Opel Zafira Tourer: If she had come to America
For General Motors, which ultimately keeps the Opel and Vauxhall brands, the North American market seems to be an interesting avenue for some European models of the Opel brand.
To date, the Buick LaCrosse and Regal share below with the Opel Insignia. It is also much talk of bringing in America early Opel Astra which would bring the Buick emblem.
And here it is the turn of the new Opel Zafira Tourer which could possibly come to America. Should this be the case, it would face the popular Kia Rondo and Mazda5 as well as the all-new Ford C-Max.
Here is the statement issued by Opel:
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Opel Zafira Tourer: modularity first class
Back to the overview
Leap forward: the reference of flexibility plays in the upscale
Concept exclusive seat: individual well-being in addition to family versatility
Dynamic style: an athletic silhouette and front ASSERTED
Comfort and safety: the innovative driver aids
The Opel Zafira Tourer will be presented in world premiere at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt from 15 to 25 September 2011. Offering an ideal compromise between functionality and comfort, the Opel Zafira Tourer MPV category brings a high quality range at Opel Insignia, technological innovation of its equipment and originality of Opel style - "meeting of the art of sculpture and German precision".
Taking the "Tourer" he realized a real qualitative leap with its seat Flex7 deeply reworked, the third generation of the compact MPV Opel establishes new standards for flexibility and quality of interior fittings system. But the metamorphosis exceeds the capacity to transform the layout of the interior: all services has increased. The ride comfort is accompanied by the luxury of a high-end, thanks to a refined design, the interior has a bright atmosphere, a frame improves and innovative equipment to enhance comfort and security.
The reference of the flexibility offers rear passengers a comfortable first class
At its launch in 1999, the first generation of Opel Zafira was first registered as September 1-seater in its class. Mostly it was a new reference to the modularity, flexibility EMBEDDED inaugurating a totally integrated. This means that there was no need to remove and store heavy seats of. Since 1999, Opel has sold more than 2.2 million units of two Zafira generations in Europe. With the Opel Meriva, the number one in the category of small european MPV, the Opel Zafira Opel has made a reference to the flexibility and MPV segment.
The high flexibility of the range, here is the card that plays the new Opel Zafira Tourer. The Opel engineers have significantly improved the clever concept Flex7 seating system. If the entire third row can still be folded to be a plumb the trunk, the second row has been completely redesigned: Leaving the bench, it now consists of three independent individual seats that can be folded flat and has displaced independently each other. Each can slide longitudinally over 210 mm.
Second row passengers can benefit, depending on the version of the original System Seat Lounge, which offers a generosity of space and comfort worthy of a limousine. Thanks to a clever folding mechanism, the back of the seat in the middle of the second row is lowered and rotated to form comfortable armrests for the passengers of the lateral spaces. The longitudinal course of seats lateral with this option reaches 280 mm - 70 mm more than in the normal version, and 80 mm more than in the current Zafira. In addition, the exterior lateral seats slide 50 mm towards the center of the cabin, a true novelty in the segment.
The combination of longitudinal and lateral movements ensures first-class comfort and gives the unique feeling to move into a "mobile lounge". Space and individual maximum ergonomics, as passengers can change position at their ease during the trip. This emphasis on personal comfort makes the Zafira Tourer go well beyond simple family vehicle. Opel designers have made the cockpit for its modularity deemed a wellness oasis, a place of relaxation where one has to have so much space - whether for a business trip or vacation.
Unique equipment to improve the flexibility of the Opel Zafira Tourer
Thanks to its generous interior space and flexible seating system, the Zafira Tourer offers 710 liters load volume in five-seat configuration (65 liters more than in the current Zafira), and up to 1,860 liters (+ 40 liters) when all rear seats are replies.
It also offers plenty of storage space, thanks to the revolutionary multifunction FlexConsole, an improvement of the present system FlexRail last year on the Opel Meriva. The team of armrest storage compartment and cup holder slide on aluminum rails to the desired position, enabling the use of modular way generous storage space between the front seats - and the exact positioning of a the most accessible location.
The second generation of the system of integrated bicycle carrier Flex-Fix has exclusive Opel also made his first appearance on the new Opel Zafira Tourer. So far about 60,000 customers have opted for this Opel highly appreciated bike carrier cover in the rear bumper, which is simply extracted as a drawer. Taking advantage of the experience gained with the first generation, the engineers were rethinking the system: it has a new docking system, which makes it even more functional and easy to use.
The Opel Zafira Tourer stands out with its stature athlete
"The Zafira is the icon of the Opel modularity, and we wanted to bring more emotion and refinement on the occasion of the third generation," says Mark Adams, Vice President of Opel / Vauxhall Design. "The Opel Zafira Tourer strongly affirms its slender and athletic stature, that exudes a sense of luxury. "
The front is elegant with symmetry patterns in "boomerang" from the top down to the headlights and fog lamps, typical Opel has midrib and proud trapezoidal grille. The set provides a dynamic look and modern, rather rare for a minivan. Like all other models in the range, the headlights incorporate daytime running lights bearing the Opel signature wing.
The profile and aerodynamic design of the Opel Zafira Tourer gives a silhouette reminiscent of high speed trains. Line beltline ends hockey stick, which visually propels the vehicle forward, while the "comma" characteristic Opel carved flank and confers the movement figure.
The wing pattern is found in the headlights taillights, which can also be equipped with diodes. The horizontal chrome ring bearing the Opel logo is inserted in the optical blocks away, giving to the rear part of the Zafira Tourer a strong base and a sporty look.
About the interior, the angle of vision has been the subject of any particular attention thanks to a total remodeling of the front: the amounts windshield were thinned, the lateral windows and enlarged the exterior mirror was repositioned - it is mounted on the door panel.
The luxurious interior is dominated by dynamic, sculptural shapes and reigns an atmosphere of space and comfort. Depending on the version, the lounge atmosphere of the Opel Zafira Tourer, light and aerated, can be reinforced thanks to the panoramic windscreen - an innovation that Opel was presented in 2005 on the Opel Astra GTC. He joins a large glass roof that runs up the back of the vehicle.
FlexRide adaptive frame providing comfort and security
To ride with peace of mind, the mechatronics chassis Opel Zafira Tourer was calculated to provide a very high level of comfort and safety. Compared to the previous generation, the wheelbase and tracks have increased sharply in favor of comfort and dynamic stability: The wheelbase henceforth reached 2,760 mm (+ 57 mm), while the tracks are 1,584 mm in the front (+ 96 mm) and 1,588 mm at the rear (+ 78 mm).
The Opel Zafira Tourer shows the front axle of the Insignia, with an isolated cradle and McPherson struts. The design of the rear axle is unique in the minivan segment. As in the Opel Astra, it combines a torsion beam has a parallelogram Watt. This arrangement offers many advantages: it allows one to have excellent qualities of stability, of control, comfort and noise. In addition, it is Lighter and more compact than a multi-link axle, which would not relieve enough space to integrate the bicycle carrier Flex-Fix offers the Opel Zafira Tourer.
Still rare in the segment MPV, the Opel Zafira Tourer can equip the system chassis FlexRide, intelligent and fully adaptive, able to modulate the balance between comfort and safety management. The suspension automatically adapts to the road conditions, cornering speed is, the body movements and driving style adopted still offering maximum stability. It offers a choice of three settings: Standard mode, providing a balanced compromise, the "Tour" mode, plus axis comfort and 'Sport' mode, for a more active driving.
Aid to the intelligent driving service security
Multiple systems to aid the innovative behavior are at the service of comfort and safety in the new Opel Zafira Tourer.
New equipment on the Opel, the Intelligent Cruise Control Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) range with Collision Mitigating Braking automatic braking (CMB) constantly monitors the distance to the foregoing vehicles. In case of non compliance with a safety distance, the system automatically reduces vehicle speed or, in extreme cases, triggers emergency braking to prevent a collision.
The Opel Zafira Tourer also introduces the second generation of the system Opel Eye front camera. It retains the alert derived Lane Departure Warning (LDW) function, but significantly improves and develops the function of recognition of signs Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR). The camera here assumes new functions:
Indication of the distance to the vehicle Following Distance Indication foregoing (IDF)
Forward Collision Warning Forward Collision Alert (FCA), which warns the driver by visual and acoustic signals that a collision is possible with the vehicle foregoing
Automatic adjustment of the length of the beam Intelligent Light Ranging (ILR): this new feature of the system of bi-xenon Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL +) fits the scope of dipped the distance to the vehicle ahead and continuously adapts to optimize the lighting of the road without blinding.
Other driving aids are also their first appearance on the Opel Zafira Tourer:
The alert presence in the blind Side Blind Spot Alert (SBSA) warns the driver angle of a possible collision during a lane change
• To facilitate maneuvers parking, parking assist Advanced Park Assist (APA) detects the adequate space to park and guides the driver to park; and reverse camera Rear View Camera makes maneuvers delicates in small squares, a breeze.
Diesel and petrol engines available for very simple launch
For launch in the fall, the Opel Zafira Tourer will be available with three versions of the common rail turbodiesel 2.0 CDTI montees already on the Opel Astra and Opel Insignia. Capacities are 81 kW/110 hp and 96 kW/130 hp, and the unit offers the styling has been revised to provide 121 kW/165 hp. The gasoline range comprises two motors 1.4 ECOTEC turbo beneficiant downsizing to reduce consumption, providing 88 kW/120 hp and 103 kW/140 hp. An automatic gearbox is available on Diesel versions 165 hp and 140 hp gasoline.
The new system Start / Stop Opel, which will further reduce consumption especially in city traffic congestion, is proposed with the 1.4 Turbo gasoline and 2.0 CDTI 165 hp engine.
Shortly after its launch, and depending on the country, the range proposed in the Opel Zafira Tourer will be supported by an engine ecoFLEX very sober, and other variants equipped to run on NGV (Natural Gas for Vehicles) and LPG (liquefied Gas for Vehicles). A few months later, also proved to be efficient engines, gasoline engines with a completely new generation.
MPV Opel: an extended offer including two versions of the Opel Zafira
The compact MPV segment is growing again since the beginning of 2010, and the arrival of the Opel novelty should also enhance its attractiveness. The Opel Zafira will present the current ratings of the new Opel Zafira Tourer, more refined, and will have a more traditional clientele to keep the advantage to have a functional and modular compact MPV at a very affordable price.
Range MPV Opel and includes mini Agila (length: 3.74 m), the small Meriva (4.29 m), the compact Zafira (4.47 m) and Zafira Tourer (4.66 m).
Both versions of the Zafira will be built exclusively in Opel factory in Bochum, Germany.
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