An inside look at the Astra

Bigger is better as Opel heed their customers' wishes regarding the interior design of their latest model

Martin Brennan

Looking good on the inside: the interior design of the new Astra features a black-grained finish with chrome giving a sophisticated feeling

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Opel surveyed hundreds of potential customers to find out what their expectations were for the all important interior design of the new Astra. The result is much more storage space, improved seat adjustment and a three-way adjustable floor in the boot to give extra flexibility.

These are the first interior pictures of the next generation Opel Astra, which will be launched at Frankfurt Motor Show and will go on sale here early next year.

The design goes upmarket in a move towards premium quality for the Europe's newest compact sector model. A wraparound instrument panel gets a black grained finish with chrome to give a sophisticated feel which is helped by clever use of lighting around the gearbox surround, above the centre console and within the door handle recesses. Like its big brother Insignia, the Astra's main clocks and gauges are ringed with chrome with the speedometer and tachometer pods angled towards the driver.

The design of the front seats gives greatly improved levels of adjustment. Their height can be raised by up to 6mm, while their fore and aft range extends to 280mm allowing driver and passenger to find their ideal seating position. Ergonomic sports seats in the Elite model have improved tilt adjustment, four-way power lumbar support and improved side support.

Responding to a survey from 400 potential customers, Opel has greatly improved cabin storage. Door pockets are now able to accommodate 1.5-litre bottles, there is a place for an MP3 player or iPod in the centre console; a mini glove box on the driver's side and an optional pull-out drawer under the front passenger seat.

Engineers have also developed a three-way adjustable floor in the boot for extra flexibility. This enables owners to hide items under a false floor or when the floor is fitted at the lowest position to stash up to 370 litres of luggage.