CARS GLOBALMAG September 2016 | Page 48

FIT FOR FUN carplay. The functions can be controlled via the large, up to eight-inch touchscreen located high on the center stack, via remote control on the steering wheel (volume) or via voice control. PREMIUM TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE COMPACT CLASS The ground-breaking full-LED matrix light of the next generation enables driving with glarefree high beams and will be available in the compact class for the first time in the Astra. Consisting of 16 LED segments – eight on each side of the vehicle – the new LED matrix system automatically and constantly adapts the length and distribution of the light beam to every traffic situation. In the process, it works with the Opel Eye front camera. As soon as the vehicle exits urban areas, the high-beam lighting is automatically switched on – and it always remains on. At driving speeds of 80 km/h, drivers detect objects at the side of the road around 30 to 40 meters sooner than with conventional halogen or xenon low beam lighting. This gives them around 1.5 seconds more time to react. Dazzling other road users is also not a problem. When the camera detects light sources from oncoming or preceding traffic, individual LEDs in the relevant zone are deactivated, simply “cutting out” the area around the vehicles. The rest of the road and its surroundings remain brightly illuminated. With this degree of precision and adaptation, LED matrix light elevates lighting technology to the next level. Not only does the system illuminate the surroundings brighter than conventional lighting systems, it also has a considerably longer run- ning life than headlamps with halogen or xenon lamps. Another advantage is that mechanical movements are no longer necessary in the headlamp – the individual LED segments turn on or off according to the situation, which also contributes to durability. Apart from Opel OnStar and IntelliLux LED®, future Astra owners can look forward to a string of further safety, driver assistance and comfort systems – many of which are unrivalled in this segment. The Traffic Sign Assistant and the Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning along with Following Distance Indication and the Forward Collision Alert with Collision Imminent Braking not only make driving the new Astra more comfortable but also safer. Cruise control with speed limiter ensures that the speed is always within the legal boundaries. Advanced Park Assist increases comfort and can park the car automatically at the push of a button. The rear view camera is activated once reverse gear is selected. And Side Blind Spot Alert recognizes obstacles within a 3-meter radius on either side and behind the car that are hidden from the driver’s vision. The AGR (Campaign for Healthy Backs) tested and certified ergonomic seats are also outstanding. They continue Opel’s tradition in excellent, ergonomic seats and now come with additional comfort features. The new Opel Astra will offer 18-way adjustable seats for the driver. They have a massage function, ventilation and seat-width setting. And the rear passengers can also look forward to more comfort than before with the two heatable outer back seats available as an option.