Opel Astra aims to deliver high-end connectivity for the masses
The Astra will be Opel’s first all-new vehicle equipped with Onstar, the connectivity and remote diagnostics system of parent company General Motors. Introduced in North America already in 1996 and continuously further developed since then, Onstar represents a broad range of personal assistance services – something that upmarket competitors like BMW with ConnectedDrive and Daimler (Mercedes Connect Me) market as one of their sophisticated unique selling proposals. And now here comes Opel and spoils their game in bringing Onstar to the compact class. Actually, the Astra won’t mark Onstar’s Europe debut – the company will start offering it for its high-end model Insignia this summer, a spokesperson explained. Nevertheless, the Astra will be the first new vehicle equipped with the online service. Onstar even anticipates the eCall emergency services expected to become mandatory for new vehicles in Europe starting in March 2018.
In addition, the Astra will feature an LTE / Wi-Fi transponder that provides outside connectivity services to up to seven in-car terminal nodes such as smartphones, tablets or other computers. Not very long ago, such an internal hotspot was decorating the interior of the most expensive vehicles from Audi and BMW – now Opel makes it available to average customers.
Then there is the IntelliLink infotainment system. Until recently, the question whether a carmaker supports Android or iOS smartphones got people worked up. Opel’s simple answer is both. Its IntelliLink infotainment system connects to Android and iOS smartphones equally. Representing a superset of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it is the result of a collaboration with both camps, the spokesperson explained.
Another innovative feature of the new Astra is the LED matrix headlight that continuously and automatically adapts luminous range and light distribution according to the traffic situation as covered by eeNews Europe recently. Ass soon as the vehicle leaves urban areas, the headlight automatically switches to high beam which increases the luminous range; drivers thus have about 1.5 seconds more time to react. Like the connectivity systems, the Astra’ matrix headlight is a first to the compact class.
In addition to the connectivity solutions and the LED matrix headlight, the Astra offers a broad range of electronic systems as options. Examples are a road sign assistant that “reads” traffic signs and displays them in the dashboard display. Other features on the option list are a lane assistant with active steering correction, a new distance display that shows the distance to the vehicle in front, a front collision warning system with automatic emergency brake for speeds up to 60 kmph and a parking assistance that automatically steers the vehicle into a parking space. A rear-view camera and a blind-spot warning system round off the list.
The new Astra also comes with a range of all-new, highly efficient gasoline and diesel engines – likely another reason for Volkswagen to wrap up warmly.
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :
