Being that that Geneva show Zafira was more of a pre-production model than a pure concept, few things appear to have changed on the outside. These include the smaller size and less snazzy alloy wheels, the larger but obviously more practical for everyday use exterior mirrors, the redesigned tail lamps and the more mundane tail pipe designs.
The comprehensive engine tune includes a variety of modifications such as a new Garret GT28 turbocharger, ECU optimization, sports exhaust system, a new manifold, and other goodies that double the 1.6-liter unit's output to a whopping 360-horses and 480 Nm or 354 lb-ft of peak torque.
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After we got a first glimpse of the Zafira study by means of an iPad hologram, Opel released the full details of the concept which previews the next-generation Zafira MPV. Described by Opel as a “lounge on wheels”, the design study uses the same style language as seen on the Insignia and Astra models.
The front is the most eye-catching part of the Zafira's sleek bodywork, with the headlights, LED running lights and the fog lights being united in a boomerang-shaped structure, inspired by the Ampera EV's fascia. Unlike the Meriva, the Zafira sports conventional doors and has a dynamic look due to the ascendent midline and the 20-inch rims.
Vauxhall celebrates the tenth season of its Fashion Scout with the first ever car-walk. Made out of three new Corsas and hovering 1.5 meters above the ground, the unique installation featured a three hour show as part of London`s Fashion Week. The models, who normally floated on the polished stages in front of Anna Wintour and Co., spent a week tackling the high-rise podium before showing off the carefully choreographed moment. The Vauxhall Fashion Scout is a common presence at London Fashion Week and its main purpose is to give lesser known designers the opportunity to have their own catwalk show, presentation or exhibition during Fashion Week.
Opel chose a rather unique way to inform us about its new concept model that previews the next generation of the Zafira people carrier, and which is scheduled to make its world premiere at the Geneva Salon in March. The company published a short video accompanied by a photograph showing the firm's design boss Mark Adams holding an iPad through which a hologram of the concept car pops out.
The Zafira Tourer Concept will give us a pretty good idea of what the actual production model will look like (see the latest spy shots here) inside and out when it hits European showrooms within the next 12 months. The minivan's front end styling is obviously inspired by the Ampera, or Opel's version of the Chevrolet Volt, while we can also see that the new Zafira won't be getting sliding rear doors.
GM's European subsidiary describes the car as a “Lounge On Wheels” with the company claiming that the concept brings "on-board flexibility to a new level of sophistication and comfort."
“We’ve applied the lounge concept to a motor vehicle,” says Mark Adams, Vice President Opel/Vauxhall Design. “A lounge is a place you want to escape to and relax, a place where you really want to be. We wanted to offer the same feeling in a monocab and make it the lounge you want to spend time in.”
The new Zafira is based on the Astra's hardware and shares its underpinnings with the Chevrolet Orlando. It will feature seating for seven passengers in three rows of individual seats, with power train options to mirror those of the current European market Astra.
We've already laid eyes on Opel's and sister company Vauxhall's rehashed Antara, but the automaker just came out with a fresh batch of photos as well as some additional information on the compact SUV, including performance and fuel economy stats for the revamped engine lineup.
The cosmetic changes are pretty much limited to the front fascia and rear lights on the outside and a revised center console plus new graphics for the instruments, and updated trim and upholstery, options inside.
For 2011, the Antara's engine line-up consists of two new 2.2-liter CDTI diesels with 163HP and 184HP, and a new 2.4-liter ECOTEC gasoline variant with 167HP.
The 163HP entry level diesel unit is available with front or all-wheel drive and manual or automatic transmission. The FWD model with a manual gearbox returns a combined fuel consumption of 6.3 lt/100 km (37.3 mpg US or 44.8 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 167 g/km, and zero to 100km/h (62 mph) acceleration time of 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 189 km/h (117 mph).
The top-of-the-line 184HP diesel comes standard with all-wheel drive, and is available with both transmission choices. It completes the zero to 100 km/h sprint in 9.6 seconds, has a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) and returns 6.6 lt/100 km (35.7 mpg US or 42.8 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 175 g/km.
Finally, the 2.4-liter gasoline engine is available with front-wheel drive and manual transmission or all-wheel drive coupled with manual or automatic gearbox. It features a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time of 10.5 seconds, a maximum speed of 190 km/h (118 mph), fuel consumption of 8.8 lt/100km (26.7 mpg US or 32.1 mpg UK) and CO2 emissions of 206 g/km (manual front-wheel drive version).
Along with the engines, the two available 6-speed transmissions are also newly developed, while improvements to the ABS system and the standard fitting of Hill Start Assist (HSA) which prevents roll-back when driving away on grades, complete the list of changes.
The 2011 Antara will launch in Europe this Spring.
