Astra interior revealed

18th June 2009

How about some vroom with a view? The new Vauxhall Astra's interior has finally been revealed in its entirety, and as expected it's aiming for the top of the class with mix of upmarket fabrics and ambitious design.

At the very core of the design is the new centre console, arches up toward the windscreen. Controls and satellite navigation systems are grouped here, resulting in a mobile phone like arrangement, similar to the new Ford Fiesta.

Storage also plays a large part in the new car. The glovebox has been reworked – it comes with two removable compartments, penholders and coin slots. There’s also an option for a compartment under the passenger seat big enough for a pair of shoes.

The Astra will benefit from ambient lighting, too – door handle recesses, the gear lever surround and the centre console will be softly illuminated.

Set to go on sale before the end of the year, the new model will be based on troubled parent company General Motors’ Delta platform – which recently made its debut on the Chevrolet Cruze.

Longer by 100mm and wider too, with a 2.7m wheelbase (up 86mm), the new Astra will protect its occupants better in the event of a crash and will offer more space inside than the current car. It will also take a leap forward on quality, with more stylish version of the Insignia’s cabin.

There will be a host of new small fuel efficient engines too, including a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol turbo and a range of 1.3, 1.7 and 2.0 litre CDTi turbodiesels, with Ecoflex versions boasting CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km.

Click here to see a hot-lap inside the brand-new Astra with Fabrizio Giovanardi

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