Opel Astra: 500,000 Orders for the ‘European Car of the Year 2016’

• Sought after: Innovative technologies go down well with customers
• Smart: Almost 60 percent order front camera, 55 percent Navi 900 IntelliLink
• Sophisticated: Dynamic and INNOVATION trims much in demand
• Successful: Opel Astra second in compact car sales in Europe and Germany

Dynamic duo: Opel Astra Sports Tourer and Opel Astra five-door have convinced more than 500,000 customers from across Europe.

Lightweight vehicle architecture, highly efficient propulsion technologies along with trendsetting digital connectivity and driver assistance systems – these qualities of the Opel Astra, introduced at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, have already convinced more than 500,000 customers across Europe. The perennial bestseller currently holds second place in the European compact class market, while also being second in Germany and on other important markets.

 

Since this year, the Astra has managed to claim top spot in its segment in the Netherlands. Its technological highlights include Opel OnStar, the personal connectivity and service assistant, and the IntelliLux LED Matrix light, which enable permanent and glare-free high beam. Numerous international awards such as the ‘Golden Steering Wheel’ and ‘European Car of the Year 2016’ cement the athletic eye-catchers credentials.

“We are delighted that our latest generation Astra has already been able to convince over half a million customers. The high demand for leading innovations and equipment features along with ultra-modern assistance systems shows that our philosophy of bring trendsetting technologies into the compact class and thus making them available to a broad audience is paying dividends. This is what we understand by ‘the future is everyone’s’,” said Managing Director Sales & Aftersales Peter Küspert.

Bestsellers: Opel Eye front camera, Navi 900 IntelliLink and AGR seats

The orders for the Opel Astra reflect the outstanding reputation of the high-tech solutions. Almost 60 percent of all customers decide on the Opel Eye front camera, which in combination with numerous driver assistance systems, makes driving the Astra not just more pleasant but also safer. The driver assistance systems included Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indication along with Forward Collision Alert with Autonomous Emergency Braking. The latter actively helps avoid or mitigate rear-end collisions. If the gap shrinks below a safe distance, it warns the driver with a loud audible alarm, a visual warning in the instrument cluster and an LED projection on the windscreen.

Furthermore, Autonomous Emergency Braking is initiated when a collision threatens. Lane Keep Assist provides the driver with an audible and visual warning if he should unintentionally leave the lane while Lane Departure Warning softly acts again unintentional veering. Elsewhere, Following Distance Indication continuously calculates the distance to moving vehicles on the road ahead. This value is then displayed to the driver in seconds. A stylized green car symbolizes the vehicle ahead. If the distance is insufficient, the Headway Alert function is automatically activated and the symbol turns amber.

The Opel Astra is also available with the latest generation optional radar and based Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which automatically maintains the pre-set distance to the vehicle ahead. ACC automatically adapts the speed and follows in accordance with the set safe distance; three distance settings (near – mid – far) are available. ACC behaves like conventional cruise control if there is no vehicle in the driving lane ahead, but it will additionally apply the brakes to maintain the set speed when driving downhill. Icons in the instrument cluster inform the driver about set speed, selected gap and if ACC has detected a vehicle ahead.

Around every third Astra customer chooses the LED tail lamps so that they are even easier to see in the dark. However, Opel Astra customer do not just look for safety. They are also want comfort and comprehensive infotainment. The second most popular equipment feature after the front camera package is Navi 900 IntelliLink. Around 55 percent of all Opel Astra models sold across Europe feature the ultra-modern infotainment system with eight-inch color touchscreen and integrated navigation. The maps cover all of Europe. Furthermore, the optional system is, depending on the device, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In order to enjoy an even more comfortable ride, around every fourth Opel Astra customer orders the AGR-certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) and multiple award-winning ergonomic seats for driver and front passenger. They have a massage function, ventilation and side bolster setting – a unique combination in the compact class.

Upscale trim levels popular

Elsewhere, both the higher trims available for the Opel Astra, ‘Dynamic’ and ‘Innovation’, have also proved to be extremely popular with customers. Since the European “Car of the Year 2016” was launched, over 60 percent of Astra buyers have opted for the higher trim choices, giving them access to a lot more standard equipment and features that they subsequently do not need to order as an option. For example, Opel’s personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar comes as standard in both of the aforementioned trim levels. The personal connectivity and service assistant offers functions such as Automatic Crash Response, Vehicle Diagnostics or Stolen Vehicle Assistance and a 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot^[1] for a stable internet connection. Up to seven devices can connect to the system simultaneously and use the high-speed mobile connection. Hotel bookings^[2] and finding a suitable parking lot^[3] are also no problem with OnStar. The driver can contact an Opel OnStar Advisor by pressing the blue button. The advisor will then look for a hotel in the desired price category and books a room or send the address of the closest parking possibility to the navigation system. Furthermore, the Dynamic and INNOVATION trims also include comfort features such as leather steering wheel, adjustable armrest or fog lamps.

^[1] OnStar Services require activation and account with OnStar Europe Ltd. Wi-Fi Hotspot Services require account with nominated network operator. Charges apply after expiry of applicable trial periods. All services subject to mobile network coverage and availability. Check [LOCAL SITE] for service limitations and charges.

^[2] Via Booking.com. E-Mail address and credit card required.

^[3] Via Parkopedia