This means that the owner can choose a DSP set-up appropriate to classical, pop or jazz, depending on what music they want to play, and be assured of exceptional sound quality. 

The first UK car to offer OE-fit DAB digital radio, there's no doubt that Astra is leading the way in infotainment technology. This offers further evidence of Vauxhall's intention to introduce useful and usable technology at an early stage to this mainstream market segment.

The extended functions of the new generation of infotainment systems available in new Vauxhall Astra include:

Digital Radio DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) Digital broadcasting technology means interference-free radio reception with CD quality, as well as additional, superimposed information (for example, the title and composer of a piece of music, or traffic warnings). DAB also means that radio station frequencies no longer have to be updated constantly within the entire transmission area. The top of the range CDC 40 has DAB reception as standard.

MP3 player MP3 is a process that permits the compressed storage of audio data without affecting the sound quality. Thanks to the high level of compression, a full ten hours of music instead of the usual 70 minutes can fit on to a CD-ROM. In the new Astra, an MP3 player is standard in Design, Elite, SXi and SRi.

Twin-Audio As an option in the new Vauxhall Astra, passengers in the rear seats can listen to a CD using their own controls, while the driver and front passenger listen to the radio, or vice versa. The volume of the rear earphones can be individually set by the rear seat passengers - this mutes the loudspeakers at the rear of the car.

Double tuner Thanks to the second tuner in the CD 70 and CDC 40 radios, there are no switchover delays when it automatically tunes to the same broadcast on another frequency.

Integral carphone Available with the CD50 and CDC 80 units, the integral carphone has voice control as standard, allowing the driver to concentrate fully on the road ahead. 

Satellite navigation Standard equipment for those choosing the CD 70 system, Vauxhall Astra's satellite navigation offers high quality and practicality. Mated to the optional colour screen, satellite navigation will keep you on the right track.



Vauxhall Astra 5 Door - Chassis

- New Astra builds on predecessor strengths
- Dynamic suspension systems linked for the first time in compact segment
- Suspension layout designed for easy tuning
- IDS Plus debut
- Sports switch for SRi
 
One of the main criteria when developing the new Vauxhall Astra was to create a car which is truly rewarding to drive. Vauxhall's engineers had a solid starting point in the shape of the fourth generation Astra - which won many plaudits for its ride and handling - and so used the outgoing model as the basis for the new, but with many detail changes under the skin. And Vauxhall is confident it has a winner on its hands when it comes to driving the new Vauxhall Astra.

The basic chassis architecture is similar to the outgoing model with conventional MacPherson struts and lateral control arms at the front, while the rear wheels are attached to a specifically adapted torsion beam axle with a double-walled, U-shaped profile. In addition, extensive work has been carried out to refine the chassis and to make it as adaptable as possible for easy tuning according to specific models in the range.

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