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The unique, European-style Holden Zafira flexible wagon introduces to the market an appealing blend of versatile accommodation and lively driving dynamics.

Featuring an interior layout that adapts to suit shifting lifestyle needs, the Zafira flexible wagon can easily be transformed from a five-seater to a two-seater to a seven seater.

Extensive Holden engineering ensured that the Zafira meets the wide variety of Australian conditions and driver expectations. The 2.2 litre Holden Zafira flexible wagon performs, rides and handles with the responsiveness and agility of a sedan.

Michael King, Holden's Marketing Manager, Small and Medium Cars, says the Zafira is an extraordinary vehicle that will expand the reach and strength of the Holden range.

"This is very much a first for Holden - Zafira is an all-new product that will make an impact in an all-new segment. Its flexibility is class-leading and it's also a true driver's car, with the performance and handling people expect of a Holden," he said.

"We believe Zafira will have particular appeal for young families with diverse interests and for those whose lifestyles include a variety of leisure activities.

"Zafira has already proven its popularity in Europe with over 20 motoring awards, including the prestigious Euro Car of the Year, and has all the necessary attributes to carve out a successful niche in the Australian market," Michael King said.

The Holden Zafira flexible wagon is available in one highly specified model configuration. It has a powerful, high-torque 2.2 litre DOHC ECOTEC engine, teamed with 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Included as standard are dual airbags, anti-lock braking and traction control, air conditioning, power steering, cruise control, remote central locking, CD player, front power windows and heated side mirrors.

Style
With its technically-oriented contours, raked windshield, integrated radiator grille, striking headlamps and aerodynamically efficient, wedge-shaped silhouette, Zafira's styling is clear-cut and unmistakable. Its designers have succeeded in combining concise exterior proportions with unprecedented interior seating and load carrying flexibility.

Space and Flexibility
Zafira's clever 'Flex 7' seating system incorporates three rows of seats (2-3-2). A simple mechanism allows the individual rear seats to be folded beneath the floor line, or unfolded, in a matter of seconds. With the two rear seats stowed, Zafira offers spacious accommodation for five people. The second row bench seat can travel back or forwards by up to 540mm, providing up to 640 litres of additional luggage space. Seating positions are high, offering good all-round vision for the driver and passengers.

To make use of its maximum cargo capacity of 1,700 litres, Zafira's second row seats can be folded and secured against the front seat backs. The high opening of the rear hatch and a low loading sill make for easy access, the carpeted load floor is flat.

With the second row bench seat offering a 60/40 split fold capability and a through-loading hatch in the centre which can take long objects such as skis, Zafira offers even more flexibility. When all seven seats are in use, there is 150 litres of storage space behind the rear seats.

Responsive, Fuel-Efficient Performance
To satisfy the high performance expectations of Australian buyers, Holden specified a new generation 2.2 litre, 16 valve ECOTEC double overhead cam engine for Zafira. It develops 108kW of power at 5,800rpm and 203Nm of torque at 4,000rpm.

Zafira's 5-speed manual transmission has a maintenance-free, hydraulically operated clutch for precise shifting and smooth operation. The optional four-speed automatic electronic control transmission features a Holden-designed torque converter for improved 'launch'. It also has a 'neutral idle' feature which saves fuel by selecting neutral when the brake pedal is applied and the car is stationary and allows smoother idling. The transmission then shifts back into gear when the throttle is applied.

The engine has been re-calibrated for automatic variants to suit Australian requirements and includes an 'air conditioner off' function for maximum torque at take-off. Zafira is also equipped with 'drive by wire' electronic throttle control for enhanced driveability.

Zafira achieves fuel consumption of 9 litres/100km on the city cycle and 6.8 litres/100km on the highway cycle with manual transmission and 10 litres/100km city cycle and 6.6 litres highway cycle with automatic transmission.

Vehicle Dynamics
Zafira's stable body structure, well-balanced axle load distribution and lightweight chassis form a sound basis for a comfortable, enjoyable driving experience. Modelled closely on the Astra and delivering similar passenger car ride and handling responses, the Zafira chassis incorporates a hydroformed subframe, MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension.

The finely tuned suspension is enhanced by a relatively low centre of gravity, achieved by optimised ride heights at the front and rear axles and by Zafira's wide track: 1,470mm at the front and 1,487mm at the rear.

Traction control, a four channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic braking force distribution and electro-hydraulic power steering complement Zafira's Dynamic Safety Chassis (DSA), which in critical situations allows drivers to retain control and hold a driving line. They combine to ensure precise handling and a high degree of safety.

Holden chassis engineers undertook an intensive optimisation program to ensure that Zafira's suspension dynamics suit the diverse Australian driving environment. As a result of this program, which involved the re-calibrating of front and rear dampers, development of new tyres for the 15x6-inch wheels and the re-design of rear springs, Zafira delivers improved ride comfort and suppleness over varying road surfaces, more predictable handling on unsealed roads, better towing performance and increased durability.

Design for Safety
The Zafira flexible wagon incorporates many features that provide high standard passive and active safety protection.

In the event of a severe frontal collision, impact forces are routed along three load paths. The main load path is the front frame. In the upper area, the force is conducted to the front, or 'A' pillar, via wheel arch reinforcements extending from the headlights; it is then led to the rear via door reinforcements. Zafira's strong hydroformed suspension sub frame forms the lower load path.

Protection against injury in side collisions is provided by single piece body structure side panels, robust sills firmly attached to 'B' pillars and the selective use of cross-members and door reinforcements made of high-strength steel. Side protection beams in the doors, energy-absorbing padding and a centrally located cross-member in the rear structure add further protection. Zafira's 56-litre fuel tank is optimally located ahead of the rear axle.

In addition to the stable occupant cell, Zafira's active occupant safety system includes driver and front passenger airbags, pyrotechnic front seat belt pre-tensioners and belt force limiters and height-adjustable headrests on all seats.

A patented pedal release system - also standard equipment on the Holden Vectra, Astra and Barina - protects against lower leg injury by disengaging brake and clutch pedals from their anchor points in a severe frontal impact.

Comfort, Convenience and Security
Inside, the Zafira is finished in smart 'Space Ball' black soft velour. The focus on functionality is reflected in the ergonomic arrangement of its instrument panel, which includes a multi-function display with time, date, audio settings and outside temperature.

For improved comfort, Zafira features a heat reflective windshield, which contains a layer of tinted metallic foil sandwiched between two layers of laminated glass. It has the capacity to reflect 58 per cent of solar energy, compared with the 20 per cent reflected by a standard windshield.

Storage needs are particularly well catered for. There are spacious, divided front and rear door storage bins, niches between the front seats and a pull-out tray beneath the front passenger seat. Additional practical details include a total of six cup holders, storage lockers with latched doors on each side of the cargo area and a flat storage compartment located under the cargo floor.

Zafira's compact three-spoke steering wheel is height and reach adjustable and the driver's seat is height adjustable. The remote control exterior mirrors are electrically heated and front windows are power-operated, with an express up/down function. Windshield wipers are road-speed sensitive with an intermittent function, and sweep timing of the tailgate window wiper/washer synchronises with the front.

Remote central locking, cruise control, air conditioning and a clean-air filter system with pollen filter are standard fitment. Zafira's six-speaker, 80 watt Blaupunkt audio system features a single disc CD player and speed dependent automatic volume control.

For enhanced security, remote control door locking and the engine immobiliser have a rolling security code. Doors can be deadlocked, power windows closed by holding the key in 'lock' position in the driver's door. 'Freewheeling' door and steering lock cylinders prevent forcing and radio units are security coded to render them worthless if stolen. Interior lights are activated by the remote unlock function.

Holden Expertise Drove Zafira Production and Development
While European designed, the Holden Zafira flexible wagon benefits from of a large degree of input from a specialist Holden engineering team whose main task is to modify and validate General Motors vehicles to suit differing environments in the Asia Pacific region.

The A$48 million Zafira project was the largest yet undertaken by Holden Asia Pacific Engineering. Among other things, it gave the team the opportunity to develop the Zafira into a more rugged vehicle, better able to satisfy the demands of the Australian and Asia Pacific markets.

Holden engineers were responsible for bringing the Zafira into production at a new GM production plant in Thailand and supporting its development for export to Europe and eleven other countries. The project involved the management and training of production plant personnel, the sourcing and re-engineering of major components and in-country validation. The vehicles were then subjected to rigorous test program schedules - at Holden's Lang Lang proving ground and in remote outback locations - in order to satisfy stringent quality, performance, durability and reliability targets.

Colour Selection
Casablanca White; Star Silver*; Magma Red; Jazz Blue*; Midnight Black*
* Denotes metallic colour

Holden Zafira Recommended Retail Pricing

On sale
18 June 2001