Opel Introducing New Zafira Tourer CNG

Opel is introducing a new natural gas ecoFLEX version of the Zafira Tourer that will offer a best-in-class CNG range of up to 530 km (329 miles).

Like the previous model, the Zafira Tourer features Opel’s monovalent Plus system and has a 14-liter gasoline reserve, giving it an extra 150 km (93 miles) of range.

The Zafira Tourer 1.6 CNG Turbo ecoFLEX has 110 kW/150 hp, 210 Nm of torque and reaches a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). 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.

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 (329 miles). 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.

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.

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.

The new Zafira Tourer was introduced at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September.