15
The touch of a button changes
the whole driving dynamics to taut sporting
excitement or relaxed long distance cruising.
Even greater ride comfort, sharper steering response and exceptional agility
have been refined, thanks to Astra’s rear axle design with its clever Watt’s link.
Providing greater lateral control, improving the car’s composure in corners,
it delivers similar performance to more complex multi-link systems. In addition,
all models feature Electronic Stability Programme-plus (ESP-plus) as standard.
The optional FlexRide adaptive damping adds even more sophistication to the
Astra driving dynamic.
system
responds instantly to data collected from chassis and drive
components. Continuous Damping Control, which adjusts the
damper settings in real time, four-channel Anti-lock Braking System
with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control and Electronic
Stability Programme (ESP) – they all communicate with each other continuously.
FlexRide simply combines all the elements for the chosen driving mode.
When you select Sport mode, Astra sharpens the speed-sensitive steering
response, throttle input and automatic transmission (when fitted), and stiffens
the dampers to ensure optimum road contact. On some models, the driver can
select which functions switch into Sport mode. Instrument lighting also changes
from white to red.
Select Tour mode and the system adjusts the damper settings to further enhance
Astra’s ride comfort, making it ideal for long distance motorway journeys.
If neither Sport nor Tour modes are activated, the FlexRide system automatically
defaults to Normal mode. The dampers permanently adapt to changing driving
situations, providing more comfort than a conventional chassis, but with improved
cornering behaviour and better steering response in changing traffic situations.
FlexRide is available as an extra-cost option on most models.
L_GMI_C010_OP_AstraMain_12Ed1_AW.indd 15 13/10/2011 18:22
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