BY MARTON PETTENDY | 30th Aug 2001


ZAFIRA uses an electro-hydraulic power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system. The unit weighs approximately 1.5kg less than conventional hydraulic systems and is claimed to reduce fuel consumption by about 2-5 per cent through operation on an as-needed basis. An electronic motor driving the servo gear pump rotates at a speed of 2300rpm when Zafira is driving in a straight line when the wheel turns, electronic controls register the increased steering resistance and switch the electric motor to its working speed of 3300rpm to supply the required hydraulic pressure and flow. The turning circle is 10.5 metres and the three-spoke steering wheel contains magnesium that reduces weight by about 500g compared with a conventional design.
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