Opel/Vauxhall adds ecoFlex Zafira MPV with 44.4 mpg (U.S.), 139 g/km CO2

GM Europe has added a low emissions ecoFlex model to its compact Zafira MPV lineup that will allow buyers in many countries, including the UK, to pay lower registration fees. The new Zafira ecoFlex is powered by a new 1.7-liter turbodiesel engine that was recently introduced in the Astra ecoFlex. The new engine produces 110 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. That's enough to move the Mazda5-sized Zafira to 60 mph in 12.6 seconds while getting 44.4 mpg (U.S.) combined on the EU test cycle. The carbon dioxide emissions are rated at 139 g/km. That's a mileage bump from the 39.2 mpg (U.). rating for the existing 1.9-liter diesel. The seven-passenger Zafira gets taller gear ratios and lower rolling resistance tires to further help mileage. The press release is after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

PRESS RELEASE:

NEW ECOFLEX ZAFIRA GETS GREEN LIGHT WITH NEW ENGINE

Luton – Using a new-to-range 1.7-litre advanced diesel engine emitting combined emissions of just 139g/km, Vauxhall's latest addition to the Zafira line-up has all the right credentials to become the first ecoFLEX model in the range.

This ultra-low emissions figure also means that it's one of the greenest and most fuel efficient seven-seat compact MPVs on the market.

And with its lower emissions, the ecoFLEX is the first Zafira to enter Band C for Vehicle Excise Duty - costing just £120 per year – while its BIK tax for company car drivers drops four levels to 18 per cent, the lowest taxation class for a seven-seater car in the UK.

The ecoFLEX also gains a significant improvement in fuel consumption compared with other models in the range. With a Combined figure of 53.3mpg (47.1mpg for the 1.9 CDTi), this Zafira now has a theoretical range of 680 miles, meaning fewer trips to the pumps and less damage to drivers' wallets.

But as with Vauxhall's other ecoFLEX models, turning greener hasn't impacted on its performance. The 1.7 CDTi engine – which can also be found in the recent Astra ecoFLEX – produces 110PS and 260Nm of torque, giving acceleration of 0-60mph in 12.6 seconds and a top speed of 112mph. A different final drive ratio also raises the gearing, improving both fuel economy and offering a more relaxed cruising gait.

With a starting price of £17,310 for the Zafira Exclusiv ecoFLEX, buyers will pay a mere £100 premium over the equivalent 1.9 CDTi 120PS model. But since all Zafiras are available with Vauxhall's 'You Pay, We Pay' deal, buyers benefit from zero per cent interest from two to four years (with no deposit to pay on the two year package) while also collecting a cheque equivalent to five per cent of the amount financed.
As well as Vauxhall's clever Flex7 seating, allowing the ecoFLEX to be transformed from a capacious load –lugger to seven-seat people carrier in a matter of seconds, six full-size airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and radio/CD player are standard on all of its five trim levels.

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