Opel Zephyr. Weaknesses and strengths of the Opel Zafira B

What will happen in 2019: expensive cars and disputes with the government

Due to the growth of VAT and the unclear future of state support programs for the car market, new cars in 2019 will continue to rise in price. We found out how auto companies will negotiate with the government and what new products they will bring.

However, this state of affairs only stimulated buyers to make decisions more quickly, and the VAT increase planned for 2019 from 18 to 20% was an additional argument. Leading auto companies told Autonews.ru what tests await the industry in 2019.

Numbers: sales are up for 19 consecutive months

According to the results of sales of new cars in November 2018, the Russian car market showed an increase of 10% - thus, the market continues to grow for 19 months in a row. According to the Association of European Businesses (AEB), in November, 167,494 new cars were sold in Russia, and in total from January to November, automakers sold 1,625,351 cars - 13.7% more than last year.

According to the AEB, December sales results should be comparable to November. And according to the results of the whole year, it is expected that the market will reach the figure of 1.8 million cars and light vehicles sold. commercial vehicles, which would mean a 13 percent plus.

In 2018, sales of Lada (324,797 units, +16%), Kia (209,503, +24%), Hyundai (163,194, +14%), VW (94,877, +14%), grew most noticeably in 2018 according to data from January to November. 20%), Toyota (96,226, +15%), Skoda (73,275, +30%). He began to reach lost positions in Russian Mitsubishi(39,859 units, +93%). Despite the growth, Subaru (7026 units, +33%) and Suzuki (5303, +26%) lagged behind the brand.

Sales improved in BMW (32,512 units, +19%), Mazda (28,043, +23%), Volvo (6854, +16%). The premium sub-brand from Hyundai - Genesis "shot" (1626 units, 76%). Stable in terms of Renault (128,965, +6%), Nissan (67,501, +8%) Ford (47,488, +6%), Mercedes-Benz (34,426, +2%), Lexus (21,831, +4%) and Land Rover (8 801, +9%).

Despite the positive figures, the total Russian market remain low. According to the Avtostat agency, historically the market showed the maximum value in 2012 - then 2.8 million cars were sold, in 2013 sales decreased to 2.6 million. In 2014, the crisis came only towards the end of the year, so there was no dramatic drop in the market - the Russians managed to buy 2.3 million cars at "old" prices. But in 2015, sales collapsed to 1.5 million units. The negative dynamics continued in 2016, when sales sank to a record low of 1.3 million vehicles. The revival of demand occurred only in 2017, when the Russians bought 1.51 million new cars. Thus, the initial figures of the Russian automotive industry are still far away, as well as the status of the first market in terms of sales in Europe, which Russia was prophesied in the pre-crisis years.

Representatives of auto companies interviewed by Autonews.ru believe that sales in 2019 will be comparable to the results of 2018: according to their estimates, Russians will buy the same number of cars or a little less. Most expect a failed January and February, after which sales will go up again. However, auto brands refuse official forecasts before the start of the new year.

“In 2019, the cars bought in the pre-crisis 2014 will be five years old already - for Russians this is a kind of psychological mark at which they are ready to think about replacing the car,” said Valery Tarakanov, marketing director of Kia, in an interview with Autonews.ru.

Prices: cars went up in price all year

New cars in Russia after the crisis of 2014 by November 2018 rose by an average of 66%, according to Avtostat. For 11 months of 2018, cars have become more expensive by 12% on average. The agency's experts came to the conclusion that auto companies have now almost won back the fall of the ruble against world currencies. But they stipulate that this does not mean a price freeze at all.

Inflation and an increase in the VAT rate from the beginning of 2019 - from 18% to 20% will contribute to a further rise in car prices. Representatives of auto companies in conversations with an Autonews.ru correspondent also do not hide the fact that the increase in VAT will directly affect the cost of cars, and from the very beginning of 2019, for example, this was confirmed by Renault, AvtoVAZ and Kia.

Discounts, bonuses and new prices: when is the best time to buy a car

“On the threshold of the last quarter of the year, the Russian automotive market continued to show strong growth. However, this pleasant fact did not come as a surprise, given the tailwind in the sails of the entire retail sector, counting down the time until the VAT change. There is growing concern among market participants regarding the sustainability of demand in retail starting from January 2019,” explained Joerg Schreiber, Chairman of the AEB Automobile Manufacturers Committee.

At the same time, automakers hope that the ruble exchange rate will not change much against foreign currencies, which will help avoid price spikes.

State support programs: gave half as much

In 2018, two times less money was allocated to state support programs for the car market, popular with Russians, compared to 2017 - 34.4 billion rubles. instead of the previous 62.3 billion rubles. At the same time, only 7.5 billion rubles were spent on targeted programs designed specifically for motorists. We are talking about such programs as "First Car" and "Family Car", which apply to cars worth up to 1.5 million rubles.

The rest of the money was spent on more specific programs like Own Business and Russian Tractor. 1.295 billion was spent on activities for the development and production of vehicles with remote and autonomous control, to stimulate the acquisition of ground electric transport- 1.5 billion, for measures to stimulate production in the Far East (we are talking about compensating transportation costs for auto companies) - 0.5 billion rubles, for the purchase of gas-engine equipment - 2.5 billion rubles.

Thus, the government, as promised, continues to systematically reduce the volume of state support for the industry. For comparison: in 2014, only 10 billion rubles. went to recycling programs and trade-in. In 2015, 43 billion rubles were allocated to support the automotive industry, of which 30% was also spent on recycling and trade-in. In 2016, spending on state support for the automotive industry reached 50 billion rubles, of which half was also spent on similar targeted programs.

As for 2019, the situation with state support remains. So, in the middle of the year, the Ministry of Industry and Trade announced that the First Car and Family Car programs were extended until 2020 inclusive. They should allow buying new cars at a 10-25% discount. However, automakers claim that they still have not received any confirmation of the extension of the programs - the Ministry of Industry and Trade has not been able to clarify the situation and respond to Autonews.ru's request for a month.

Meanwhile, at a recent meeting with automakers, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak said that the volume of state support for the domestic automotive industry is five times higher than the budget revenues from this industry.

“Now it is 9 rubles per 1 ruble of revenues to the budget system from the automotive industry. This is with a recycling fee, and without a recycling fee - 5 rubles of state support,” he said.

Kozak explained that these figures should make one wonder under what conditions state support measures should be provided to the auto industry, adding that the vast majority of business sectors do not receive any support from the state at all.

Disputes with the government: auto companies are unhappy

In 2018, disputes between auto companies and the government over the conditions for further work on the market intensified. The reason was the expiring terms of the agreement on industrial assembly, which gives car companies that have invested in the localization of production a tangible set of benefits, including tax benefits. This situation primarily means that manufacturers, in the face of uncertainty, may postpone the launch of new models, which, by the way, threatened Renault. In addition, it is more difficult for companies to predict their pricing policy. At the moment, the government, represented by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Economics, has still not been able to develop a unified strategy.

Until recently, the departments offered various tools to replace the ending decree on industrial assembly No. 166. Thus, the Ministry of Industry and Trade actively lobbied for the signing of individual special investment contracts (SPICs) between the government and car companies. The document provides for a certain set of benefits, which is determined separately with each signatory, depending on the amount of investment, including in R&D and export development. This tool has been repeatedly criticized by car executives for being non-transparent and too rigid in terms of further investment.

The Ministry of Economics, in turn, opposed it for a long time and insisted that only those who produce high-tech products, which cars do not belong to, can work under SPICs. The FAS also joined the negotiations with the position that companies should not form alliances and consortiums, that is, they should not unite to sign SPICs. At the same time, it was precisely this idea of ​​combining brands to obtain a synergistic effect that began to be promoted in the Ministry of Industry and Trade many years ago.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak had to intervene in the conflict situation, he created a special working group, invited representatives of all auto companies to it and also expressed a number of his own ideas. But even this did not defuse the situation - auto brands complained about newcomers, including Chinese companies that could count on state support from scratch, about their unwillingness to invest too much in R&D and export organization.

At present, according to Autonews.ru sources participating in the negotiations, the majority is on the side of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and a number of auto companies are already preparing to sign SPICs in the new year. And this means new investments, projects and models, the appearance of which can revive the Russian car market.

New models: there will be many premieres in 2019

Despite accurate forecasts from automakers, most of them are preparing a lot of new products for Russia. For example, Volvo Autonews.ru said that they would bring new Volvo S60 and Volvo V60 Cross Country. Suzuki will launch an updated Vitara SUV and a new Jimny compact SUV.

Skoda will bring the updated Superb to Russia next year and crossover, Volkswagen in 2019 will begin Russian sales of the Arteon liftback, as well as new modifications of the Polo and Tiguan. AvtoVAZ will roll out Lada Vesta Sport, Granta Cross and promises a few more new products.

The German manufacturer, although already owned by a French concern, is returning to the domestic market. In his model range number Opel Zafira with the prefix Life. The novelty has nothing to do with the car of the same name, produced back in the days of General Motors. In fact, this is a converted version of the French minivan, sold under the names Peugeot Traveler, Citroen SpaceTourer and even Toyota Proace. Strictly speaking, the brand division of Vauxhall uses the name Vivaro. All the differences lie in the nameplates, logos and design of the front. The "German" has a slightly enlarged radiator grille with a thin horizontal chrome trim. Headlights have a simpler shape, without a bumper crawling on them. A more significant difference lies in the list of equipment. So, the starting equipment of Innovation is more expensive than that of the French counterpart, but it has a richer technical stuffing. The list of equipment includes: two sliding doors on the sides, front and side airbags, stamped steel wheel disks 16 inches, stabilization system, cruise control, air conditioner and a separate air conditioning system for passengers in the rear rows, autonomous preheater Webasto, front parking sensors and a rearview camera, an entertainment multimedia system with a seven-inch screen, and an engine start button. The assembly was established at the facilities of the Kaluga PCMA plant.

dimensions

Opel Zafira is a passenger minivan that can take on board from six to nine people. In its basic version, it measures 4600mm long, 1920mm wide, 1905mm high and 3275mm between wheelsets. For an additional fee, you can order a variant extended by 350 mm. The wheelbase is kept. Outside the domestic market, the longest version is available. From bumper to bumper, it measures 5.3 meters. It is worth noting that next year a van will also appear in Russia, but it will bear the name Vivaro, like the sub-brand model.

Specifications

Only one power unit is available for the Opel Zafira. This is a two-liter in-line turbocharged diesel four with a Common Rail power system. She develops 150 Horse power at 4000 rpm and 3700 Nm of torque from 2000 rpm crankshaft in a minute. As a transmission, an exclusively classic hydromechanical automatic machine with six operating ranges is offered. At the start of sales, the drive will be only on the front wheels. Later it will be possible to order a plug-in system with a multi-plate clutch. As a result, the car is able to accelerate from standstill to the mark of one hundred kilometers per hour in 12.3 seconds. The high-speed ceiling is located at around 183 kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption is 7 liters of diesel at city driving pace, 5.6 liters on the highway and 6.2 liters in the combined cycle.

Video

The very first german car The Opel Zafira model was presented back in 1999. Two years later, the Germans introduced a more sporty version of the car. And in 2005, the manufacturer demonstrated a radically different Zafira, which was not at all like its predecessors. The highlight of the new car was the possibility of transforming the interior. The current generation of the "German" has taken root in the domestic market and is in good demand. Many Russians are interested in information where the Opel Zafira is assembled for our market. The first generation of the model was produced by the General Motors auto concern under the name Opel Zafira A.

The car was designed for seven passengers and had three rows of seats. This car is very similar to model Astra G, and has a lot in common with it, since both machines are built on the same platform - GMT. Recently, the "German" has been assembled here in Russia at the Kaliningrad plant "Avtotor". Before the opening of the domestic plant, compact vans were assembled for the Russian market in Poland (the city of Gliwice) at the General Motors plant. This means that Russian buyers can purchase cars of Polish or domestic assembly. Auto Opel Mokka of the first generation was equipped with two types power units. This was a 1.9-liter turbodiesel engine, as well as a 1.6-liter engine that produces 240 horsepower and runs on natural gas.

Generations Presentation

In 2004 German concern introduced the world to the next generation of the Opel Zafira model with the “B” index. This car replaced a serial relative a year later. In 2011, at the motor show in Geneva, the automotive society saw the "German" of the third generation. Its manufacturer introduced under the name - Opel Zafira Tourer. And the serial version of this model at the end of the year began to be sold on the Russian market and European markets.

For each buyer, it is important where the Opel Zafira is produced, because the quality and service life of the car depend on this fact. Some time later, General Motors again presented updated version this vehicle. This car was equipped with LPG equipment. Power point this model of car could run on both gasoline and natural gas. One gas station and it is enough to cover a distance of 530 kilometers. In addition, the Opel Zafira had:

• traffic sign recognition function
• lane control system
• sound warning when hitting road markings.

Also, the interior of this car can be transformed, and the place of a five-seater, turn into a seven-seater comfortable compact van. There is one drawback here, it will not be very convenient for passengers to climb into the third row of seats. But, putting the last row, the owner will receive a fairly spacious luggage compartment.

Features of the "German"

This model of car has an average cost. The car looks solid and has an increase of 57 millimeters wheelbase compared to its predecessor. In the Russian market, the buyer can purchase Zafira with a 140-horsepower engine, the volume of which is 1796 cm3. The maximum speed of the "German" is average - 197 kilometers per hour. Where they produce the Opel Zafira for the Russian Federation, they took into account the operating conditions. Therefore, the car is perfect for our roads. To disperse the "German" to the first hundred, it will take 12.9 seconds. The power unit is paired with a 5-speed automatic gearbox. The car "eats" a little fuel. For operation on the highway for a hundred kilometers, you will need only 5.8 liters of gasoline.

In the combined cycle, the car consumes 7.2 liters, and in the city - 9.7 liters. You can transform the salon in two minutes without much effort. This vehicle has soy pros and cons. Let's start with the good, the five-speed transmission will provide the driver with a soft and smooth ride. The recoil system is present only on cars of the third generation, before that, it was not installed on this model, but in vain. Now, about the shortcomings. Since it is possible to install gas equipment on a car, and there is only one place for installation - a niche where the spare tire is located. After you install the balloon, spare wheel will carry in the trunk. The owners are not pleased with the windshield washer nozzles.

Sprayers have only two jets, and therefore, the cleaning liquid does not spread well. You will have to buy fan nozzles, the price of which is 500 rubles. The cost of the Zafira varies depending on the configuration - from 440,000 to 610,000 rubles. These shortcomings will be on cars, both Russian and Polish, regardless of where the Opel Zafira was produced. Other than that, this car performs excellently. For a long operational period, no particular serious breakdowns or malfunctions were observed. With care, this machine, like any other, will serve its owner for many years. In addition, everyone knows that the German vehicles renowned for their unrivaled quality and reliability.

"The second generation, had a seven-seat interior with wide transformation possibilities - the rest of the European compact monocabs could boast only a five-seat interior.

Gasoline engines with a volume of 1.6, 1.8 and 2.2 liters with a capacity of 101 to 147 forces, as well as 2.0 and 2.2 turbodiesels developing 82–125 hp were installed on the car. with. Gearboxes - mechanical or automatic.

In 2001, the “charged” Opel Zafira OPC was introduced with a two-liter gasoline turbo engine with a capacity of 192 hp. with. (later - 200 hp) At the same time, a version with an engine capable of running on both gasoline and gas appeared in the lineup.

Deliveries of the model to the Russian market started in 2002. A slightly updated Zafira debuted in 2003, and in 2005 the production of cars in Germany was completed due to the appearance of the second generation of the model. In Brazil, the minivan was produced under the name until 2012, and the car was also known under the names in Australia, the British market and Japan.

2nd generation (B), 2005–2014

The second generation of the minivan entered the conveyor in 2005, the Zafira was again designed on the Astra platform, but of the next generation. In the UK the model was known as , and in Chile and Mexico as .

The range of power units consisted of gasoline engines 1.6, 1.8 and 2.2, developing from 105 to 150 hp. with., as well as a two-liter turbo engine with a capacity of 200 forces. Turbodiesels had a volume of 1.7 and 1.9 liters. From the very beginning, the model range included a “charged” version of the Zafira OPC with a two-liter petrol turbo engine boosted to 240 hp. with. Gearboxes - mechanical, robotic or automatic.

In 2007, a small restyling of the model was carried out, and in 2009, the assembly of cars for the Russian market began at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad.

In 2011, there was a change in the generation of the model, and the production of cars in Germany was completed, but in Poland and Russia they continued to make a minivan until 2014 under the name Opel Zafira Family.

Table of car engines Opel Zafira

For the first time, the Opel Zafira brand appeared in 1997, the car was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show, but it was only a prototype.

First appearance

In reality, the minivan appeared on the market in 1999 and in many respects it resembles the Opel Astra.

In 2003, the first generation Zafira underwent a slight restyling:

• the rear lights have changed somewhat;
• a grille with chrome trim was installed.

In 2005, Opel began producing the second generation Zafira B, this model was fundamentally different from its predecessor.

In the car, in addition to external design, the following changes have taken place:

• the body was lengthened by 15 cm;
• the car has a system active safety passengers;
• the rear seats have become convertible, they can be easily folded, freeing up space in the cabin.

In 2011, the German concern presented the Opel Zafira C Tourer variant to the world - the model was first shown at the Geneva Motor Show, and it appeared in Russia in 2013.

Engine line Opel Zafira

In line Opel engines The Zafira has both petrol and diesel engines.

The most common are considered gasoline internal combustion engines 1600 cm3 (Z16XE) and 1800 cm3 (Z18XER).

The Z16XE engine has a power of 105/115 hp. with. (two options), Z18XER engine - 140 "horses".

In addition to these power units, there is also an internal combustion engine 2200 cm3 (150 hp) and turbocharged engine 2000 cm3 (170, 200 or 240 hp, depending on engine modification).

In the line of diesel engines, there are only two power units:

• 1.7 CDTI with a volume of 1700 cm3 and a power of 125 liters. with.;
• Z19DT/ Z19DTL 1900 cm3, 120 hp with. and 150 l. with.

In Europe, the Zafira car was produced, running on methane fuel, but such an instance was not produced in Russia.

Common problems with Opel Zafira B

Possible engine problems.

The gas distribution mechanism of the motors uses a belt drive, and according to factory recommendations, the belt should be changed after 150 tons. Km.

In practice, it is recommended to replace the timing belt in Russian conditions after approximately 60 tons. Km.

A broken timing belt does not bode well - with such a malfunction, the valves in the block head meet the pistons, and they bend.

In the best case, the car owner will get off with replacing the valves, but the cylinder head may also have to be changed.

If oil gets on the timing belt, then the belt can jump a tooth, which will also not lead to anything good - the motor will triple and not develop power.

It is not uncommon for the thermostat to jam in the engine cooling system, but this happens closer to 100 thousand kilometers.

The thermostat itself is inexpensive, especially since you can always purchase non-original spare parts.

Diesel engines are highly reliable, but you still can’t refuel with bad diesel fuel. Diesel 1700 cm3 is the most sensitive to fuel quality; fuel injectors fail on these engines.

Another of the characteristic problems of diesel engines is that it clogs over time and prevents the car from moving in normal mode.

Worth this item exhaust system very expensive, many car owners are trying to put a snag, bypass the particulate filter.

In order for the motor to work stably and not go into emergency mode, the control unit is being flashed.

Transmission problems.

The manual transmission on the Opel Zafira B begins to “give up” after hundreds of thousands of kilometers:

• a hum is heard when shifting gears;
• when the car starts moving, jerks appear.

The reason for the symptoms that have appeared is the wear of the roller bearings and the output shaft itself.

Even weaker robotic gearbox, problems almost always begin with it closer to the mileage of 150 tons. Km.

The main cause of breakdowns is the clutch, therefore, it is necessary to operate a car with such a transmission as carefully as possible.

Another way to extend the life of the robot gearbox and clutch is to update the software during maintenance.

The automated box will be the most reliable among the entire transmission installed on the Opel Zafira.

Problems with it are rare, but you need to monitor the oil level. If the oil is less than expected, the gears begin to shift jerkily.

Suspension problems.

The Zafira suspension is very similar to the Astrovskaya, it is quite reliable, and starts to fail closer to 100,000 km.

To increase its resource, you should not drive a car on bad roads, as well as overload the interior and trunk.

The stabilizer struts are consumables and usually change on a run of 30 to 40 tons. Km.

The problem with all Opels is the rear springs, they break quite often, especially with a constant load on the car.

It is often necessary to change the wheel bearings, but the shock absorbers last quite a long time.

Tie rods and tips freely nurse about a hundred thousand kilometers, and for the price they are not at all inexpensive.

It is possible that it may start to leak steering rack, also periodically fail power steering.

The steering rack and power steering pump are very expensive, but there are options:

• repair units;
• look for auto parts.

The paintwork of the Zafira B is not at the highest level, however, this “sore” is typical for all Opels.