New Energy Vehicles gaining traction in SA
On World EV Day, a survey of 6 700 South African car owners highlights growing interest in Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) and Electric Vehicles (EVs).
- New Energy Vehicles
- 10 September 2025
Opel’s Zafira nameplate is back in South-Africa, this time not as the small multi-purpose vehicle like before, but more in the shape and size of a mini-van.
Opel says the Zafira Life offers reconfigurable interiors, advanced driving aids, a modern infotainment system, heads-up display and an adaptive cruise control system with camera sensors and radar.
The Zafira is said to be more luxurious than before. There is a two-piece panoramic roof, a window that can open in the tailgate and a seven- or eight-seat configuration.
The vehicles are equipped with sliding doors, with the Elegance model featuring Electric Handsfree sliding doors allowing the driver to open the doors remotely. The Elegance model features a Head-up Display that projects the driver’s speed, Speed Sign Recognition, Forward Collision Alert, and Navigation directions offering increased safety and ease of driving.
The new Zafira Life’s infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen intellilink infotainment system, the Zafira Life multimedia system offers connectivity via USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Zafira Edition is equipped with six speakers, while the Elegance is fitted with an upgraded sound system comprising 10 speakers.
Both Opel Zafira Life Edition and Elegance models come with a refined 2-litre turbodiesel engine with stop/start technology. Developing 110 kW and 370 Nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Opel Zafira Life Edition costs (March 2022) R749 900 and the Elegance R869 900.
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