Opel has unveiled an all-new version of its popular multi-purpose vehicle. Let's check out the 2016 Opel Zafira.
Since 1999, 2.7 million Opel Zafiras have been sold and it's easy to understand why. It's a spacious MPV capable of transporting its occupants in comfort on long distance trips and the best part? It's good value for money. The new Opel Zafira will go on sale in Europe in September 2016 and features new technology along with its Flex7 seating configuration, as well as supportive front seats, a bicycle carrier and adaptive damping.
What's new?
Some of the new technology incorporated in the new Opel Zafira includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Opel OnStar (4G/LTE Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity) and full LED adaptive forward lights. The big change is the obvious one: the looks. This newcomer is quite handsome and there are purposefully sporty design details all around the vehicle.
"The front design of the new Zafira takes over the major characteristics of the one of the award winning new Astra, and anchors it in Opel's new portfolio. Its sharp, precise double-winged daytime running lights convey a new level of sophistication, which is also reflected in the interior by a completely redesigned instrument panel. It is purer, clearer and easier to use," said Mark Adams, Vice-President, GM Europe Design.
Redesigned cabin
The elegant-but-simpler layout is dominated by an integrated infotainment touchscreen that has eliminated the need for the myriad buttons that cluttered the dashboards of previous-generation Zafiras. Apart from the latest version of the brand's Intellilink system (a version with navigation will also be offered), Opel OnStar allows up to 7 devices to be connected to the in-car wifi. The ergonomically-certified seats and FlexRail console system have been retained.
The interior space has increased too… Customers can tick the box for optional Lounge Seating, which allows the back of the middle seat in the second row to fold down and be rotated to offer armrests for the two outer seats. All the seats can slide fore and aft to adjust the legroom afforded to passengers in the second row. Luggage capacity is a claimed 710 litres with all the seats up and with the second row folded down: 1 860 litres.
Safety
The new Opel Zafira boasts a number of all-new safety features. The automatic adaptive LED headlights can adjust their lighting patterns so that drivers in oncoming traffic are not dazzled. There are nine lighting patterns which can be selected, such as town light, country light, curve/cornering, reverse lights, eco lights and tourist mode. The Zafira also features high beam assist, traffic sign recognition, following distance indicator, forward collision alert, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, to name but a few.
Opel's Strategy
Opel will be launching the Zafira to the European market in September of 2016 and the current array of petrol, diesel, compressed natural gas and liquified petroleum gas engines will be applied to this new model.
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