The Opel Astra K is the newest mid-size model by the Rüsselsheim based automotive manufacturer. The new Astra will officially debut at Frankfurt Motor Show this September and the Car features some innovations that will improve your security and enhance the entertainment on board a lot.
Opel OnStar inside the Opel Astra K
OnStar is now available for the newest Opel Astra K and soon for every new car as well. OnStar is not the LED lit “starlight” roof trim you already know from the Opel Adam, it’s a service that can help you while driving and in the case of an emergency.
Opel OnStar’s only visible feature in the car is a module comprising three buttons that are located close to the interior rearview mirror above the windscreen. The blue Service Button gives access to comfort services such as Vehicle Diagnostics and Destination Download: for instance, OnStar subscribers looking for a certain destination such as a restaurant or the closest gasoline station press it to contact an Opel OnStar advisor who will send the desired destination directly to the navigation system embedded in the vehicle.
At a push of the red SOS Button, Opel OnStar users can request assistance whenever they deem it necessary, for example, if they witness an accident. But OnStar is also there in case one cannot ask for help personally. For example, if an airbag deploys, Opel OnStar’s guardian angel is alerted automatically. An advisor will then contact the subscriber and call him in the vehicle via the OnStar module to determine whether help is required. If there is no response, the advisor will immediately send emergency responders to the exact location of the vehicle.
Apple CarPlay inside the Opel Astra K
To be honest, a long time I didn’t even know what Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are and does. Neither what it’s good for nor what’s the reason it’s so hyped right now among the automotive manufacturers.
Two new IntelliLink systems premiere in the new Opel Astra, R 4.0 IntelliLink and Navi 900 IntelliLink – which features an integrated navigation system. They seamlessly and easily integrate smartphone functionalities. R 4.0 IntelliLink is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration from the beginning and enables, for instance, navigation via Apple and Android apps such as Apple Maps and Google Maps. The Navi 900 IntelliLink system is already compatible with Apple CarPlay, while Android Auto compatibility is scheduled to arrive in the course of 2016.
Each system builds off of the features smartphone users rely on most. Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you would want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. That allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third-party apps. A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at Android.com/auto.
