later variants also Euro 5.
Opel Zafira B CNG drive (2005-2014)
A special feature was the Opel Zafira B 1.6 CNG (Z16YNG) with 69 kW (94 hp), which could run on both natural gas and gasoline. This environmentally friendly drive system offered low operating costs, but was not very widespread due to the limited filling station infrastructure. Its reliability corresponded to that of the conventional 1.6-liter petrol engine.
| Opel Zafira B engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 Petrol | 105 HP | 7.2-8.1 l/100km | Robust, few problems | Very good |
| 1.8 Petrol | 140 HP | 7.8-8.6 l/100km | Reliable, proven | Very good |
| 1.4 Turbo | 120-140 HP | 7.1-8.2 l/100km | Turbocharger, timing chain | Moderate |
| 2.0 Turbo | 200-240 HP | 8.9-10.2 l/100km | Complex, high-maintenance | Problematic |
| 1.7 CDTI | 110-125 HP | 5.2-5.8 l/100km | Very economical, robust | Very good |
| 1.9 CDTI | 120-150 HP | 5.8-6.4 l/100km | Durable, reliable | Very good |
| 2.0 CDTI | 160 HP | 6.1-6.8 l/100km | Powerful, but more complex | Good |
| 1.6 CNG | 94 HP | 4.2 kg/100km gas | Limited filling station network | Average |
Conclusion: The best Opel Zafira B engines of all generations
The Opel Zafira B engines showed a clear trend over the nine-year production period: while the diesel engines were consistently convincing, the turbo petrol engines showed typical weaknesses. The naturally aspirated petrol engines proved to be the happy medium for price-conscious buyers. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that the Zafira B was one of the last compact vans to offer such a wide range of engines before the segment was displaced by SUVs.
- Best Opel Zafira B gasoline engine:
The 1.8-liter naturally aspirated engine (140 hp) combined sufficient power with high reliability and moderate maintenance costs - ideal for families with a normal driving profile.
- Best Opel Zafira B diesel engine:
The 1.9 CDTI (150 hp) offered the optimum blend of performance, economy and durability and is considered one of the best diesel engines of its time in the compact van segment.
- Best Opel Zafira B alternative drive:
The 1.6 CNG engine was ahead of its time and offered environmentally friendly driving at low operating costs, but failed due to a lack of infrastructure.
For maintenance and spare parts for all Opel Zafira B engines, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.
