Additionally, bold, colour-contrasted decorative trim further divides the dashboard. To avoid reflections that could affect safety, the upper section is dark and, depending on the equipment and trim specification, the lower section is available in charcoal, cashmere or steel grey.

Other bold design elements in Vauxhall Astra cockpit include the instruments and the central monitor. The monochrome or colour screen - now up to 165 mm (6.5 inches) depending on the version chosen - is located high on the centre console, aiding readability. The instruments (tachometer, rev counter and fuel indicator), have a 3D design and are positioned free of glare under a hood. Furthermore, they are backlit and surrounded by matt chrome rings, underlining the sporty feel of the entire Vauxhall Astra interior.

This elegance was achieved because the design team, faithful to the design motto "form follows function", asked an important question even before the first drawings were made: which materials do we need in order to achieve optimum tolerances and an exemplary feel? Only when the answers had been found was the design for the Astra interior created.

The consequences of this new approach can be found everywhere in the interior. For example the surface texture of all plastic parts has a structure with tiny irregular elements, which means the graining in the new Vauxhall Astra looks similar everywhere and is a significant improvement over the previous model both visually and to the touch.

The high standard applied to the interior is not only visible in the small details. It can be seen and felt in the high-quality appearance and touch of all the materials and surfaces, as well as in the material for the seat upholstery and door trim.


Infotainment integration

Just as important in Vauxhall Astra segment is the flawless integration of the newly developed generation of infotainment systems in a user-friendly double-DIN format.

Tastefully, the colour of the units and the monitor screen has been specially coordinated with the interior to improve design cohesion.

On a practical note, the straightforward layout of the system is confidence-inspiring and highly user-friendly, while the buttons and the central turn-and-press controls have exact pressure points and a quality feel. (For more information on the infotainment systems see Comfort and infotainment.)


Effective keyless entry

High levels of comfort are also promised by the innovatively designed remote control car key for Vauxhall Astra's central locking system. From the autumn of 2004 on, this will be further improved by the Keyless entry, Keyless start transponder system, with which Vauxhall Astra recognises its owner and automatically unlocks the doors and boot. The car is then started by pressing a button in the cockpit.


Vauxhall Astra 5 Door Comfort and infotainment - Comfortable, Innovative And Usable Inside New Astra

- Improved ergonomic seating
- Automatic Lighting Control
- Electronic Climate Control
- First UK car to offer DAB digital radio
- CD player as standard, with MP3 CD player standard above Club
- Tyre pressure monitoring systems

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