New Astra
Opel Astra hatchback - Driving Dynamics

Instant adaptation – increased safety. More fun!

Are you feeling sporty or just want to cruise? The touch of a button changes the whole driving dynamics to taut sporting excitement or relaxed long-distance travelling with uncompromised safety and stability.

New chassis

Improved ride comfort, driving dynamics, and steering response, with reduced noise and vibrations are the main benefits gained from the Opel Astra chassis. In comparison with the previous Astra the front tread has been increased by 56 mm and the rear by 70 mm. This gives a wider footprint, which helps maximize the handling and stability improvements gained from the new suspension.


A further ride refinement is that the wheelbase has gained 71 mm in comparison to the previous model. An increase in torsional stiffness provides a solid platform for the suspension and contributes towards significant reduction in noise, vibrations, and harshness.

 

Watt’s link rear suspension

The unique rear suspension of the new Opel Astra is a compound crank axle with Watt’s linkage. While the principle of Watt’s linkage has been known for over 200 years, more recently it has been used mostly in race cars. In effect the principle is straightforward.


A steel crossmember just behind the wheel centre line carries the two struts of the linkage. These are pivoted in the middle and the ends attached to the lower wheel carriers. The result is that any lateral impact on one side is immediately compensated by an equal amount of force on the other side, increasing stability. The major benefit of this compact system effectively prevents any lateral movement of the axle, providing a smoother ride and improved handling.

FlexRide chassis

Imagine a car that continuously adapts its behaviour to road conditions and your driving style. Imagine that at the push of a button you can select a comfortable cruiser or a dynamic sports car. This is exactly what the new FlexRide system is all about.


The FlexRide electronic chassis control system reacts instantly to changing conditions and continuously adapts to your driving style. Continuous Damping Control adjusts the damper settings in real time. 4-channel ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Traction Control, and ESP®Plus all work together to provide fantastic driving dynamics.