SCOOP: Production Version of Opel Zafira Tourer Concept getting Ready for Frankfurt Show Debut

At this month’s Geneva Motor Show, Opel previewed the next generation of its 7-seater MPV model through the Zafira Tourer Concept. Now, our spies have snagged some new photos of the production version rolling around in Germany as Opel puts the final touches on the compact minivan before its world premiere at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show this fall.

Being that that Geneva show Zafira was more of a pre-production model than a pure concept, few things appear to have changed on the outside. These include the smaller size and less snazzy alloy wheels, the larger but obviously more practical for everyday use exterior mirrors, the redesigned tail lamps and the more mundane tail pipe designs.

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VIDEO: Opel Touts Zafira Tourer Concept's "Lounge Ambience"

These are the first videos of Opel's new Zafira Tourer Concept, which will receive its grand premiere at next week's 2011 Geneva Salon. The first clip focuses on the relaxing "lounge atmosphere" found within the interior of the minivan, something that Opel highlighted more than anything else in the car's press release, while the second video showcases the new Flex7 seating concept. Hit the break to watch both clips for yourself.

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Opel Reveals Sleek Zafira Tourer Concept Prior to Geneva Motor Show Debut

After we got a first glimpse of the Zafira study by means of an iPad hologram, Opel released the full details of the concept which previews the next-generation Zafira MPV. Described by Opel as a “lounge on wheels”, the design study uses the same style language as seen on the Insignia and Astra models.

The front is the most eye-catching part of the Zafira's sleek bodywork, with the headlights, LED running lights and the fog lights being united in a boomerang-shaped structure, inspired by the Ampera EV's fascia. Unlike the Meriva, the Zafira sports conventional doors and has a dynamic look due to the ascendent midline and the 20-inch rims.

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New Opel Zafira Tourer Concept Previewed in iPad Hologram, Debuts in Geneva

Opel chose a rather unique way to inform us about its new concept model that previews the next generation of the Zafira people carrier, and which is scheduled to make its world premiere at the Geneva Salon in March. The company published a short video accompanied by a photograph showing the firm's design boss Mark Adams holding an iPad through which a hologram of the concept car pops out.

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2011 Opel Zafira MPV Scooped on Video, Doesn't get Trick Rear Doors

Along with the sportier three-door variant of the new Astra, General Motors' Opel division is also developing an MPV version of its C-segment model that will replace the current Zafira. Caught on film out and about at the Nurburgring track in Germany, the camouflaged prototype confirms that the new Opel (Vauxhall in the UK) Zafira won't get the funky FlexDoor system with the rear-hinged back doors of the Meriva, and will continue to use a conventional five-door layout instead.

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SPIED: New Opel Zafira 7-Seater MPV

The next-generation of GM Europe's Opel (Vauxhall in Britain) Zafira MPV has been spotted by our man with the long-lens undergoing development testing in Germany.

Opel's traditional harlequin suit of camouflage leaves a lot to the imagination about the Zafira's looks, but expect a sleeker shape incorporating many of the styling cues seen on the Astra, Insignia and the Meriva, including the creased swoop behind the front wheels.

From what we can tell by looking at these photos, it appears that Opel hasn't applied the Meriva's trick suicide doors on the Zafira which gets conventional rear doors.

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New Opel Zafira ecoM Powered by 1.6 CNG Turbo Engine Unveiled in Bologna

Opel performed the world debut of its first Compressed Natural Gas compact van with a turbocharger, the Zafira ecoM, at the Bologna motor show. This particular variant of Opel's 7-seater minivan is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo engine designed to run on either natural gas, bio-methane or any mixture of the two. The unit is provided with special pistons, valves and valve seats, plus separate injection systems for natural gas and gasoline. The engine has an output of 150HP offering the Zafira a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph) and an average consumption of 5.3 kg of natural gas per 100 km in the MVEG cycle, emitting 144 g/km of CO2.

In gas mode alone, the vehicle can drive up to 370 km (230 miles), while the 14-liter reserve gasoline tank provides an additional range of 150 km (93 miles) for maximum flexibility.

Thanks to the cleverly designed underfloor arrangement of the four gas tanks around the rear axle, the Zafira's interior retains in full all its advantages in terms of variability and space. Just like its sister models, the Zafira ecoM features Opel's Flex7 seating system which enables the interior to be quickly converted from a seven-seater to a two-seater without any complicated procedure of removing the seats.

The new Zafira ecoM will reach European markets in January 2009.

2008 Opel Zafira Facelit Revealed

While we were paying attention to the LA Show, on the other side of the Atlantic, Opel unwrapped the 2008 Zafira facelift which will be officially unveiled at the Bologna Motor Show in Italy on December 7, 2007. The revised Zafira features minor cosmetic enhancements like the redesigned bumpers and the new tail-lamps while inside, the cabin trim and upholstery are improved to give a higher-quality feel. -Continued after the jump

The 2008 Zafira’s engine range is upgraded with the addition of the new weight-optimized 115 Hp 1.6-liter Twinport Ecotec petrol unit and two 1.7 CDTI common-rail turbo-diesel units producing 110 Hp and 125 Hp that replace the 1.9 CTDI 100 Hp and 120 Hp versions respectively.