29.10.2009 - Its refined and sophisticat­ed interior using premium materials has been inspired by the aerodynamic lines of the exterior. 

The sporty instrument panel, rounded off with chrome and finished with aluminium, combined with warm ambient lighting add to the distinguished look.  Lighting points frame the gearbox surround and pro­vide illumination from above the centre console and with­in the door handle recesses, depending on trim level.

The height of the im­proved seats can be raised by up to 65mm while their fore and aft range extends to 280mm, allowing the driver and all passengers to find their ideal seating posi­tion.  Ergonomic sports seats (standard on all Elite mod­els) have improved tilt ad­justment (driver’s seat only), four-way power lumbar sup­port, superior side support and supporting foam pads.

The new Astra has a vari­ety of simple, but effective storage solutions.  There is a hard-shelled sunglass case above the door opening on the driver’s side, coin slots and pen holders are mould­ed into the inside edge of the glove box lid, and the glove box itself has two re­movable compartments.  A second mini-glove box has been added just below the light switch.  Further stor­age innovation appears in the centre console, which can accommodate nine CD cases, as well as having a small storage area and an insert for two cup holders. There’s also the option of an under-seat drawer beneath the passenger seat which is big enough to hold a pair of shoes.  Rear passengers also benefit, with a 12-volt con­nection available for MP3 players, in addition to space for drinks bottles.

The new Astra’s boot is also extremely clever.  A re­cess in the side of the boot can accept either a first aid kit or warning triangle, while a patented FlexFloor offers further under-floor storage, and the floor itself can be fixed at a choice of different heights.

The powerful and sporty new Astra has a coupé look which features elegant de­tails and the reappearance of ‘the Blade, which make for an attractive vehicle sure to attract many admir­ing glances.  Slightly longer than its predecessor, it has more space for rear seat pas­sengers, and therefore in­creased comfort all round.  The vehicle incorporates all the usual safety features too, plus Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL+) with several illumination functions which change intensity to improve both day and night vision.

The new Astra is powered by downsized petrol engines and ultra-efficient diesels which all give a significant reduction in emissions and fuel consumption, making this car on average 13.3 per cent cleaner and more eco­nomical than its predecessor.  Six-speed manual gearbox­es, offering a wide spread of ratios and a fuel-saving top gear, are standard fit across the entire range, and an all-new, GM Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmis­sion is offered with all petrol engines except the naturally-aspirated 1.4/1.6-litre, which have five-speed gearboxes for optimum fuel economy.

For more information about the new Opel Astra, visit www.opel.es.



This article appears in the print edition 602 of Island Connections

Gallery: The new Opel Astra

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