Technical data

Driving dynamics
Sport or Tour? The touch of a button changes
the whole driving dynamics to taut sporting
excitement or relaxed long distance cruising.
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Even greater ride comfort, sharper steering response and exceptional agility were
serious targets for the new Astra chassis. And our success is partly due to the
new 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 new Astra driving dynamic.
The optional FlexRide (Adaptive Stability Technology) 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, new 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. The instrument lighting also changes from
white to red.
Select Tour mode and the system adjusts the damper settings to further enhance
new 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.
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