Thursday 2 August 2012

New Opel Zafira Tourer - LPG technology powers 1.4 Turbo, 140 hp engine

  • Opel extends its offer of cost efficient LPG versions to nine models
  • LPG technology installed Ex Works with Two Year Warranty
  • Zafira Tourer now available as LPG, CNG, gasoline and diesel version

    Opel is extending its Zafira Tourer model portfolio with a new liquefied petroleum gas powered version, a 103 kW/140 hp, 1.4 LPG ecoFLEX turbo engine. The powerhouse provides the same output and torque of 200 Nm (1,850 – 4,900 rpm) in both the cost efficient LPG and gasoline operation modes. With its new LPG offer, the Zafira Tourer thus shows that it is just as versatile in its powertrain variants as it is inside its cabin: the master of versatility offers all conventional propulsion types in its portfolio. Opel is one of the very few car makers in the segment of the seven seater compact vans that offers gasoline, diesel, CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) ex works. In the LPG mode the Zafira Tourer 1.4 LPG Turbo ecoFLEX engine only consumes 8.6 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, equivalent to 139g/CO2 (gasoline mode: 6.7 l/100 km, 156 g/km CO2). Compared to gasoline propulsion, the LPG mode is around 40 percent cheaper (based on an average price per liter of high octane fuel of 1.60 euro compared to 0.76 euro for LPG). In this manner, not only the costs at the gas station but the CO2 emissions can be significantly decreased. The entry level price for the Zafira Tourer 1.4 turbo LPG ecoFLEX starts at 27,050 euro (rrp. for Germany including VAT).

    With the Zafira Tourer LPG, Opel is increasing its LPG fleet to nine models. It is complementing the already existing broad offer of the brand which covers several vehicles lines: the Corsa (three and five door), the Meriva and Astra (five door and Sports Tourer) plus the Insignia (four and five door sedan as well as Sports Tourer).


    Extended range thanks to LPG
    The 1.4 l turbocharged Zafira Tourer LPG engine has been optimized for the use of liquefied petroleum gas. For the LPG variant, Opel engineers strengthened the engine valves and valve seat inserts and optimized the engine control unit. The LPG tank which has a usable filling volume of around 60 liters is perfectly integrated under the car floor so that the full load capacity is maintained and the high flexibility of the optional Zafira Tourer “Lounge seatingsystem is available. With a single tank of fuel, the Zafira Tourer achieves a maximum range of around 650 kilometers; if the gasoline tank is used in addition a range of up to 1,500 kilometers can even be reached.
    The driver can easily alternate between the LPG and gasoline propulsion mode: either automatically when the LPG tank is empty or with a switch in the instrument panel. An LED display is illuminated when the car operates with LPG; as soon as the vehicle is in the gasoline mode the light is off. The fuel tank gauge is particularly user friendly: both LPG and gasoline reserves are displayed in the same gauge.

    LPG system Ex Works: Saves space, Safe and comes with Warranty
    The LPG system installation ex works has major advantages compared to other retrofit solutions. For example, the Opel safety checklist includes specific crash tests for the gas tank and other components which are housed in collision proof areas and are perfectly integrated into the safety structure of the vehicle.
    Like in the Zafira CNG version, the gas tanks are perfectly integrated under the floor of the car, ensuring that the load compartment is always maintained spacious and not restricted. Customers can be sure that their LPG vehicle is equipped with state-of-the art technology ex works which lives up to the typical Opel values of durability, manufacturer warranty and maximum safety.
    Like all the other Opel LPG models, the Zafira Tourer LPG is assembled at the Opel Special Vehicles GmbH (OSV), an Opel subsidiary with expertise in special vehicle lines and modifications based in Rüsselsheim.

    LPG: Environmentally Friendly, Cost Effective and Universally Available
    LPG propulsion is gaining in popularity in Germany and Europe. This is hardly surprising as the LPG price at the pumps is around half of the gasoline price. Early 2012, more than 450,000 vehicles of this type were registered in Germany. This is hardly surprising as the price of LPG is almost half of high octane gasoline. Until the year 2018, the German authorities are also granting a fixed tax break for LPG fuel. However, not only does the car owner see the financial rewards but there are also environmental benefits as LPG vehicles emit up to 15 percent less carbon-dioxide than cars with a conventional powertrain. In Germany, this fuel is available at around 6,500 or 45 percent of all gas stations. Europe wide there are more 35,000 in total.

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