Opel and TU Darmstadt Start Close Cooperation in Light Technology

• OpenLabs: Stellantis operates global research network with universities
• Strategic partnership: TU Darmstadt is first OpenLab in Germany
• Five main areas of development: Communication and assistance systems, adaptive headlamps, rear lights, interior lighting, light sources

Objective: Scientific insights for use in future generations of automotive lighting

Opel and the Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt) have begun joint research into new lighting technologies. Cooperation is part of the global Stellantis research network with respected universities. In currently 15 so-called “OpenLabs”, scientific knowledge is gained for use in technology systems of future vehicle generations. Strategic partnership with TU Darmstadt, the first Stellantis OpenLab in Germany, will enable a new era of lighting technologies. In addition, Stellantis is funding three doctoral students at the university’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, initially for the next four years.

“Advanced adaptive light systems do so much more than just illuminate the road according to the prevailing conditions,” said Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz. “They are linked to numerous assistance systems and make driving safer and more comfortable. Together with TU Darmstadt, we want to develop all-new lighting systems and bring them to the market. We are pleased to be working with the science and research experts from TU Darmstadt.”

Out of the lab and into the car

Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD: Pixel-Vizor

Pixel-Vizor front end of the Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD already demonstrates how safety in road traffic can be increased via innovative lighting systems. “We take a holistic view of the subject of light. Light has a great relevance in many areas of the automobile, which goes far beyond the headlamps," explained Philipp Röckl, Lead Innovation Engineer Exterior Lighting. Research in the OpenLab at TU Darmstadt therefore focusses on the further development of communication and driver assistance systems, adaptive headlamps systems, rear lights, interior lighting and light sources in general.

Funded research will include an intelligent, self-adapting headlamp and tail-lamp system that optimally adapts to the environment and traffic situation as well as other influencing factors. Initial tests with a prototype are already planned for the end of the year. “We want to revolutionise automotive lighting with this technology, and accompany the development through all stages, from research to prototypes and testing to the finished product,” said Professor Tran Quoc Khanh, Head of the Department of Adaptive Lighting Systems and Visual Processing at the TU Darmstadt.

Cooperation accelerates safety gains on the road

For both cooperation partners, the new Open Lab means a win-win situation on the way to future light generations: Stellantis can draw on the expertise of the renowned TU Darmstadt to transfer research findings into vehicle systems and the TU's doctoral students can use the automotive company's technical infrastructure to test their developments in the field.

"We have been working with the experts in Professor Khanh's field for many years. This cooperation in the field of lighting technology will be intensified and strengthened in the long term by the OpenLab," adds Philipp Röckl. Current research project is initially scheduled for four years. However, the aim is to establish a strategic cooperation for the next ten years and beyond.

“If everything goes as planned, the first vehicles with the lighting technologies developed with Stellantis will be seen on the roads by 2028”, said Professor Khanh. “They will have one of the most intelligent lighting technologies in the world.”

IntelliLux LED Pixel Light already in today’s Opel Insignia, Grandland and Astra

Making innovative lighting technologies affordable for a broad range of buyers is a tradition at Opel, as the all-new Astra is currently demonstrating. In 2015, previous generation (“European Car of the Year 2016”) brought ground-breaking IntelliLux LED Matrix light to the compact class. 

2015: First in class - Opel Astra with IntelliLux LED Matrix light

Now the next stage of development has begun: IntelliLux LED Pixel light familiar from the Opel flagships Insignia and new SUV Grandland is celebrating its Astra premiere. 

2021: High-resolution premium lighting - All-New Opel Astra with IntelliLux LED Pixel light 

With a total of 168 LED elements – 84 per headlamp – compact class newcomer ensures a precise and seamless light pattern at all times, adapted to the situation and without dazzling other road users. LEDs are integrated in ultra-slim headlights. Main headlamp “cuts out” oncoming vehicles within milliseconds. Remaining areas continue to be illuminated with full high beam, for optimum visibility and safety at all times.

All-New Opel Astra with IntelliLux LED Pixel light: Glare-free high beams

All-New Opel Astra Sports Tourer: Now Available from €23,565

• From launch: Choice of highly efficient plug-in hybrid and internal combustion engines
• Always standard: Assistance systems such as front collision warning with emergency braking, lane departure warning and drowsiness detection
• Truly electrifying: Opel Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid with Environmental Bonus from €29,722.50
• Segment leading: IntelliLux LED Pixel Light with 168 LED elements
• Classy estate: Bold and pure with Opel Vizor and two-tone paintwork, fully digital Pure Panel, AGR ergonomic seats and up to 1,634 litres boot volume
• Electrification offensive: Pure battery-electric Opel Astra Sports Tourer to follow in 2023

All-New Opel Astra Sports Tourer: Now Available from €23,565

Production of the new Opel Astra generation in Rüsselsheim has just started with the five-door model – and all-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer is also already available to order. With pure and bold styling, the new compact class estate features innovative technologies and the fully digital, intuitively operated Pure Panel cockpit. All this comes at attractive prices: customers can order the completely redesigned Opel Astra Sports Tourer starting at €23,565 (all prices RRP including VAT in Germany). Numerous state-of-the-art assistance systems such as front collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, drowsiness detection as well as cruise control with intelligent speed limiter are standard equipment in every version. A head-up display can be ordered as an option, so that the driver's focus can always remain on the road. In addition, there is plenty of space for luggage and equipment in the load compartment, which can hold up to 1,634 litres (with the seats folded down). Lively performance at the entry level is provided by the 1.2-litre, three-cylinder turbo, direct injection petrol engine (81 kW/110 hp) with six-speed manual gearbox (WLTP1 combined fuel consumption: 5.7-5.5 l/100 km, 129-125 g/km CO2).

Opel is consistently continuing its electric offensive with all-new Astra Sports Tourer. Newcomer is also the brand's first electrified estate – and can be ordered now as a powerful and highly efficient plug-in hybrid. Electric version of Opel Sports Tourer fun starts at just €36,900; after deducting the Environmental Bonus, the purchase price is only €29,722.50. With a system output of 133 kW/180 hp and a powerful 360 Newton metres of maximum torque, sporty and responsible driving fun are perfectly combined (WLTP 1 combined fuel consumption: 1.2-1.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 26-25 g/km). As a plug-in hybrid, new Opel Astra Sports Tourer can cover up to 60 kilometres (according to WLTP 2) purely electrically emissions-free.

“With the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer, we make a real statement in compact class estates. It features innovative, digital technologies such as the Pure Panel cockpit, which is otherwise only available in higher vehicle segments. In addition, we offer a typical Opel package with plenty of space for passengers and luggage. Sports Tourer comes as a plug-in hybrid right at the start of sales, to be followed by a purely battery-electric version in the not-too-distant future. And the Astra Sports Tourer also looks fantastic,” says Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz.

Like the Opel Astra-e five-door model, battery-electric version of the all-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer will complete the drive portfolio of the compact class bestseller in the course of 2023. Details will follow at a later date.

So beautiful, so practical: Emotional design meets everyday practicality

All-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer, like the five-door model, is a true design statement: bold and pure, it is the first Opel estate to feature the new Opel Vizor brand face. Under the Vizor are class-leading technologies such as the latest version of the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Pixel Light. Light system with a total of 168 LED elements comes directly from Opel's flagships Insignia and Grandland. All-new Opel Astra is also the first estate to be available with a stylish two-tone paint finish. Under the sleek silhouette stretching from the front to the characteristic rear with a vertical third brake light, there is plenty of space for all everyday needs.

With vital statistics of 4,642 x 1,860 x 1,480 millimetres (L x W x H) and a loading height of around 600 mm, the practical new Astra Sports Tourer further strengthens Opel’s leading reputation in the estate market sector and also displays the brand’s typical talent for efficient packaging. However, the overall length is 60 mm shorter than that of the previous model, thanks to the particularly short front overhang, and despite the considerably longer wheelbase of 2,732 mm (+70 mm) that is even 57 mm longer than that of the new Opel Astra hatchback.

Load volume for the combustion engine variants with the seats folded down is up to 1,634 litres. In addition, there are practical details such as the “Intelli-Space” loading floor, which can be adjusted to two heights and parked at a 45-degree angle. For even higher convenience, the retractable boot storage cover can be stowed when the moveable floor is in both the upper as well as the lower position. All- new Opel Astra Sports Tourer with IntelliSpace can also make life easier in the event of a flat tyre. The kits for tyre repair and first aid are stored in clever underfloor compartments that can be accessed from the boot or rear passenger seating area. This means that the kits can be reached without needing to fully unpack the boot. So not only luggage and equipment but also items such as a dog box can be comfortably accommodated. And even Opel Astra plug-in hybrid with lithium-ion batteries installed in underbody can still hold up to 1,553 litres.

Leap in time in interior: Fully digital Pure Panel cockpit

Interior of the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer has taken a big step forward too. Fully digital Pure Panel human-machine-interface (HMI) offers customers a pure, intuitive experience. Operation is via an extra-wide touchscreen, just like a smartphone. Important settings such as climate control can still be selected directly via just a few switches. There is no need for cables in the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer either, since the new generation of multimedia infotainment and connectivity systems can be connected to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via compatible smartphones, already available on the entry-level variant.

Outstanding seating comfort is typical of Opel. Developed in-house, the front seats of the new Astra Sports Tourer are certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. / Campaign for Healthier Backs (AGR). Ultra-ergonomic seats are best compact class has to offer, featuring a wide range of optional adjustments depending on trim level, from electro-pneumatic lumbar support to adjustable side bolsters. In Nappa leather, they even offer ventilation and massage for the driver and front passenger, and heating for the front and outer rear seats.

[1] Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures mentioned comply with the WLTP homologation (regulation EU 2017/948). From 1 September 2018, new vehicles are type-approved using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which is a new, more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The WLTP fully replaces the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which was the test procedure used previously. Due to more realistic test conditions, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions measured under the WLTP are in many cases higher compared to those measured under the NEDC. The fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures may vary depending on specific equipment, options and format of tires.

[2] Pure electric range according to WLTP: 59-60 km; electric range (EAER City) according to WLTP: 68-73 km. Range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). Actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

Feel-good Comfort as Standard: Opel Mokka-e in Winter Weather

• Heat pump included: Set cosy temperature in compact e-car via myOpel app
• More heat sources: Optional heated seats and heated steering wheel
• Perfect for the mountains: Dynamic, powerful and with energy recuperation

Opel Mokka-e

Head into snow-covered mountains with an electric car? Is that a good idea? Absolutely: compact Opel Mokka-e is dynamic, powerful and offers plenty of cosy comfort, even in frosty weather. It’s the right electric car for a trip into the snow of the Allgäu or the Alps. With the excitingly styled Opel Mokka-e, driver and passengers not only turn heads wherever they go, they are also always on the road emissions-free. While the snowstorm rages outside, it is always pleasantly warm inside for everyone. Because Opel Mokka-e has numerous heating systems on board.

(Pre)heating made easy: Via app and heat pump

It starts even before the journey: if you want to climb straight into a comfortably preheated car and drive off in winter, the battery-electric Opel Mokka-e is the right choice. Owners of the e‑car can use the myOpel app to programme pre-heating of interior from comfort of their couch before setting off. Within a few minutes, car cabin not only reaches a comfortable temperature, but the windows are also ice-free in frosty conditions.

Opel Mokka-e: myOpel app

At the same time, efficient energy management is necessary, especially in winter, to keep Opel Mokka-e’s energy consumption low and the range high. To do this, simply switch on the pre-temperature control while Opel e-car is connected to the external power supply via a household socket, a wallbox or a fast charger. This way, the energy required for heating comes from the external power supply and the full electric range of up to 338 kilometres (according to WLTP 1) is available at the start. Thanks to the heat pump fitted as standard, waste and lost heat generated can be used to heat the interior without having to switch on a conventional heating, which would compromise range.

On-the-road comfort and safety: Heating technologies in Opel Mokka-e

Opel Mokka-e: Heated comfort seats 

You can simply sit back and enjoy drive. Multi-adjustable, optionally heated comfort seats are a feel-good, health and safety feature all in one. Thanks to the optional seat heating for driver and front passenger, the winter jacket can be taken off even before the journey begins. This means that no thick clothing restricts freedom of movement and the seat belt can be fitted snugly to the body without any slack – this is the only way it can develop its full protective effect in the event of a collision. Safety is also enhanced by heated steering wheel, which warms the fingers in just a few seconds. This means the driver no longer needs to wear annoying gloves and always has everything firmly under control. And standard footwell heating in the rear ensures that passengers’ feet stay warm during the journey.

Opel Mokka-e: Heated steering wheel

Use the descent: Generate energy with braking recuperation system

In addition to the feel-good arguments offered by the Opel Mokka-e, there is also responsible driving pleasure with the compact electric model – especially in the mountains. Agility and road holding of the Opel Mokka-e are additional benefits in hilly terrain. Battery is installed in the underbody for a particularly low centre of gravity. So the car seems to corner as if on rails. The “Golden Steering Wheel 2021” 2 winner is powered by a 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor. While internal combustion engine models first have to get back up to speed out of tight hairpin bends, electric SUV has 260 Nm of torque at its disposal even from a standstill – guaranteeing driving fun on serpentine roads.

Opel Mokka-e is powered by 100 kW (136 hp) electric motor

Opel Mokka-e also distinguished by its talents for energy recuperation and deceleration. Electric motor becomes a generator and converts the kinetic energy of descent into electricity. If the driver shifts into drive mode B, recuperation and deceleration is increased. 50 kWh battery is recharged at zero cost – and energy saved for the next ascent.

With all these technologies, Opel Mokka-e drivers and passengers can set off into the snow-covered mountains in comfort, efficiently and emissions-free, with lots of driving fun before they hit the slopes.

[1] Range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

[2] “Golden Steering Wheel 2021” Opel Mokka-e (power consumption according to WLTP 16.2-15.8 kWh/100 km, CO2 emissions 0 g/km, range up to 338 km, efficiency class A+++): AUTO BILD edition 45/2021 and BILD AM SONNTAG edition 46/2021, category for “Best Car under €25,000” incl. environmental bonus.

Ramp up of New Opel Astra Production in Rüsselsheim

• All-New Astra is the cornerstone of Opel’s ongoing electrification strategy in 2022
• Newcomer makes clear statement with technologies it brings to the compact class

Hesse’s Prime Minister Volker Bouffier and Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz (on the right)

All-new Opel Astra rolls off the assembly line at the Rüsselsheim plant. Today, Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz welcomed Hesse’s Prime Minister Volker Bouffier, Hesse’s Economics Minister Tarek Al-Wazir and Rüsselsheim’s Lord Mayor Udo Bausch to the Rüsselsheim plant to witness the ramp up of production of the new Opel Astra. To date, around 500 new Opel Astra have already been produced. In the coming months, the new generation of the Opel Astra will be the cornerstone of the Rüsselsheim-based brand’s electrification offensive. All-new Astra five-door will arrive at customers in the spring – and will be available as a plug-in hybrid right from the start. In 2023, the purely battery-electric Astra-e will complete the range. 

Hesse’s Economics Minister Tarek Al-Wazir, Prime Minister Volker Bouffier, Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz and Rüsselsheim’s Lord Mayor Udo Bausch (from left)

“All-new Astra has been developed with love and dedication down to the smallest detail. It was also the first car I presented when I took over as Opel CEO and I obviously have a special connection with this compact class bestseller,” said Opel CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz. “Designed, engineered and now produced at our traditional headquarters in Rüsselsheim, this newcomer will provide us with additional momentum. I am already looking forward to seeing all-new Astra at dealerships and in the hands of our customers in spring.”

“Opel is at home here in Hesse. For many generations now, Opel has not only been driven here, the people also continue to produce and develop the brand. The headquarters in Rüsselsheim are an important employer in the entire region. So it is particularly gratifying that the new Astra is rolling off the assembly line here in Rüsselsheim. With this, the company reinforces its commitment to secure the site. Hesse is also doing its part to ensure that the carmaker has good framework conditions for production, development and research. Automotive industry is currently undergoing a structural transformation. State Government of Hesse will continue to support Opel in mastering this challenge. With today's start of production and the conversion to electric mobility planned in 2028, the company demonstrates: It has its sights firmly set on the future,” said Hesse’s Prime Minister Volker Bouffier and Economics Minister Tarek Al-Wazir.

“Increased competitiveness of the Rüsselsheim plant has ensured that this exciting model can be produced here,” said Ralph Wangemann, Managing Director Human Resources and Labour Director. “This investment will allow work in two shifts and the skills, dedication and commitment of the employees will play a major part in the future success of our all-new Astra.”

“Team handled the numerous pandemic-related restrictions excellently. We are extremely proud to be the new home of the Astra – a state-of-the-art compact class bestseller in outstanding quality,” said Plant Manager Michael Lewald.

All-new Opel Astra is a design statement for the brand. Dynamic as never before, with sheer, taut surfaces, detoxed of superfluous elements and with the new brand face – Opel Vizor. The newcomer also makes a clear statement with the technologies and assistance systems it brings to the compact class. Innovations that customers are otherwise only familiar with from vehicles in higher segments. One highlight of the extensive portfolio is the latest version of the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Pixel light. System comes directly from the Opel flagships Insignia and Grandland, and with 168 LED elements, is a leader in the compact and midsize class.

A leap in time has taken place in the interior of the new generation Astra. With the fully digital Pure Panel, analogue instruments are consigned to history. Instead, the new human-machine-interface (HMI) with fresh, modern graphics offers customers a pure, more intuitive experience. Operation is via an extra-wide touchscreen. In addition, important settings such as climate control can still be selected directly via just a few switches. Never before has an Opel been so intuitive and easy to operate as the new Astra.

Outstanding seating comfort in the new compact class model is also typical of Opel. The front seats, developed in-house, are AGR-certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) with exemplary ergonomics, especially on long journeys. Driver is supported by optional state-of-the-art assistance systems ranging from the head-up display to the 360-degree view called Intelli-Vision.

Opel continues to grow in Germany in the new year

• 6.1 percent market share in January: 9 percent more cars sold compared to 2021
• 16 months in a row: Opel consistently gaining market share in Germany
• Over 25 percent: High proportion of electric vehicles in the Opel Corsa and Opel Mokka series

Opel Corsa-e

Opel continues to grow in the important German home market in the new year. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), the manufacturer achieved a slightly increased market share of 6.1 percent in January with around 11,200 newly registered passenger cars - that is 9 percent more vehicles sold compared to January 2021. Opel thus has its market share compared to the comparable months in largest European automotive market increased 16 times in a row. Development of battery-electric passenger cars was also positive.

Opel Mokka-e

“After growing significantly last year, we will continue our trend in 2022. But it clearly shows that our models are extremely well received by customers,” says Opel Germany CEO Andreas Marx. “We are particularly pleased about the high proportion of battery-electric vehicles. This also shows that the future of mobility is electric.”

Head of Opel Germany Andreas Marx

Opel Corsa again made a significant contribution to the successful performance . Best-selling small car in Germany in 2020 and 2021 again performed excellently this January with over 4,000 new registrations. More than a quarter of all new registrations were already purely electric Opel Corsa-e . Opel Mokka-e was similarly successful - and here the battery-electric variant also accounts for over 25 percent of Opel Mokka registrations.

All-New Opel Astra Sports Tourer: Top Design Down to Smallest Detail

• Pure and bold: Sports estate with new expressive brand design
• Exclusive and typical Opel: First model in compact class with two-tone paint finish
• Digital and intuitive: Pure Panel powered by the Snapdragon® Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

All-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer is a designer piece and at the same time an all-rounder in everyday life. Next generation of the compact class bestseller is the first Opel estate to be electrified and the first with the unmistakable Opel Vizor brand face. In addition, the sports estate from Rüsselsheim will be optionally available in stylish two-tone paint. Like that of the five-door model soon to make its debut at dealerships, the Sports Tourer's interior is also a leap forward in every respect. For the first time, drivers will find the fully digital Pure Panel cockpit in front of them – the next generation of the fully connected and intuitively operable Human Machine Interface (HMI). Utilising the integrated Snapdragon® Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies, Pure Panel cockpit features enhanced graphics, multimedia, computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to provide a more integrated, contextually aware and constantly adaptive cockpit system that evolves to its passengers’ preferences.

“With its bold and pure design, inside and out, our new Opel Astra Sports Tourer makes a real statement: precise, high-quality and at the same time extremely practical. Every line, every detail has been meticulously designed. This turns our newcomer into a stylish sports estate that sparks emotions,” says Opel Vice President Design Mark Adams.

Bold and pure: Opel Vizor and two-tone paintwork sharpen the look

Like its five-door hatchback sibling, the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer has a solid, wide stance. The overall lines emphasise its sporty, stretched look. This starts with the characteristic new brand face. Specially developed for the latest generation of the compact class model, the Opel Vizor defines the front. As the central exterior design element, it follows the Opel Compass where the vertical and horizontal axes – the sharp crease in the hood and the wing shaped graphic of the daylight running lamps – intersect with the Opel Blitz emblem in the middle. Stretching across the front, making the new Astra look even wider, the Vizor also seamlessly integrates new technologies such as the optional ultra-slim IntelliLux LED headlamps and the front camera of the 360-degree Intelli-Vision system.

Viewed from the side, Opel Astra Sports Tourer looks especially dynamic. Strong wheel arch blisters give the estate a muscular yet pure and bold look, emphasising its firm grip on the road. The pronounced forward rake of the wide rear pillars accentuates the Sports Tourer’s ‘ready to pounce’ stance. At the rear, the Opel Compass is repeated by the centrally mounted Blitz, the vertically aligned brake lamp and the ultra-slim LED tail lamps featured on all Astra models.

Emotional everyday hero: Beautiful design can be this practical

Sparking emotions while offering superb practicality for customers – the new Astra Sports Tourer was designed to combine the best of both worlds. New-generation estate designers’ goal was to make it a real eye-catcher, while at the same time – like all its predecessors – fully exploit its proven strength, its suitability for everyday use.

Mission accomplished: with vital statistics of 4,642 x 1,860 x 1,480 millimetres (L x W x H) and a loading height of around 600 mm, the practical new Astra Sports Tourer further strengthens Opel’s leading reputation in the estate market sector and also displays the brand’s typical talent for efficient packaging. To keep the loading sill low, the number plate, for example, is not located in the bumper – unlike in the five-door model – but in the tailgate. This makes it easier to load the completely flat rear compartment with luggage or equipment. And despite the considerably longer wheelbase of 2,732 mm (+70 mm) that is even 57 mm longer than that of the new Astra hatchback and increases cabin comfort for passengers, all-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer is 60 mm shorter than the previous model, thanks to the particularly short front overhang.  

“Despite its compact dimensions, all-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer looks almost as long as an Opel Insignia – even though it is a good deal shorter. We achieve this visual impression by using flowing, elegant lines, combined with a distinct two-tone roof execution, which is available for the first time in the compact estate class,” says Mark Adams. Colour-contrast option for the roof and body is not only new for the Opel Astra Sports Tourer, this innovation in the compact-class estate segment also gives the newcomer an even more sleek and stretched look on the road.

Detox to the max: Pure Panel with full connectivity and intuitive operation

Pure and bold, reduced to the essentials look is also echoed in the interior. Fully digital, driver-orientated Pure Panel cockpit takes the customer into a completely new world. Human-machine-interface (HMI) offers customers an intuitive operating experience. This expansive cockpit (fully glazed depending on variant) features two 10‑inch displays, integrated – together with the driver’s side air vent – in a horizontal format. “Fully glazed cockpit surface characterises what I call 'Glass to Edge', where the glass extends to the edges of the Pure Panel. This creates an exceptionally modern and progressive cockpit look,” says Opel Vice President Design. And thanks to a shutter-like layer that prevents upward reflections in the windscreen, the design dispenses with a hood over the displays and touchscreens found in most other vehicles.

“Detox to the max” is the basic principle behind the cockpit design. Opel designers and engineers have taken great care to ensure that the driver receives all the necessary information and useful operating options, but is not burdened with superfluous data or functions. With the physical controls reduced to the minimum in the form of finely crafted keys, the Pure Panel achieves the optimum balance between digitisation and intuitive operation, detoxed of irritating visual stimuli and without the need for sub-menus. Never before has an Opel been so intuitive and easy to operate, ensuring total concentration on driving and road traffic.

Thanks to the Snapdragon® Cockpit Platform, the fully digital Pure Panel cockpit is designed to deliver highly intuitive AI experiences, supporting driver and passenger personalisation, in-car virtual assistance, natural voice control, language understanding, and adaptive human machine interfaces.

There is no need for cables in the new Astra Sports Tourer either, since the new generation of multimedia infotainment systems can be connected as standard on all model variants to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via compatible smartphones. Here, too, the maxim was to create a clear, fully functional high-tech design that does not appear cold and impersonal, but rather conveys a feeling of security.

Opel will soon open the order books for the new Astra Sports Tourer so that customers can configure their dream vehicle.