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1.6 liter CNG Turbo ecoFLEX with 110 kW/150 hp, only 129g/km CO2
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530 kilometers CNG range with full seven seat configuration
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Innovative light weight gas tank system now enables 25 kg CNG capacity
Rüsselsheim. Shortly after the Zafira Tourer’s world premiere at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show, Opel is broadening the spectrum of its new compact monocab with highly efficient and environmentally friendly alternative propulsion.
In January 2012, the new natural gas ecoFLEX version with a best-in-class CNG range of up to 530 km – well beyond the 500 km mark – will be added to the powertrain portfolio of Opel’s flexibility master. Like the previous model, the Zafira Tourer features Opel’s monovalentPlus system and has a 14 liter gasoline reserve, giving it an extra 150 km range.
The Zafira Tourer 1.6 CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Turbo ecoFLEX has 110 kW/150 hp, 210 Nm of torque and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h. The vehicle only uses 4.7 kilograms (7.2 m3) of natural gas per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle which is at least 6% better than the predecessor Zafira CNG model. CO2 emissions were reduced to 129 g/km (predecessor: 139 g/km), thereby fulfilling the Euro 5 norm. However, the 1.6 liter engine can also run on biogas or a mixture of natural gas and biogas. In the case of 100% biogas propulsion, the carbon foot print is almost zero.
The extended CNG range of the seven-seat vehicle represents an improvement of around 25% on its predecessor. These enhancements have been mainly achieved with a new light weight gas tank system providing an increased CNG capacity of now 25 kg (predecessor: 21 kg) and an optimization of the drivetrain.
Prices for the Zafira Tourer CNG version, which can already be ordered, start at 27,950 euro (recommended retail price in Germany, including VAT). CNG vehicles like the new Zafira Tourer offer significantly lower running costs than their gasoline counterparts. For example, in Germany CNG is 50% cheaper than gasoline.
Cutting edge gas storage solution
Opel engineers increased the volume of the gas tanks to 25 kilograms from previously 21 kilograms. This has helped to boost the operative range in the CNG mode by around 25% to 530 km. Rather than using conventional steel gas cylinders, the engineers opted for state-of-the art composite material including carbon fiber. The use of this lightweight material resulted in a weight saving of 85 kilograms.
Another important innovation that has further increased the range is the use of electronic pressure regulators rather than mechanical ones, as it was the case in the Zafira CNG predecessor model. The electronic regulators ensure that when the gas cylinders are almost empty, even small remaining reserves can be efficiently exploited. In the seven seat configuration, the Zafira Tourer CNG has a clear advantage over its competitors in terms of operating range.
monovalentPlus concept for maximum efficiency and everyday suitability
Opel was the first manufacturer to optimize engines for the use of natural gas by employing the clever monovalentPlus system. Under the tried and tested concept the engine has been optimized to use CNG but the vehicle also holds a 14 liter auxiliary gasoline tank. When the CNG tanks are empty, the vehicle automatically starts utilizing the gasoline reserves.
On the engine side, the optimization includes several measures: as natural gas has an anti-knock resistance of up to 130 octane, compression can be increased, yielding greater efficiency. The increase in the compression ratio is also supported by a piston specially designed for use with natural gas. The cylinder-selective sequential injection, with an injection block and four injectors for natural gas and gasoline, also permits precision control of the injection timing and quantity. This reduces harmful emissions, leading in turn to especially clean exhaust gases.
Opel Zafira: the flagship CNG vehicle
Since launching its first CNG vehicle in 2001, Opel has sold more than 70,000 CNG powered vehicles throughout Europe, including the Zafira, the Astra Caravan and the Combo. More than two-thirds of total CNG sales are for the Zafira. This makes the Zafira the undisputed bestseller and flagship of Opel’s CNG offering. Opel has consistently been in the top three manufacturers in terms of total European sales in the CNG segment.
While the Zafira 1.6 Turbo CNG version is still available, the new Zafira Tourer 1.6 CNG Turbo ecoFLEX takes the Opel CNG offer up-market. The new Opel Zafira Tourer offers a perfect blend of functionality and comfort. It brings the Insignia values to the monocab segment – premium qualities, innovative technologies, sculptural and dynamic design. With an extensively re-designed Flex7 seating system, the new Zafira Tourer now sets novel standards in interior flexibility and atmosphere.
