The system detects a probable loss of pressure by identifying a drop in the tyres' circumference and a warning lamp is illuminated on the dashboard. The warning signal is triggered if the pressure loss reaches 30 per cent.

Vauxhall's Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is the world's first to integrate the DDS function. TPMS detects differences of up to 0.1 bar from the correct tyre pressure by using special sensors on each wheel. The current tyre pressures are then shown on the display in the cockpit. If the tyre pressures drop below a predetermined figure, the driver is warned.


Comfortable cabin ambience, no matter what the weather

Vauxhall Astra is fitted with a modern heating and ventilation system that ensures a comfortable interior temperature even in changing weather conditions.

Air conditioning is standard from Club and higher models in new Vauxhall Astra - and also in some Life models (although Life is also available without aircon). With modern technology minimising the fuel consumption disadvantage that was previously associated with air conditioning there's really no reason to suffer on uncomfortably hot days.

One step beyond is Electronic Climate Control. Standard on Elite and available as an option on other models, ECC offers the highest levels of climate comfort in the new Vauxhall Astra. Superbly advanced, ECC can react to keep the cabin environment constant before the climate in the car changes significantly, thanks to sensors and complex software. In addition, it is easy to operate thanks to the newly designed symbols and the clear menus on the large graphic information display.

ECC also includes a glove box cooler and is equipped with an activated charcoal filter and an air quality sensor. Thanks to chemical reactions on its surface, the air quality sensor recognises, among other things, fuel fumes in the air and automatically switches to recirculating air mode. The activated charcoal filter ensures that no hazardous fumes enter the Astra cabin.

In addition, there is especially good news for people suffering from allergies: a pollen and particle filter that prevents dirt, dust and pollen from entering the cabin is a standard item on all new Astras.


New infotainment system to premier in new Vauxhall Astra

Innovative and easy to use, the new infotainment operating system in the Astra is ergonomically designed to increase driver comfort and safety.

Important components are the large screen display - monochrome as standard, but with a colour screen as an option - and a central, easy-to-reach operating element in the middle of the radio panel, the turn/push button. Standard from Club upwards, the steering wheel-mounted audio controls include a button on the left side with an easy-grip operating element that functions in absolutely the same way. With the help of the turn/push button the driver selects the settings in the different screen menus from the communication, navigation, maintenance and climate control areas.

The new generation of infotainment systems is perfectly integrated into Vauxhall Astra interior. Designed specifically for the double- DIN panel format, which allows the direct integration of functions such as mobile telephone and CD changer, each infotainment system has an identical layout with four buttons arranged around a central operating knob. This standard appearance simplifies operation.

Audio quality has been much improved. In addition to excellent radio reception - helped by dynamic bandwidth control, which effectively suppresses interference from other stations - and 'stage effect' CD sound thanks to a central loudspeaker (all Astras have a CD player as standard), all body variants are acoustically measured in advance and the settings of the standard digital sound processor (DSP) set to correspond at the factory.

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