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 seating” system 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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