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 Reviews and test drives The new Opel Astra Launched at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Opel Astra (Vauxhall in the UK) has been designed to revolutionise the compact class.  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
| more... La Laguna - 03.02.2012 - The owner of a pack of pit-bulls that attacked a man and his dog while they were walking in a La Laguna park is being sought by police. more... Canary Islands - 03.02.2012 - Although temperatures in some parts of the Canaries are noticeably lower, the islands are virtually the only part of the country to escape Spain's current cold snap. more... 03.02.2012 - The crew of a yacht which caught fire shortly after leaving Puerto Colón were rescued safely thanks to the intervention of another boat in the area, which answered its distress call. more... Santa Cruz - 02.02.2012 - The first Queen of this year's Carnival was chosen last night in a much trimmed-down ceremony in Santa Cruz's Exhibition Centre. more... Arico - 02.02.2012 - Police in Arico are investigating the circumstances of the horrific death of a Cuban farm labourer who was crushed by a lorry as he worked early yesterday. more...    Banish the blues They tell us that this is one of the most depressing times of the year more...   | Elektrische Zigarette Neue Geschmacksrichtungen als gefüllte Depots für die Elektrische Zigarette www.elektrische-zigarette.eu Holiday car Tenerife We have been in the rent a car business since 1976 in Tenerife. Our experience - your advantage. www.hermanns-cars.com Electronic Cigarette The Electronic Cigarette SLIM is recommended for smokers with few consume, occasional smokers and to go. www.liquid-shop.eu Real Estate Tenerife Tenerife Real Estate is your partner on Tenerife for penthouses, properties, fincas or business-pubs for the purchase and sale of villas, chalets, houses, appartements. www.teneriffa-immobilien.es ic media group |
