Opel has improved the efficiency of its 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX model, reducing the carbon footprint on the Zafira seven-seater compact van by nearly nine percent to 139 g/km.

This ultra-low emissions figure also means that it's the most fuel efficient diesel seven-seat compact van on the market. Breaking the 140 g/km barrier also places the Zafira 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX below the tax bracket in many European states, such as France, the U.K. and the Nordic countries.

The 1.7 liter diesel with 81 kW/110 hp is fitted with a maintenance-free particulate filter and a six-speed manual transmission as standard. It now sips just 5.3 liters of diesel per 100 km. The reduced CO2 value of 139 g/km CO2 compares with 152 g/km on the previous model for a reduction of nearly nine percent.

"Getting the CO2 below 140g for a seven-seater van is a proud achievement. This is just one example of our commitment to continually improve the efficiency of our vehicles," said Hans Demant, Managing Director Adam Opel GmbH.

The 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX with its 260 Nm of torque available from 2000 to 2300 rpm – the same engine as featured on the Astra ecoFLEX – reaches a top speed of 180 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in 13.5 sec.

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Moreover, the price, starting at 22,555 euros in Germany, stays unchanged. It is available from April 6.

Opel engineers improved the fuel efficiency by modifying the Zafira 1.7 CDTI in a number of ways: They selected a longer axle ratio (3.35: 1 compared to 3.65) and a shorter gear set in first and second gear to compensate for the longer axle ratio. In addition, they reduced the friction of the water pump, optimized the engine management system, lowered the engine idle speed and reduced the power steering pump idle speed.

There are five ecoFLEX models in the Zafira family: A gasoline version (1.6; 115 hp), two diesels (1.7 CDTI; 110 and 125 hp) and two Compressed Natural Gas-powered variants. The two CNG versions include the well-known 1.6 naturally aspirated variant (94 hp; 138 g/km CO2) and a new 1.6 Turbo (150 hp; 139 g/km CO2).

The Zafira is one of Europe's most popular compact vans, favored for its ability to be transformed from a spacious load–lugger to seven-seat people carrier in a matter of seconds. Opel vehicles carrying the ecoFLEX badge offer the brand's greenest and fuel efficient engines.