After Being Successful in Brazil with the Chevrolet Brand, Consumers Put the Zafira Aside, but the Market Welcomes the New Model Back with the Opel Brand from Stellantis; It Is Worth Checking Out.
In an exciting turn for automotive enthusiasts, Opel answers the call of fans and reintroduces the new Zafira to the market, a model that made its mark in Brazil due to its versatility and innovation with the popular Chevrolet brand. But forget everything you knew about the previous Zafira; this new version has transformed from a family MPV into something we can affectionately call a “minivan”, a radical change aimed at redefining the segment.
Recently launched in South Africa and Europe, the Opel Zafira Life comes in two versions: the Edition and the more sophisticated Elegance. Although the Edition is considered the “base” in terms of specifications, it is far from basic. Equipped with Opel’s intelligent lighting system, daytime running lights, fog lights, and a striking front design, the new Zafira promises to impress from the first glance.
Engine and Details of the New Opel Zafira
Under the hood, the new Zafira is powered by a 2-liter turbo diesel engine, offering 110 kW of power and 370 Nm of torque. This setup ensures excellent cruising capability, ideal for family trips or group transport, staying true to its promise of providing a smooth and economical driving experience.
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The main focus of the Zafira Life is comfort, a feature that will be emphasized repeatedly. With large front doors and massive sliding doors, access to the interior is an invitation to convenience. However, the absence of a grab handle on the passenger side was noted as a small design flaw, making access somewhat awkward for some passengers.
The rear of the vehicle features a unique taillight design and a sizable tailgate, revealing a generous luggage compartment capable of accommodating a large amount of bags and equipment, a notable advantage over many seven-seater SUVs available on the market. In Brazil, when the Zafira was sold under the Chevrolet brand, it was always highly praised for the space and comfort it offered.
Interior and Features
Inside, the Zafira Life shines with its versatility. The seating configuration is adjustable, allowing a balance between passenger space and luggage. And, six Isofix anchor points ensure children’s safety, a feature rarely seen in vehicles of this segment. The Elegance version, while more expensive, adds an extra layer of luxury with automatic sliding doors, electric seat adjustment, and even a double sunroof, elevating the travel experience to a new level of comfort and convenience. Prices start from 38,000 euros, around 205,000 reais, excluding taxes.
The new Opel Zafira promises to bring back the charm and functionality that made the original model so beloved by families in Brazil. With a renewed design, ample interior space, and solid performance, the Zafira Life is ready to win back the hearts of Brazilians, meeting the fans’ desire for a family vehicle that does not compromise on style, comfort, or practicality.
Success of the Chevrolet Zafira in Brazil

The Chevrolet Zafira, a model that not only succeeded in Brazil but also left a legacy of innovation and versatility, returns to the automotive scene with a new look, promising to revive the glory days and win back Brazilian hearts. Produced by Opel, a member of the General Motors Group, the Zafira was a milestone in the mid-size MPV segment, standing out in the Brazilian market from 2001 to 2012.
Launched in March 2001 in Brazil, the Zafira used the platform of the Opel Astra G, bringing a previously unprecedented innovation to the country: Opel’s Flex7 system. This system allowed users unprecedented flexibility in seating arrangement, offering seven seats with the possibility of folding them down to create a vast interior space, catering both to the needs of large families and the demand for a vehicle capable of transporting bulky loads.
Initially available in 2.0 8V and 2.0 16V engine versions, the Zafira introduced a level of luxury and comfort to the Brazilian market that had previously been reserved for higher segments, with the CD version launched in 2002 raising this bar even further. The public’s response was immediate, and the Zafira quickly established itself as one of the most coveted minivans in the country, competing on equal footing with established models such as the Citroën Xsara Picasso.
Remodeling and Farewell
Despite a significant redesign in 2005 in Germany, in Brazil, the Zafira maintained its original body, with updates that included new nomenclatures for the versions and the replacement of the engines with a 2.0 8V Flexpower version. Production of the Zafira was discontinued in 2012, giving way to the Chevrolet Spin, but not without leaving its mark as a pioneer in offering seven seats and flexible usage.
The legacy of the Chevrolet Zafira is undeniable. In addition to being named the best national minivan by Quatro Rodas magazine in 2005, the Zafira paved the way for the evolution of the MPV segment in Brazil, proving that it was possible to unite functionality, space, and performance in an attractive and accessible package. With the return of the new Zafira, Chevrolet not only pays tribute to this legacy but also prepares to write a new chapter in the history of family vehicles in Brazil, reiterating its commitment to innovation, versatility, and customer satisfaction.


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