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 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.

New Opel Zafira Tourer 1.6 CNG Turbo

• 1.6 liter CNG Turbo ecoFLEX with 110 kW/150 hp, only 129g/km CO₂
• 530 kilometers CNG range with full 7 seat configuration
• Innovative light weight gas tank system now enables 25 kg CNG capacity

Shortly after the Zafira Tourer’s world premiere at the 64^th Frankfurt Motor Show, Opel is broadening the spectrum of its new compact monocab with highly efficient and environmentally friendly alternative propulsion. In January 2012, the new natural gas ecoFLEX version with a best-in-class CNG range of up to 530 km – well beyond the 500 km mark - will be added to the powertrain portfolio of Opel’s flexibility master. 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 range. 

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

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. 

Cutting edge gas storage solution

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. 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.

Another important innovation that has further increased the range is the use of electronic pressure regulators rather than mechanical ones, as it was the case in the Zafira CNG predecessor model. The electronic regulators ensure that when the gas cylinders are almost empty, even small remaining reserves can be efficiently exploited. In the seven seat configuration, the Zafira Tourer CNG has a clear advantage over its competitors in terms of operating range.

Monovalent^Plus concept for maximum efficiency and everyday suitability

Opel was the first manufacturer to optimize engines for the use of natural gas by employing the clever Monovalent^Plus system. Under the tried and tested concept the engine has been optimized to use CNG but the vehicle also holds a 14 liter auxiliary gasoline tank. When the CNG tanks are empty, the vehicle automatically starts utilizing the gasoline reserves.

On the engine side, the optimization includes several measures: as natural gas has an anti-knock resistance of up to 130 octane, compression can be increased, yielding greater efficiency. The increase in the compression ratio is also supported by a piston specially designed for use with natural gas. The cylinder selective sequential injection, with an injection block and four injectors for natural gas and gasoline, also permits precision control of the injection timing and quantity. This reduces harmful emissions, leading in turn to especially clean exhaust gases. 

Opel Zafira: The flagship CNG vehicle

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 Opel Zafira 1.6 Turbo CNG version is still available, the new Opel 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 redesigned Flex7 seating system, the new Zafira Tourer now sets novel standards in interior flexibility and atmosphere.